20 Questions About Your Sinuses

You may have sinusitis if you suffer from:

• symptoms of upper respiratory infection lasting ten days or more.
• facial pressure or pain.
• nasal discharge that is yellow or green.
• post-nasal drip.
• cough.

At-home treatments for sinusitis include:

• saline nasal sprays that moisturize the nasal cavity, reduce dryness, and help clear thick or crusty mucus.
• humidification (moisturizing the air) of living spaces in dry climates will aid the movement of mucus through the sinuses.

A physician visit for your sinus pain will:

• determine if you have an infection requiring an appropriate antibiotic.
• discover if you require intensive medical treatment for a condition such as nasal obstructions, necessitating sinus surgery.

© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF