Acute vs Chronic Sinusitis: What’s the Difference?
Not all sinus problems are the same, and those differences shape how we treat them.
Acute sinusitis
Usually follows a cold or respiratory infection. Symptoms come on quickly and typically resolve within about four weeks, often with at-home care or a short course of medication.
Chronic sinusitis
Lasts 12 weeks or longer despite treatment, or keeps returning several times a year. It’s often driven by ongoing inflammation, allergies, nasal polyps, or a structural issue such as a deviated septum. Chronic sinusitis rarely clears on its own, so this is when an ENT evaluation matters most.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is most often triggered by an infection following a cold, or by ongoing inflammation tied to allergies. Other common contributors include:
- Nasal polyps and chronic nasal swelling.
- A deviated septum or other structural issue.
- Allergies and hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
- Facial trauma or a prior nasal fracture.
- Immune-system conditions and, rarely, tumors.
Because sinus symptoms have so many possible causes, getting to the root of the problem is the difference between short-term relief and a real fix. Learn more about what causes chronic sinus problems and the factors that keep inflammation from resolving.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Nasal congestion and stuffiness or thick discharge.
- Facial pressure, pain, or swelling around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
- Postnasal drip and sore throat.
- Reduced sense of smell and taste.
- Headache, fatigue, bad breath, and sometimes fever.
Left untreated, more severe cases can worsen asthma and, in rare instances, lead to infections that spread beyond the sinuses.
When Should You See an ENT for Sinus Problems?
It’s time to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist if you notice any of the following:
- Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, or that improve and then get worse
- Sinus infections that keep coming back, more than 2–3 a year
- Facial pain or congestion that over-the-counter medicine won’t relieve
- A high fever, or swelling/redness around the eyes (seek care promptly)
If any of these sound familiar, schedule an evaluation, so our ENT team can find out what’s driving your symptoms and stop the cycle.
How Sinusitis Is Diagnosed at Northeast Georgia ENT
Your ENT provider starts with a physical exam and a review of your history, then looks inside the nasal passages for inflammation, polyps, or structural concerns. Depending on what we find, we may use:
- Nasal endoscopy: A quick, in-office look inside the sinuses and nasal passages
- In-office low-radiation sinus CT scan: Detailed imaging without a separate hospital trip
- Allergy evaluation: To identify triggers when allergies are contributing to sinus inflammation
Pinpointing the cause is what lets us match you to the right treatment instead of treating the same symptoms over and over.
Sinusitis Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether your sinusitis is acute or chronic and what’s causing it. We start with the least invasive option that will work and step up only if symptoms persist.
Medical Management
Most acute cases, and many chronic ones, improve with medication aimed at reducing inflammation and improving drainage:
- Saline nasal sprays and rinses
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to calm inflammation
- Short-term decongestants for temporary relief
- Antibiotics when a bacterial infection is confirmed
- Antihistamines or allergy treatment when allergies are a trigger
In-Office & Minimally Invasive Procedures
When chronic sinusitis doesn’t respond to medication, balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office option that gently opens blocked sinus passages. Most patients return to normal activity quickly.
Sinus Surgery
For persistent or complex cases, endoscopic sinus surgery removes blockages and restores drainage. When a structural problem is involved, we may also recommend nasal surgery such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction.
Here’s what to expect after sinus surgery or septoplasty.
What to Expect at Your Sinus Evaluation
Wondering what to expect? A typical sinus evaluation includes:
- A review of your symptoms, history, and any medications you’ve already tried
- An exam of your nose and sinuses, which may include a quick nasal endoscopy
- Imaging or allergy testing if needed to confirm the cause
- A clear, personalized treatment plan, and answers to your questions before you leave
Most first visits take under an hour. Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging.
Questions about coverage? See our insurance & payment information.