Sinusitis, acute and chronic, with medical and surgical treatment

Symptoms/possible causes: after getting the flu, which causes nasal blockage, then the passages from the nose to the sinuses can block, causing lack of air getting into the sinuses, and therefore an infection sets in the sinuses.  This usually results in an acute bacterial sinusitis.  This usually takes 10 - 14 days to find out, since the flu symptoms of discolored mucus coming out the nose and face pressure (the symptoms of sinusitis) are present with the flu.  If after 10 - 14 days and the symptoms of face pressure and discolored mucus are still there, antibiotics are given to treat the acute sinus infection.  If treatment is not helpful, a chronic sinus infection can set in and the symptoms of discolored mucus coming out of the nose and face pressure persist.

Possible course of treatment: When one gets the flu, one should come into the office for tamiflu within the first 24-36 hours of the onset of the flu, to limit the chances of getting an acute sinusitis.  If a sinus infection sets in, treatment with antibiotics are given for at least 4 - 6 weeks.  If there is no relief with this treatment, then a chronic sinus infection has started and then surgery is the only way to help.   A chronic infection of the sinuses may be due to a bacterial or a fungus infection.