What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic Sinusitis is a condition that happens when the lining of the nasal passages is inflamed. Sinusitis usually improves in two or three weeks. Long-term sinusitis can last for twelve or more weeks that does not respond to medical treatment.

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?

The usual causes are infections from bacteria, viruses, or allergies that are not controlled. The sinuses are lined with tiny hair called cilia that work to remove mucous. When infection or allergies occur, it causes swelling in the membranes, so the cilia aren’t effective. Bacteria or viruses in the mucus can start to congregate and multiply. Growths called polyps can also block sinus passages and prevent your sinuses from properly draining.

What Are Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis?

The most common symptoms are pain, pressure, and a feeling of fullness in the head, nose, cheeks, eyes, and ears. Sometimes you experience swelling and tenderness in the face. Or it may be difficult to breathe through your nose.

Other symptoms include:

Nausea
Fatigue
Pain in the jaw or teeth
Trouble smelling
Trouble tasting
Thick discharge, usually yellow or green, from the nose or down the back of the throat
Bad breath

Who treats sinusitis?

Your primary care physician treats chronic sinusitis, but they are not experts in treating this condition. An otolaryngologist or ENT will offer the best treatment. ENTs are specially trained to treat this medical problem with medical and surgical procedures.

How Is Chronic Sinusitis Treated?

First, the cause of the condition must be determined. This involves a full medical history and physical examination. Nasal endoscopy may be used to examine your sinuses. The Dr. may take nasal or sinus cultures. The ENT may also take CT or MRI imaging studies. Allergy tests may need to be performed. Once the cause is determined, the Dr. will perform the appropriate treatment.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatments:

Nasal Corticosteroids
Oral or injected corticosteroids
Decongestants
Allergy medications
Antibiotics
Immunotherapy
Humidifiers
Warm compresses
Saline nose drops
Nasal irrigation
Sinus Surgery

Home Remedies for Sinusitis Symptoms:

Rest
Stay hydrated
Warm Compresses
Rinse Nasal Passages
Sleep with head elevated
Steam – moisturize sinus cavities by draping a towel over your head as you breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot shower.

There are many minimal surgical procedures that can treat chronic sinusitis. If you have chronic sinusitis, call Colorado ENT at (719) 867-7800 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.