Living With Chronic Sinusitis: Know The Causes, Symptoms & Remedies
You must have heard of sinusitis, which refers to inflammation of the sinus cavities (hollow spaces in the bones of the skull). As we breathe, the tiny, hair-like structures and soft mucosal tissue that make up the sinuses moisten and filter the air. If the opening from a sinus cavity becomes plugged, the mucus can't drain correctly, and pressure builds up, causing pain and swelling. The extra mucus also produces an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria or viruses.
Sinusitis typically takes seven to 10 days to fully manifest. Most of the time, it goes away on its own without any treatment. However, when this nasal airway inflammation or infection persists for more than 12 weeks at a time, it is referred to as chronic sinusitis. Facial pain, post-nasal drip, thick yellow or green mucus in the nose, and nasal congestion are among the common symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Let’s understand through this article the cause, symptoms, and management of chronic sinusitis.
Causes of Chronic Sinusitis
The most common causes of chronic sinusitis include the following:
- Infections like the common cold and flu are usually caused by viruses or bacteria. These can cause inflammation in the nasal tract, making it hard for mucus to drain.
- Dental infections can extend from an infected tooth to the maxillary sinus.
- Conditions that block airways like asthma, otitis media, or cystic fibrosis
- Deviated nasal septum
- Seasonal allergies
- Inhaling tobacco smoke and being near smoke
- Polyps (growth) in the nose
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
The most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include the following:
- Purulent drainage, a yellow or green-colored mucus from the nose
- Mucus dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
- Pain and swelling in the face around the nose, eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Dental pain (tenderness, pressure-like pain)
- Nasal congestion/ stuffy nose that may cause mouth breathing or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Hyposmia (a diminished sense of smell)
- Headache
- Ear pain
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Reduced sense of taste
- Cough
- Fatigue or exhaustion
Remedies of Chronic Sinusitis
Remedies for treating chronic sinusitis are a combination of the following:
- Drink plenty of warm fluids.
- Apply a hot compress to drain out the clogged mucus. Immerse a clean towel in hot water, squeeze out any excess, and apply it to the forehead and cheeks.
- Use nasal saline irrigation or a neti pot (nasal irrigation device).
- Use steam inhalation to clear mucus blockages.
- Use medication to treat allergies (antihistamines).
- Use decongestants to reduce stuffiness in the nose.
- Use nasal sprays containing steroids
Note: If the cause of chronic sinusitis is a nasal polyp or deformed nasal septum, then you may have to undergo surgery as advised by your healthcare provider.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner if:
- Recurring sinusitis or if the chronic sinusitis doesn’t improve with treatment.
- If symptoms persist for more than ten days.
- If symptoms interfere with daily life, like a bad headache, swelling or redness around the eyes, double vision, or stiff neck.
- Fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
We have understood that chronic sinusitis is the inflammation and blockage of the sinuses for more than 12 weeks. It can be caused by infection, inflammation, growths, or the shape of your nasal passages. Seek treatment from an ENT is crucial if you have had recurrent sinusitis or have chronic sinusitis for more than 12 weeks, which is not getting better. In addition to making breathing difficult, untreated sinusitis can permanently impair your vision or your sense of smell. Seek the assistance of a trained medical practitioner if you or your child is experiencing the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
If you have any questions regarding sinusitis or associated problems, you can check with our ENT specialists at Ask a doctor, 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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