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    respiratory

    Sinusitis (acute and chronic)

    Also known as: sinusitis, sinus infection, rhinosinusitis, blocked sinuses

    Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining, causing facial pressure, blocked nose and thick discharge. Most acute cases are viral and settle on their own. Chinese medicine treats it as Bí Yuān with Wind-Heat, Lung-Heat or Damp-Heat patterns.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Most acute sinusitis is viral and settles within 2–3 weeks without antibiotics.
    • •Saline nasal rinses and steam can ease congestion.
    • •Stay hydrated and rest during the acute phase.
    • •See a GP if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after improving, or keep recurring.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Eye swelling, vision changes or severe headache need same-day medical care, not acupuncture.[,]
    • •Avoid deep needling at ST2; shallow insertion only.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Acute: review within 1–2 weeks. Chronic: track symptom days and discharge over 4–6 weeks; refer for ENT review if more than 3 episodes a year or no response.

    Explore more diseases

    Achilles tendinopathy (adjunctive care)Acid reflux (GERD)Acne vulgarisAcne VulgarisAcute and Chronic DiarrhoeaAcute bronchitisAcute cystitisAcute gastritis

    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Sinusitis — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Sinusitis — NICE CKS
      NICE · 2023
    3. Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis — ASCIA
      ASCIA · 2024
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.