Chronic Sinusitis

The sinuses are air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and forehead. Sinusitis is an inflammation of these spaces that can result in congestion, pain, discomfort, and impairment of taste and smell. If you have experienced sinusitis symptoms for more than 12 weeks, you may suffer from chronic sinusitis, which can cause serious health complications if left untreated.

Chronic sinusitis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms can be debilitating, and the condition can lead to other serious health problems. Although there is no cure, treatments available can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. You must see a provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you think you may have chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms

Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the sinuses become inflamed. This can happen due to an infection, allergies, or other irritants. Symptoms of sinusitis include headaches, facial pain, congestion, and mucus drainage. If you experience these symptoms for more than a week, you may have chronic sinusitis.

Diagnosis

Chronic sinusitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the sinuses. This can lead to symptoms such as a blocked nose, mucus production, and pain. A diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and medical history. Imaging tests may also be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

If you’re one of the 37 million Americans who suffer from chronic sinusitis, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Treatment options have come a long way in recent years, and many effective ways exist to manage this condition. Surgery is rarely necessary to treat chronic sinusitis; your provider may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling.

Over-the-counter decongestants, saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, and immunotherapy may also help manage symptoms. A systematic review found that antibiotic treatment effectively reduced acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis by 50%. However, it should not be used as a preventive measure because it has increased antibiotic resistance. Patients with severe allergies may benefit from allergy shots.

In contrast, those with severe asthma might require steroids, oral steroids, and other therapies like an inhaler if they don’t respond to other treatments. In addition, some patients will experience chronic headaches due to sinusitis. Treatments such as pain relievers and sleeping pills might help alleviate these headaches, but they usually do not last long enough to treat them fully.

How Can We Help?

If you’re struggling with chronic sinusitis, know that you’re not alone. This condition is quite common, affecting millions of people each year. While it can be annoying and even painful at times, treatments available can help. If you think you may have chronic sinusitis, make an appointment with Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. We can help diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is here to help you every step of the way. We’ll work with you to provide everything from diagnostic testing to effective medications. Do you have any questions? Contact us today.