1. Identify Acute, Subacute and Chronic Sinusitis
Doctors usually classify the different sinus infections according to their duration and severity. If the symptoms of your sinus infection come on suddenly and worsen rapidly, your case may be acute. These cases generally last less than a month. However, the criteria used to define acute cases can vary from one doctor to another.
Subacute sinus infection present a less pronounced rate of change in the onset and severity of your symptoms, but they have a longer duration. If your sinus infection lasts longer than 3 weeks to a month but clears up in less than 3 months, your doctor will probably define it as subacute. If your sinus infection doesn't improve with time, features constant, predictable symptoms and must be controlled rather than cured, you probably have chronic sinusitis. This condition can last indefinitely, and your doctor will perform a range of tests to determine what's causing it. In some cases, surgery may be advised.
2. Infectious Versus Noninfectious Sinusitis
Your doctor may also define your sinusitis as infectious or noninfectious. In most cases, infectious sinusitis is viral in nature, though it may also have a bacterial cause. You can pass this sinus infection on to another person. Noninfectious cases are caused by external irritants and allergies. These infections are more likely to develop into chronic sinusitis.
3. Classify Infections by Location
Your doctor might describe your sinus infection by referring to the location where the causative agent rests within your sinus cavities. Infections may be concentrated in the frontal sinuses, which are in the forehead above the eyes; the maxillary sinuses, which are in the cheekbones; the ethmoid sinuses, which are at the bridge of the nose; or the sphenoid sinuses, which are between the eyebrows. There is no standard way to classify sinus infections, so ask your doctor if you have any questions about your particular case or symptoms.
