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.
In the United States, about 24 million people (about 8% of the population) are thought to get sinusitis each year.1 Sinusitis occurs in people of all ages and affects males and females about equally.
Sinusitis sometimes develops after a common cold. In the U.S., 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.2
People develop sinusitis more often in the fall, winter, and spring. Sinusitis occurs more commonly in the midwest and southern regions of the United States.
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.
References
Citations
Slavin RG (2005). Allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and sinusitis. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., ACP Medicine, section 6, chap. 12. New York: WebMD.
Gwaltney JM (2005). Sinusitis. In GL Mandell et al., eds., Principles and Practices of Infectious Diseases, 6th ed., pp. 772–782. Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill and Livingstone.
Credits
| Author | Amy Fackler, MA |
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | August 22, 2006 |
Debby Golonka, MPH
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
