Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are the spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose usually filled with air. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Viral infections: Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu.

• Bacterial infections: Bacteria can cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that don’t go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis.

• Fungal infections: Sometimes, fungi (molds) can cause sinusitis, especially in people with weak immune systems.

• Allergies: Allergens can cause sinusitis in some people.

• Physical obstructions: A deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps may block the opening of the sinuses, causing chronic infection and inflammation.

• Environmental factors: Regularly being around cigarette smoke or other pollutants can irritate the lungs and inside the nose, raising the risk of getting chronic sinusitis.

• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis, can cause chronic sinusitis in children and teens.

• Dental infections: A dental infection can also cause sinusitis.

If you have symptoms of sinusitis, such as facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and a fever, you can manage it at home with a few easy tips, such as holding a warm, moist washcloth to your face a few times a day, drinking extra water and other fluids to thin out your mucus, breathing in the steam from a hot shower, and using a Neti pot or saline nose spray. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, its important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.