What is chronic sinusitis?
Sinuses are air-filled cavities within your cheek bones, around your eyes and behind your nose. Their main job is to warm, moisten and filter air in your nasal cavity. Sinusitis is inflammation of your sinuses. Often it is also called rhinosinusitis when it also involves your nasal passages.
When this inflammation is short-lived, it is typically from a virus that causes the common cold and then becomes a bacterial infection.
Chronic sinusitis is when this inflammation goes on for an extended period of time, typically lasting for 12 weeks or longer.
What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
- Facial pain or pressure
- Nasal drainage
- Congestion of sinuses and/or nose
- Postnasal drainage
- Ear fullness
- Headaches
- Tooth pain
- Fatigue
What causes chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis may be caused by factors such as a bacterial or fungal infection, environmental allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues. Many patients with recurring or chronic sinusitis have more than one factor that puts them at risk of inflammation or infection. So, an accurate diagnosis is essential.
How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?
To diagnose sinusitis, it is crucial to have a detailed history and perform a physical examination. You may also need tests such as allergy testing, sinus CT scans (which take exact images of the sinus cavities), a culture (sample of your nasal secretions), or endoscopy (a small scope that looks into the sinuses).
What is the treatment for chronic sinusitis?
Treatment for chronic sinusitis may include medications, nasal sprays, saline rinses, antibiotics, steroids, or injectable medications. If you need surgery to fix the structure of your nose, our allergists work closely with our otolaryngologists, or ear-nose-throat physicians (ENTs).
For any questions regarding chronic sinusitis, schedule an appointment online with our board-certified allergists or call 515.875.9450.