Acute Sinusitis is generally a sinus infection lasting less than 6 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is sinus infection or inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks.
There is significant overlap in the symptoms caused by nasal allergies, sinusitis and viral colds and other nasal conditions. To help sort out the cause of an individual patient’s symptoms, the ENT physician will take a complete history and perform a thorough examination which will typically include a nasal endoscopy (telescope assisted evaluation of the inside of the nose). Sometimes a culture can be performed of the mucus exiting the sinus cavities and the culture can help direct the therapies that will be used. Treatment for sinus infection typically includes use of oral antibiotics and sometimes steroids as well.