Sinusitis 101: Acute vs. Chronic (and Why It Matters) in the Tampa Bay Area

Acute vs. chronic: the timeline

• Acute: ≤4 weeks, often viral/bacterial after a cold

• Chronic: ≥12 weeks of symptoms, often inflammatory with persistent swelling

Symptoms that overlap—and those that don’t

• Both: congestion, facial pressure, nasal drainage

• Chronic adds: smell loss, persistent blockage, more frequent flare-ups

Treatment paths

• Acute: saline rinses, intranasal steroids, time; antibiotics only when indicated

• Chronic: daily sprays/rinses, allergy control, and procedures (e.g., balloon sinuplasty) if medication fails

When to image or refer

Symptoms lasting ≥12 weeks, repeated infections, smell loss, or poor response to medicines—see us at one of our Tampa Bay locations or visit us online at VitaleENT.com

Tampa Bay Area Care

Vitale ENT — Wesley Chapel • Lutz • Zephyrhills
Request an appointment: (813) 406-4400 | VitaleENT.com