Sinusitis describes inflammation involving the nose and sinus spaces. Nasal blockage, discharge, facial pressure and reduced smell commonly follow a viral infection or allergy; symptoms do not automatically indicate bacterial infection or a need for antibiotics.
WHICH DOCTOR SHOULD I SEE?
See a ENT specialist for sinusitis
At Lotus Hospital in HSR Layout, sinusitis is assessed by the ENT team. For severe or sudden symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department or call 112.
ENT
Dr. Mahesh Meda
- Qualifications
- MBBS, DLO, DNB (ENT)
- Fee
- ₹700
- Languages
- English, Hindi
- Registration
- KMC 47866
Typical symptom patterns
Acute symptoms often occur with a cold and improve over time. Allergy may cause sneezing, itch and watery discharge. Persistent or repeatedly recurring symptoms can involve chronic inflammation, polyps, structural issues or dental disease.
One-sided symptoms, recurrent bleeding, severe pain, eye symptoms or neurological features require closer assessment.
- Nasal blockage
- Discharge
- Facial pressure
- Reduced smell
- Allergy symptoms
- Duration and recurrence
When to seek urgent care
Swelling around an eye, visual change, severe frontal headache, neck stiffness, confusion, marked illness or neurological symptoms needs urgent assessment because complications, although uncommon, can be serious.
- Eye swelling or visual change
- Severe headache
- Confusion or stiff neck
- Rapid deterioration
- Immunocompromised patient
- Severe one-sided swelling
Assessment and testing
History and nasal examination guide most diagnoses. Endoscopy or imaging is reserved for selected persistent, recurrent, one-sided or complicated cases. Routine imaging is not needed for an uncomplicated short episode.
The clinician also considers allergy, dental infection, medicine overuse and migraine or other causes of facial pain.
- Symptom duration
- Allergy and exposure history
- Nasal examination
- Dental context
- Endoscopy when indicated
- Imaging for selected cases
Treatment and prevention
Saline irrigation, appropriate nasal medicine, pain relief and allergy management may help selected patients. Antibiotics have a limited role and should follow clinical assessment.
Avoid prolonged decongestant-spray use because rebound blockage can occur. Smoke and irritant reduction may improve symptoms.
- Saline used safely
- Correct nasal-spray technique
- Allergy trigger management
- Antibiotic stewardship
- Avoid decongestant overuse
- Review persistent symptoms
Medical information is general and does not replace an individual consultation.
PATIENT QUESTIONS
Sinusitis: questions patients ask
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Sinusitis commonly causes a blocked or runny nose, thick nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure around the cheeks, eyes or forehead, a reduced sense of smell, post-nasal drip and sometimes headache or fever. Symptoms lasting more than twelve weeks suggest chronic sinusitis, which needs specialist assessment.
What causes sinusitis?
Most short-term sinusitis follows a viral cold. Other contributors include allergies, a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, dental infection and, less often, bacterial or fungal infection. Smoking and pollution can make symptoms worse. Identifying the cause helps guide the right treatment.
How is sinusitis treated?
Treatment often includes saline nasal rinses, steroid nasal sprays, managing allergies and, when a bacterial infection is likely, antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis may need longer medical treatment. If symptoms persist despite this, endoscopic sinus surgery may be considered after a CT scan and ENT assessment.
Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Usually not. Most acute sinusitis is viral and improves within about ten days without antibiotics. Antibiotics may be considered if symptoms are severe, last longer than ten days, or worsen after initially improving. Your doctor will advise based on your symptoms and examination.
When is sinusitis an emergency?
Seek emergency care immediately for swelling or redness around the eye, double vision or reduced vision, severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion or high fever with sinus symptoms. These can indicate a spreading infection. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Which doctor should I see for sinusitis at Lotus?
An ENT specialist can examine the nose, often with an endoscope, and plan treatment for recurrent or chronic sinusitis. Book online with an ENT doctor listed on the ENT page, send a WhatsApp message, or call the care team on +91 80505 98999. Bring any sinus CT scans.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Getting to Lotus Hospital, HSR Layout
Lotus Multi Speciality Hospital
2361, 24th Main Road, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Near Bangalore One, HSR Layout 1st Sector
Open 24 hours, 7 days · OPD timings vary by doctor
Lotus is on 24th Main Road in Sector 1, near Bangalore One. Autos and cabs can drop at the entrance on 24th Main.
Head into HSR Sector 1 from the Agara Lake side of the Outer Ring Road and continue to 24th Main Road.
Take the Sarjapur Road or 27th Main HSR approach towards Sector 1, then turn onto 24th Main Road.
Travel along the Outer Ring Road towards Agara, enter HSR Layout Sector 1 and continue to 24th Main Road.
Use the Outer Ring Road from Silk Board towards HSR Layout and turn into Sector 1.
Cross from Hosur Road into HSR Layout through the Sector 7 side and continue north to Sector 1.
Come towards Agara and the Outer Ring Road junction, then into HSR Layout Sector 1.
Take Hosur Road to Silk Board, then the Outer Ring Road into HSR Layout. Best for planned visits.
Travel time changes with traffic. Check live directions before you leave and allow time for registration.