About nine-tenths of the worldwide adult population will suffer from sinusitis at one time or another. Although sinusitis is so widespread, very little is actually known about the condition, so this article will answer five of the most commonly asked questions about the ailment.

Before we get on to the facts, let’s dispel a few of the mistakes and myths commonly associated with this condition.

1. A blocked nose is always sinusitis.

This is a Myth. Although sinusitis is a very common ailment, there are a few other conditions that display similar symptoms that are perhaps even more common. For example, the symptoms of sinusitis – a blocked nose, facial pressure and headaches – are also common symptoms of colds and hay fever. The easiest way to tell if you are suffering from one of these maladies rather than sinusitis is by the length of time that you experience the symptoms; sinusitis tends to last for at least a week and usually longer, whilst a cold should disappear within a week. Hay fever meanwhile is dependent on allergens.

2. Sinusitis is contagious.

This is another common myth. Sinusitis is not contagious, but the kind of viral infection that usually leads to it is highly catching, so take normal health and hygiene precautions if you’re feeling unwell.

There are many more myths and mysteries concerning sinusitis. Take a look at this great resource page from RespiratoryReviews.com to learn more.

Five of your frequently asked questions about sinusitis

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

As described above, the symptoms of sinusitis are quite similar to those of colds and hay fever. However, take a look through the list below to see a full line up:

• Facial pressure

• Congestion and blocked nose

• Green or yellow discharge from the nose

• Loss of taste and smell

• Toothache and/or earache

• Bad breath

• Sore throat

• Headache

Several of these symptoms are location-specific and will only present if a particular sinus is affected. For example, you’re only likely to experience toothache if your maxillary sinuses (they’re the ones behind your cheekbones) have an infection. (Source: Bupa.co.uk)

Are there different kinds of sinusitis?

There are two kind of sinusitis – acute and chronic. Usually, an acute sinus infection is caused by a viral infection and typically clears up within ten days. Chronic sinusitis, by definition, either stays for at least three months or reoccurs several times over a year. Chronic sinusitis also has a wider range of possible causes, which can therefore make it much more difficult to treat. If you think you have chronic sinusitis, you should talk to your GP about your treatment options.

Can I treat sinusitis myself?

Both acute and chronic sinusitis symptoms can be treated with home remedies. Although these treatments, outlined below, will ease the discomfort associated with sinusitis, they won’t actually cure the condition.

• Steam inhalations – these will dilate the sinus openings. Prepare a bowl of hot water with a mentholated substance for best results, or you can take a hot shower or enjoy a trip to a spa!

• Stay well-hydrated – this will dilute the mucus and help it drain, reducing facial pressure.

• Nasal sprays or saline washes – these help the nasal passages drain mucus more effectively.

Should I go to the doctor about my sinusitis?

You should always visit your GP if you’re worried about your health. However, the two warning signs to look for are:

• Painful symptoms - sinusitis is usually just uncomfortable;

• If your symptoms persist for more than ten days – this might mean that you have chronic sinusitis. It could also mean that your sinusitis is caused by something other than the typical viral infection, in which case there might be other treatment options available to you.

Why do we have sinuses?

This is a very interesting question, mainly because there isn’t an answer! Sinuses are small pockets of air that sit behind the bones in the face, but scientists don’t know why we have them (source: American Rhinologic). There are several theories, and here are a few of the most popular:

• The sinuses help to lighten the weight of the skull

• The sinuses act like the ‘crumple zone’ on a car, helping to protect the brain in case of collision!

• We use the sinuses to change the resonance of our voices

• The sinuses filter and humidify the air in our skulls, behaving much like an air conditioner.