Who is affected by sinusitis
Viral sinusitis is extremely common. The exact number of cases is very difficult to estimate because many cases are not reported to health professionals and because health professionals do not all define the illness the same way.
Sinusitis sometimes develops after a common cold. Children get about 6 to 8 colds a year. Adults get an average of 2 to 3 colds a year. Less than 2 out of 100 colds will develop into sinusitis.1
People develop sinusitis more often in the fall, winter, and spring.
Although not a serious health problem, sinusitis leads to a high number of doctor visits, missed school and work days, and antibiotic prescriptions, all of which result in high medical costs. Prompt and appropriate treatment of colds and early sinus infections may help avoid complications, long-term (chronic) problems, and the costs that come with them.
| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: May 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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