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Related Information

•	Acute Bronchitis

•	Acute Sinusitis

•	Anaphylaxis

•	Asthma

•	Bronchoscopy

•	Candidiasis

•	Chronic Laryngitis

•	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

•	Chronic Sinusitis (in Adults)

•	Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis)

•	Congestive Heart Failure

•	Flu (Influenza)

•	Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

•	Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

•	Infectious Mononucleosis

•	Laryngitis

•	Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

•	Peritonsillar Abscess

•	Pleurisy and Pleural Effusion

•	Pneumonia

•	Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

•	Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

Coughs and Colds

You may have a bacterial infection in one of your sinuses ("acute sinusitis"). Antibiotic treatment and treatment with decongestants can be provided by your doctor if acute sinusitis is confirmed to be your diagnosis. You should arrange an evaluation with your doctor.

If you have had persisting symptoms that have not responded to treatment, your diagnosis may be a more long-lasting problem, chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis may be the result of allergy, an anatomic blockage in the nose (such as a nasal polyp or a deviated septum), or a reaction (inflammation or allergy) relating to a fungal infection.

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Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006
Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006

Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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•	Infectious Disease

•	Lung Diseases

Symptom Checker content copyright © 2006 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell. Use of content is subject to Terms & Conditions and Medical Disclaimer. More information on Harvard Medical School's publications and services is available at http://www.health.harvard.edu.

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