Chronic Sinusitis

What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, is a condition characterized by prolonged inflammation of the sinuses lasting 12 weeks or more, despite treatment attempts. The sinuses, air-filled cavities in the skull, become blocked and inflamed, leading to persistent symptoms that impact quality of life. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Types of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis can be classified based on its characteristics and underlying causes, requiring specific treatment approaches:

Degrees of Severity

The severity of chronic sinusitis varies based on symptom intensity and impact:

• Mild: Occasional symptoms like nasal congestion, manageable with conservative treatments.
• Moderate: Persistent symptoms like facial pain or reduced smell, requiring medical or procedural intervention.
• Severe: Intense symptoms with complications like recurrent infections or polyps, often needing surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis symptoms persist for weeks or months, significantly affecting daily life. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely treatment.

Common Warning Signs

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness, making breathing difficult.
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge (yellow or green).
• Facial pain, pressure, or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead.
• Reduced sense of smell or taste.
• Headache, particularly in the frontal region.
• Fatigue due to poor sleep from nasal blockage.
• Cough, often worse at night, or postnasal drip.
• Ear pressure or mild hearing issues due to sinus inflammation.
• Bad breath or sore throat from postnasal drip.

Causes of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis results from factors that obstruct sinus drainage or cause prolonged inflammation, affecting sinus function. Common causes include:

Structural and Medical Conditions

• Nasal polyps: Non-cancerous growths blocking nasal passages.
• Deviated septum: Misaligned nasal septum obstructing airflow.
• Immune system disorders: Conditions like asthma or immune deficiencies contributing to inflammation.
• Fungal infections: Rare fungal growth in the sinuses causing chronic symptoms.

Environmental and Allergic Factors

• Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pets causing sinus inflammation.
• Environmental irritants: Exposure to pollutants, smoke, or chemicals.
• Respiratory infections: Viral or bacterial infections leading to chronic inflammation.

Other Contributing Factors

• Chronic respiratory conditions: Asthma or COPD exacerbating sinus issues.
• Dental infections: Tooth abscesses spreading to nearby sinuses.
• Smoking: Irritation of nasal passages worsening sinus inflammation.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy or thyroid issues affecting sinus function.

Prevention and Sinus Health

While some causes of chronic sinusitis are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper care and lifestyle changes to maintain sinus health.

Protect Your Sinuses

• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist, especially in dry climates.
• Avoid exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
• Practice nasal irrigation with saline solutions to clear mucus.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to reduce irritation.
• Manage allergies with medications or immunotherapy as recommended.
• Stay hydrated to thin mucus and promote sinus drainage.
• Schedule regular ENT check-ups to monitor sinus health.

Treatment Options for Chronic Sinusitis

At ENT Gurgaon, we provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments to relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms and restore sinus function. Our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology and personalized care for effective, lasting relief.