Sinusitis is caused by too much mucus, or a swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose, which can block the narrow channels. This can often be due to allergy (for example, hay fever) or irritation of the linings of the sinuses (for example, from chlorine in a swimming pool), or can occur during a cold. Bacteria (germs) then grow inside the sinuses, causing pain, headache and sometimes fever. Mucus from infected sinuses can be yellow or green.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Blocked nose
• Post-nasal drip (fluid from the sinuses and nose constantly drips down the back of the throat), which can lead to constant coughing, a sore throat and bad breath
• Feeling of pressure inside the face
• Facial pain, particularly when leaning forward
• Headache
• Aching teeth in the upper jaw
• Yellow or green-coloured mucus from the nose
• Swelling of the face
• Loss of the senses of smell and taste
• Persistent cough
• Generally feeling unwell

Treatment

Once the allergen has been correctly identified, sinusitis symptoms can be effectively managed and treated in a number of ways. Depending on the allergen, severity and frequency, there are many available treatment options from avoiding triggers, medication to desensitisation. Our doctors will discuss with you in more details.