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Every bout of rhinosinusitis can be classified according to the duration of the inflammation and whether or not it is caused by an infection. The length of inflammation is divided into two categories:

• Acute rhinosinusitis. Involves fewer than three or four weeks of symptoms. A viral infection usually causes acute rhinosinusitis, which often begins suddenly after a bout with a common cold. However, allergies can also be the source of acute rhinosinusitis. Several episodes of acute rhinosinusitis in the span of a year are referred to as recurrent rhinosinusitis.
  
  Acute rhinosinusitis involves post-nasal drainage and discomfort in the cheeks, forehead and eyes. Nasal congestion, cough, headache, toothache and fever are also typical symptoms. Many cases disappear by themselves, but those involving bacterial infection must be treated with antibiotics.

• Chronic rhinosinusitis. Defined as two or more episodes per year of rhinosinusitis that requires antibiotic treatment for at least two years. Bouts of chronic rhinosinusitis typically last longer than three months and can be caused by bacterial infections (treated with antibiotics) or a chronic inflammatory disorder similar to bronchial asthma (treated with corticosteroids). This is the most common form of rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is often the result of untreated acute rhinosinusitis. Symptoms are similar to those of acute rhinosinusitis, except fever usually is not present. Nasal polyps (sinus tissue growths) also occur in a minority of cases and cause additional cavity blockage. Allergies – particularly allergic rhinitis or mold allergies – often play a major role in chronic rhinosinusitis by keeping the sinus membranes inflamed for extended periods of time.

Sometimes, structural problems in the nose are the root cause of chronic rhinosinusitis. Surgery may be needed to correct the problem in such situations.

Rhinosinusitis can result from anything that prevents air from getting into the sinuses and mucus from getting out. Classes of rhinosinusitis include:

• Infectious rhinosinusitis usually stems from a viral infection. Less frequently, it is the result of bacterial growth. Types of infectious rhinosinusitis include:
  
  
• • Viral rhinosinusitis. Usually occurs with an upper respiratory tract infection. Viruses attack the lining of the sinuses, which causes swelling of the nasal tissues.
    
    
  • Bacterial rhinosinusitis. Follows a viral infection when bacteria grow outside the sinuses. Swelling or narrowing of the eustachian tube due to inflammation prevents drainage from the middle ear, which also causes bacterial rhinosinusitis.
    
    
  • Fungal rhinosinusitis. Usually occurs in people with repressed immune systems, allergies to environmental fungi or those who have suffered injuries to the sinuses.
    
    
• Noninfectious rhinosinusitis is usually the result of allergies or another nonviral irritant. Types of noninfectious rhinosinusitis include:
  
  
• • Allergic rhinosinusitis. Pollens, animal dander or other allergens trigger an allergic reaction, causing the lining of the nose and sinuses to become inflamed.
    
    
  • Aspirin sensitivity rhinosinusitis. Occurs in some individuals who have severe asthmatic responses to aspirin and aspirin-like medicines, such as ibuprofen.
    
    
  • Cold air rhinosinusitis. Produces symptoms when an individual is exposed to cold air