Chronic Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment 1

What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is a inflammation and swelling of the sinuses that lasts for three months or longer despite getting treatment. The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones behind the cheeks, eyebrows, and jawbones. When the sinuses are inflamed, they produce a lot of mucus, making it difficult for the mucus to drain properly, causing breathing difficulties. It is also a cause of infections because bacteria, viruses and fungi can grow in the mucus.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

It can be difficult to tell when you have chronic sinusitis because many of the symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and coughing, can be caused by other conditions. However, common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

  • Pain and swelling in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes
  • Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips down the back of the throat
  • Headache, facial tenderness, and/or aching in the teeth
  • Reduced sense of smell and taste
  • Coughing

    • Causes of Chronic Sinusitis

    There are several causes of chronic sinusitis. It can develop from an untreated common cold, allergies, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or respiratory tract infections that have not healed completely. People with weakened immune systems, like people with HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, and other autoimmune disorders, also have an increased risk of sinusitis. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of developing sinusitis.

    Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis

    The goal of treating chronic sinusitis is to reduce inflammation, keep the nasal passages clear and alleviate the symptoms. The treatment of chronic sinusitis depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause, the treatment options include:

  • Saline nasal irrigation helps in clearing the nasal passages
  • Nasal corticosteroids sprays reduce inflammation
  • Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral or fungal infections that may cause sinusitis
  • Decongestants such as Sudafed® can help reduce swelling and ease breathing
  • Oral steroids are prescribed by a doctor to reduce inflammation in severe cases
  • Allergy shots or immunotherapy which is meant to desensitize the immune system to a specific allergen can also be administered
  • Surgery is done for chronic sinusitis that hasn’t responded to other treatments. The surgery enlarges the openings that drain the sinuses to ease sinus drainage and allow mucus to drain out more easily.

    • Preventing Chronic Sinusitis

    There are many ways to avoid getting chronic sinusitis. The following are a few tips to help you prevent sinusitis:

  • Wash your hands regularly to prevent infection
  • Get a flu vaccine every year to prevent getting the flu which can lead to sinusitis
  • Stop smoking or avoid being exposed to cigarette smoke or other environmental pollutants
  • Avoid allergens that provoke symptoms such as dust, pollen, or pet dander

    • Conclusion

    Chronic sinusitis is a common condition that lasts for three months or longer. It affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. However, treating the condition is relatively easy when it is diagnosed early. If you experience any of the above symptoms for more than three months, you should consult your doctor to obtain the right diagnosis and treatment. Curious to learn more about the topic? We have you covered! Find more insights in this helpful guide, check out the external source for more in-depth information and fresh perspectives.

    Complete your reading with the related posts we’ve compiled, aiding you in understanding more about the issue at hand:

    Find more details in this valuable research

    Examine this valuable research

    Read this informative study