Chronic sinusitis is a common condition impacting the sinuses, which are responsible for forming mucus and helping to rid the nose of bacteria.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis and how you can find relief from this condition.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
Sinusitis refers to an infection or inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinus cavities. The condition is considered chronic when the infection or inflammation doesn’t fully go away after 12 weeks or longer. When sinusitis fully resolves before the 12-week mark, it’s considered acute sinusitis, which is most often caused by the common cold.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Nasal inflammation
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion causes trouble breathing through the nose
- Pain and swelling around the nose, cheeks, eyes, and/or forehead
- Difficulty smelling food and drinks
- Sinus headaches
- Ear pain
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Coughing, most often at night
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
Treating Chronic Sinusitis
Typical treatments for chronic sinusitis include corticosteroids, saline nasal sprays, allergy medications, and antibiotics. Treatments for this condition vary depending on its cause, which can range from allergies to respiratory tract infections to nasal polyps and more.
In addition to the non-invasive treatments listed above, the experienced team at ENT Associates provides the following treatments for chronic sinusitis:
- Balloon sinuplasty
This minimally-invasive, in-office procedure opens the sinus passages to alleviate pain and pressure caused by chronic sinusitis.
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
This outpatient procedure involves inserting a small telescope into the nose to view and remove obstructions, including polyps.
- Nasal endoscopy
Nasal endoscopy is an in-office procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light into the nostrils. The physician can then look at the nasal and sinus passages to determine the right course of treatment for your case of sinusitis.
If you’re suffering from symptoms of chronic sinusitis, schedule an appointment at ENT Associates to speak with one of our experienced physicians.
