Sinus infection followed colds … Is that typical?

Q. I was recently diagnosed with sinusitis. I thought sinus infections usually followed colds, but apparently this is related to my allergies. Is that typical?

A. Colds do indeed set the stage for sinusitis—an inflammation of at least 1 of the 8 sinus cavities surrounding the nose and eyes. Even more likely is that sinusitis will strike a person with allergies or asthma. These conditions provoke inflammation of the nasal linings and the sinuses, trapping bacteria inside the sinuses and raising the risk for sinusitis. To reduce your risk for future episodes of sinusitis, talk with your doctor about ways to control your allergy symptoms.

You’re now probably familiar with at least some of the symptoms of sinusitis: a yellow-green nasal discharge, congestion, headache, toothache, facial pain or swelling, cough, fatigue, and occasional fever. If your symptoms last for fewer than 4 weeks, you’re considered to have acute sinusitis. Symptoms lasting 4 to 8 weeks constitute subacute sinusitis. And, in people whose symptoms last 8 weeks or longer, chronic sinusitis is the diagnosis. If you have at least 3 bouts of acute sinusitis a year, then your condition is recurrent sinusitis.

If your symptoms have lasted for 2 weeks or so, your doctor may have prescribed you antibiotics as well as a cortisone nasal spray, decongestant, or other medication to open up your sinus passages. Some people find additional relief in rinsing out their nose with warm salt water or inhaling moist, hot air.

Questions are selected that reflect the wide variety of health problems of general interest. We cannot, however, respond specifically to the personal health concerns of an individual.