This guide will help you to know what to expect as you work with your healthcare team to manage and treat sinusitis, sometimes called rhinosinusitis. If you have any questions about this information, talk with your healthcare team.

You will have your own unique journey with sinusitis. How you move through your journey, the number of visits with your healthcare team, the steps you will take, and the order you take them in will depend on your needs. You will make decisions in partnership with your healthcare team. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is swelling and inflammation in the nose and sinuses. It is sometimes called rhinosinusitis (“rhino” is a word that can refer to the nose).

Sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead and face. Your sinuses make mucus that drains out your nose. The mucus traps bacteria, allergens, and germs to keep your nose clean.

Viruses like the common cold can cause your sinuses to make too much mucus and become swollen. The swelling can cause pain your face and pressure around your nose and eyes. The swelling can also be in your nose and block mucus from draining properly. Mucus buildup in the sinuses can lead to an infection.

It is best to treat sinusitis symptoms early, before an infection starts.

Go to Sinusitis to learn more and watch a short video.

Clear, healthy sinuses. © 2023 Healthwise

Swollen sinuses with mucus buildup. © 2023 Healthwise

Whole-person health

The whole-person health approach will help you and your healthcare team better manage your health condition.

Whole-person health draws from the teachings of the medicine wheel. It means thinking about all parts of your health and wellness:

• physical
• financial and social
• emotional
• spiritual

These parts are all connected and impact each other. It’s important to be aware of your personal needs in each part and to share that information with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team needs to understand who you are and what matters to you.

Support and resources

• If you need a family doctor, visit Alberta Health Services: Find a doctor.
• If you need a translator, let your healthcare provider know.
• If you need health advice any time, day or night, call Health Link at 811.
• If you need to find programs and services in your community, call or text 211 or visit 211 Alberta.

To learn more about sinusitis, including prevention, treatment, and management, see Sinusitis.