Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a medical condition in which the tissue lining in the paranasal sinuses – cavities surrounding nasal passages – become inflamed and swollen. If the condition lasts for more than eight weeks, despite treatments, it is called chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by a number of different factors including allergens, infections, and growths inside the sinuses. The condition is treatable, and is not life threatening, although it may lead to further complications which present a more severe health-threat, such as meningitis and aneurisms. When starting to experience the symptoms, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor.

Causes of sinusitis

There are a number of causes of chronic sinusitis:

• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory tract infections
• Deviations of the nasal septum

Tissue growths inside the sinuses, such as nasal polyps Inflammations that follow some allergies, such as hay fever, can be a cause of chronic sinusitis. A number of other things that block or obstruct nasal passages, such as deviations and polyps, can also cause chronic sinusitis. Infections caused by viruses,
bacteria and fungi are also among the possible causes of chronic sinusitis. A visit to the doctor for sinus infections is required to determine the exact cause and treat it.

Symptoms of sinusitis

• Thick discharge from the nose or down the throat, usually yellow or greenish in color
• Difficulty breathing through nose
• Swelling and tenderness of the area around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or nose.

Where the sinuses are located. With chronic sinusitis, the nasal passages can become blocked, which causes difficulties with breathing through the nose. The inflammation may cause tenderness and swelling, which can be felt in the area where the sinuses are located – the forehead, nose, cheeks and around the eyes.
Other symptoms, though not as common, can also be present:

• Pain in the ear, upper jaw, or teeth
• Nausea
• Cough and sore throat

When any of these symptoms is combined with a change in vision, stiff neck, shortness of breath, and a swollen forehead, immediate medical attention should be sought. These are the signs of a serious infection which may lead to severe complications.

Treatments

The treatment options for chronic sinusitis usually deal with the symptoms and the causes separately.
The symptoms are treated by:

• Nasal irrigation
• Corticosteroids
• Decongestants

Over-the-counter pain relievers Nasal irrigation is used to rinse the nasal passage. Corticosteroids are delivered by nasal sprays, unless in the more severe cases, when they are delivered orally or by injections. Decongestants are used to ease breathing through the nose, but they can only be used for a few days. Depending on the cause of chronic sinusitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics, immunotherapy, or even endoscopic surgery.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic sinusitis,  contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Allergy Doctor in NYC.