In the United States, approximately 11.6% of the adult population suffers from sinusitis at least once a year. What you might not realize, though, is that these cases of sinusitis are not all created equal. In other words, there are different types of sinusitis, each of which comes with its own characteristics and treatment.

Interested in learning more about sinusitis types and sinusitis treatment? Then read on because we’re going to cover them all in detail below.

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is the most common type of sinusitis. It generally comes about due to colds, allergies, and infections. It comes with mild symptoms overall, including slight congestion, swelling, and inflammation.

Some of the most noticeable symptoms of acute sinusitis include headaches, runny nose, and bad breath. This form of sinusitis tends to come and go throughout the year, lasting anywhere from a few days to 4 weeks at a time.

Fortunately, it causes relatively little discomfort and can easily be managed with over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies. An all-natural nasal wash can be effective as well.

Recurrent Sinusitis

Recurrent sinusitis is any form of sinusitis that redevelops at least 4 times in a 12-month span. It recurs, in most cases, due to abnormalities in the structure of the nasal cavity.

Now, how can you combat recurrent sinusitis? In many cases, antibiotics are required. However, you can also work to avoid it by avoiding upper respiratory infections, cigarette smoke, and other contributing factors.

Subacute

Subacute sinusitis starts as acute sinusitis but then stretches on for 3 to 8 additional weeks, sticking around for 8 to 12 weeks in total. Throughout its duration, its severity increases and decreases. At some points, it can become extremely painful.

The most common symptoms of subacute sinusitis include an extremely runny nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, a burning feeling in the nose, and pain throughout the face and head.

Treatments for subacute sinusitis vary. However, in most cases, antibiotics are used, as they help to fight off the infection faster overall.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is the most severe form of sinusitis. It lasts for 8 weeks or longer in its active state, then reduces to an inactive state, but then comes back again and again in repetition over the span of months and even years.

This form of sinusitis is, in many cases, agony to live with. Unfortunately, it’s not always treatable with medications. Even antibiotics come up short in many cases.

Fortunately, there is treatment available for the most severe of cases. It involves surgery, however.

There Are 4 Types of Sinusitis

Overall, there are 4 types of sinusitis. Whereas acute sinusitis is the mildest of the bunch, chronic sinusitis is the most severe. While some cases of sinusitis can be treated with over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies, other cases require the help of a doctor.

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