Chronic Sinusitis

Causes

• Nasal polyps - These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
• Deviated nasal septum - A crooked septum (the wall between the nostrils) may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse.
• Respiratory tract infections - Infections in your respiratory tract, most commonly colds, can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage.
• Allergic reactions - Allergies such as hay fever can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous membranes.
• Immune system issues - Conditions that affect your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cystic fibrosis, may increase your susceptibility to sinusitis.
• Fungal infections - Allergic reactions to fungi can cause persistent sinusitis.
• Complications from medical conditions - Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can create inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses.
• Environmental factors - Air pollution, cigarette smoke, and other irritants can cause chronic inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses.

Signs and Symptoms

• Nasal inflammation - Swollen, inflamed nasal passages that cause difficulty breathing through your nose.
• Thick, discolored discharge from the nose - Yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
• Facial pain or pressure - Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste - Difficulty perceiving odors and flavors due to nasal blockage.
• Chronic cough - Often worse at night due to postnasal drip.
• Sore throat - From postnasal drip irritating the throat.
• Bad breath - Caused by infected mucus in the sinuses and throat.
• Fatigue - Persistent inflammation can lead to general tiredness and reduced energy levels.
• Ear pain or pressure - From blocked eustachian tubes connecting the sinuses to the ears.
• Headaches - Often described as a deep, dull ache around the eyes, forehead, or across the cheeks.

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

Preventive Care

• Avoid upper respiratory infections by washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who have colds.
• Manage allergies by avoiding allergens and taking appropriate medications.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and pollutants, which can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home, especially during winter or in dry climates.
• Keep your sinuses moist with regular use of saline sprays or washes.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin and flowing.
• Apply warm, moist heat to your face several times a day to ease sinus pressure and pain.
• Maintain good dental hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria from the mouth to the sinuses.
• Be aware of air quality and wear a mask outdoors if necessary, especially during high pollution days or when pollen counts are high.
• Manage stress, as it can contribute to inflammation and worsen sinusitis symptoms.

Surgical Options