Chronic Sinusitis

If you’re suffering from a stuffy nose and are finding it difficult to breathe properly, you’re probably suffering from chronic sinusitis. In chronic sinusitis, your sinuses suffer from excessive inflammation and swelling. There are many causes and treatments for chronic sinusitis. If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis and want to learn about how you can treat it, you should definitely read this article further on. This way, you can also educate and help others around you who might be suffering from chronic sinusitis.

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis

Mentioned below are the reasons that contribute to the build-up of chronic sinusitis:

1.     Polypus

Polypus is a tear drop-like growth in the passage of your sinuses that contributes to the inflammation in the nose and nearby areas.

2.     Allergic Reactions

If you develop an allergic reaction to an irritant or contaminant, your nose develops a blockage, which leads to inflammation. Hence, allergies could also be a partial reason for chronic sinusitis.

3.     Deformed Nasal Septum

If the wall between your nose is crooked, there could be a high chance of blockage in your sinus system, making it harder for you to breathe, which causes further inflammation. This wall is known as the septum.

4.     Flu

Infections such as flu and fever most often cause more bacteria to grow in your nose, allowing further inflammation. The inflammation blocks the drainage of mucus, making room for more bacteria.

5.     Other Medical Conditions

Other medical conditions can also trigger chronic sinusitis. These conditions include immune system diseases, cystic fibrosis, and HIV.

Symptoms Related to Chronic Sinusitis

There are many different symptoms that you start to develop if you are experiencing chronic sinusitis. These symptoms include:

• Postnasal Drainage – experience huge drainage from the throat
• Excessive inflammation in the nasal tract
• Excessive and heavy discharge from your nose
• No sense of smell or taste due to blockage
• Difficulty in breathing
• Congestion
• Swelling and pain in facial features such as in the nose, eyes, and forehead
• Pain in upper teeth
• Earache
• Dried up and painful throat
• Fatigue
• Bad Breath

As you can see, you may experience many symptoms during chronic sinusitis. However, the most common symptoms are inflammation and breathing issues.

How to Get Chronic Sinusitis Treated

·     Nasal Steroids

Nasal steroids come in sprays. These sprays help to subside the inflammation in your nostrils. You can mix the steroid with a saline solution for a better effect, but only if your doctor recommends you to do it. Examples of available nasal sprays are mometasone, budesonide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone.

·     Oral or Injected Steroids

You can use these steroids if your sinusitis worsens, and inflammation persists. These are best for nasal polyps but you may experience some side effects, especially if you use it for a longer period of time.

·     Aspirin Desensitization

You receive this treatment only if you develop chronic sinusitis due to heavy aspirin intake. During this treatment, you take heavy doses of aspirin in order to increase your tolerance. This procedure takes place under medical supervision.

·     Nasal Cleanse

You can clean your nasal passages to reduce and cleanse drainage while relieving any allergies. You can use solutions or nasal sprays to carry out the nasal irrigation.

·     Immunotherapy

Opt for immunotherapy if your allergies are contributing to chronic sinusitis, and it keeps worsening. Immunotherapy is commonly known as allergy shots.

·     Antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic if other treatments are not working. This is especially if you have a bacterial infection.

·     Surgery

If your sinus doesn’t heal through medication or other treatments, you may have to go for endoscopic sinus surgery. In this surgery, the doctor removes the tissue or polyp that is blocking your nasal passages.

Conclusion

If you’re suffering from extreme chronic sinusitis and need professional help, you can seek medical assistance from New York’s best allergist, Dr. Boyan Hadjiev. To book an appointment, just visit DrSneeze.com or call us at 212-319-5282.