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What is Frontal Sinusitis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Frontal sinusitis is an inflammation of the frontal sinuses, cavities located above the nose and just behind the eyes. In people with frontal sinusitis, these sinus cavities become inflamed, usually as a result of the presence of microorganisms or irritants, and the patient experiences pain, an unpleasant discharge, and headaches as a result of the inflammation and blockage. There are a number of treatments available to relieve sinusitis.

Patients develop this type of sinusitis when the drainage from the sinuses is impaired, most commonly as a result of overproduction of mucus. Instead of freely draining, the sinus starts to become impacted with material, making it an ideal incubator for some viruses and bacteria which like warm, moist environments. It is also possible for irritants like pollen, pet dander, and smoke to irritate the sinus, triggering overproduction of mucus and leading to a blockage of the ducts which normally drain the sinus.

Pet dander may lead to the development of frontal sinusitis.
Pet dander may lead to the development of frontal sinusitis.

Frontal sinusitis is characterized by pain and a feeling of pressure in the forehead, coughing, headache, and thick discharges from the nose. Patients may also feel feverish and tired. In very serious cases, patients may develop an altered level of consciousness.

Often a general practitioner can provide treatment for frontal sinusitis. In other cases, a patient can visit an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. For mild cases, treatment usually includes analgesics to manage pain, decongestants to break up the mucus and allow the sinus to drain, and medications to kill the bacteria or viruses living inside the sinus. Home care techniques like applying warm compresses and standing in a steamy bathroom can also help loosen up the mucus and drain the sinus to relieve the pressure and pain.

Smoke can irritate the sinuses.
Smoke can irritate the sinuses.

If a patient has severe frontal sinusitis or experiences recurring episodes, it may be necessary to consider surgical treatments. In surgery, the sinuses and the ducts are reshaped to promote more even drainage. Sometimes recurrent sinusitis is also the result of an anomaly in the structure of the sinus cavity or skull and correcting this can relieve the sinus problems. Doctors will not recommend surgery unless it is deemed the best option for the patient, and the patient will be given ample opportunities to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the surgery. They may also be encouraged to seek out second opinions to confirm that surgery is a good choice and to learn more about the procedure.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1001674

Is it possible to die from frontal sinusitis?

bear78

Does anyone have an isolated frontal sinusitis? Are these very rare?

stoneMason

@ysmina-- I had the same exact issue, sinus infections in the frontal sinuses and I did have my sinuses drained during frontal sinus surgery.

Your doctor will know best whether your sinuses need to be drained. Have you had a CT scan or an MRI?

You can definitely ask your doctor about surgery but if it's necessary, I'm sure he will tell you. It's not a difficult procedure, but it does require general anesthesia. Recovery takes from just a few days up to a week.

ysmina

Do doctors consider sinus surgery as a last option?

I've had recurrent frontal sinusitis for more than a year. Each time the infection flares up, my doctor puts me on antibiotics, nasal sprays and sometimes steroid medications. Antibiotics seem to clear it up for several months, but it comes right back after that.

My doctor has never mentioned the possibility of surgery. But I'm getting tired of the pain, headaches and fatigue. I just want to get better.

Should I bring up sinusitis surgery with my doctor? Is surgery difficult? How long does recovery take?

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    • Pet dander may lead to the development of frontal sinusitis.
      By: Ilike
      Pet dander may lead to the development of frontal sinusitis.
    • Smoke can irritate the sinuses.
      By: Alex Tihonov
      Smoke can irritate the sinuses.
    • Pollen can irritate the sinuses.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Pollen can irritate the sinuses.
    • Frontal sinusitis is characterized by thick discharges from the nose.
      By: Kenneth Man
      Frontal sinusitis is characterized by thick discharges from the nose.
    • Steam inhalation may help relieve frontal sinusitis discomfort.
      By: detailblick
      Steam inhalation may help relieve frontal sinusitis discomfort.
    • People suffering from frontal sinusitis may experience fatigue.
      By: umberto leporini
      People suffering from frontal sinusitis may experience fatigue.
    • Medication may be required to treat frontal sinusitis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Medication may be required to treat frontal sinusitis.
    • A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.
      By: turhanerbas
      A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.
    • People with frontal sinusitis normally experience pain and pressure just behind their eyes.
      By: Innovated Captures
      People with frontal sinusitis normally experience pain and pressure just behind their eyes.