Sinusitis

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. It is usually caused by viruses (common cold), bacteria, or allergies, leading to blocked drainage, facial pain, pressure, and thick mucus. Sinusitis develops when the lining of the nasal cavities becomes inflamed. The mucosal lining swells, the drainage openings narrow, and mucus begins to collect. When that fluid sits there for too long, viruses or bacteria may start multiplying. Doctors at our Department of ENT offer the best sinusitis treatment in Navi Mumbai.

The symptoms can vary, but there are patterns we often see in practice. Facial pressure is the complaint most patients recognize first. A person may point to the bridge of the nose, the upper jaw teeth, or just above the eyebrows. Tenderness over the cheekbones is quite common when the maxillary sinus is involved.

Other symptoms frequently include:

  • Thick nasal discharge that appears yellowish or green
  • Persistent nasal congestion
  • Post-nasal drip causing throat irritation
  • Reduced sense of smell or taste
  • Headache, particularly in the forehead or around the eyes
  • A cough that worsens at night
  • Fever in some cases
  • Bad breath due to infected mucus

In many cases, the story begins with a simple viral cold. The nasal lining swells, drainage slows down, and the sinuses become congested. Most viral infections improve within a week. Occasionally, however, bacteria take advantage of the blocked sinus and cause a secondary infection.

Allergies are another frequent trigger in cities where dust, pollen, and pollution levels fluctuate. Repeated allergic inflammation can narrow the sinus openings over time.

Structural issues also play a role which include a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or small bony projections inside the nose, which may interfere with airflow and mucus drainage.

Smoking, dehydration, and exposure to irritants sometimes worsen the condition because they affect the tiny hair-like structures called cilia that normally sweep mucus outward.

Doctors generally describe sinusitis in stages based on duration.

  • Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than four weeks and often follows a cold or allergy episode.
  • Subacute sinusitis may persist for 4–12 weeks.
  • Chronic sinusitis continues for more than three months and sometimes occurs along with nasal polyps.
  • A smaller group of patients experiences recurrent sinusitis, meaning several episodes during the same year.

Chronic cases tend to be more frustrating for patients because symptoms fluctuate rather than disappear completely.

Diagnosis usually begins with a careful clinical examination. In OPD, we inspect the nasal cavity using a light source and sometimes a thin flexible endoscope. The endoscope allows us to visualize the middle meatus, a key drainage area where several sinuses open. If symptoms are persistent or complicated, a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses may be advised. This scan gives a detailed picture of sinus cavities, mucosal thickening, or structural abnormalities that might be blocking drainage. Visit UMC Hospitals and consult the best sinusitis treatment doctors in Navi Mumbai.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Many viral infections settle with supportive care, adequate fluids, steam inhalation for about 10–15 minutes, and saline nasal irrigation.

When bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. Nasal steroid sprays are commonly used to reduce mucosal swelling and improve sinus drainage. In more severe chronic cases, short courses of oral steroids are sometimes considered under supervision. A small proportion of patients require procedures such as balloon sinuplasty.

At UMC Hospitals, sinus care is usually managed through a collaborative approach between ENT specialists and imaging teams. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy, high-resolution CT scanning of the paranasal sinuses, and minimally invasive sinus procedures are available when needed. We help patients understand why their symptoms keep recurring and guide them towards long-term control. Consult the best sinus doctors in Navi Mumbai for the right approach and care to experience significant relief and fewer sinus flare-ups over time.