Nose and sinus
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is swelling inside the air spaces around your nose. It can cause a blocked nose, thick mucus, facial pressure and a weaker sense of smell. Most short episodes improve without surgery.
ENT care in Bandra, MumbaiAbout Dr Adip Shetty
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Is it a cold or sinusitis?
A cold can leave the nose and sinuses swollen. Seek advice if symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, or improve and then worsen. Facial pain alone does not prove a sinus infection.
How sinusitis is diagnosed
The doctor asks how long symptoms have lasted and examines the nose. A thin camera may help see the sinus openings. Lasting symptoms need evidence of inflammation on examination or a scan. A CT scan is usually reserved for persistent problems or planning surgery.
Treatment before surgery
Salt-water rinses and a prescribed steroid nasal spray may help. For rinses, use sterile or distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled. Antibiotics are only useful in selected cases; they do not treat a viral cold.
When is surgery considered?
Sinus surgery may help when symptoms and confirmed sinus disease continue despite suitable treatment. It opens blocked areas so mucus can drain and medicines can reach the lining. Sprays or rinses may still be needed afterwards.
When to get urgent help
Swelling around an eye, blurred or double vision, a severe worsening headache, confusion or a stiff neck need urgent hospital assessment.
A note on your care
“When your nose never seems to clear, it can be hard to remember what comfortable breathing feels like. Let’s work out what is keeping the problem going.”
A little more clarity
Common questions
Does green mucus mean I need antibiotics?
No. Colour alone cannot tell whether an infection is bacterial. Duration, severity and examination findings matter.
Can sinusitis keep coming back?
Yes. Allergy, nasal polyps and ongoing inflammation can contribute. A review helps identify what needs longer-term treatment.
When does sinusitis become chronic?
Symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks raise that possibility. The diagnosis also needs evidence of inflammation on nasal examination or a scan.
Do I need a CT scan before my first visit?
Usually not. Start with an assessment. A scan is arranged when it would help confirm persistent disease or plan treatment.
Sources and review
Updated . General information to help you prepare for a consultation.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Adip Shetty on .