Chronic Sinusitis: When to See an ENT Specialist

Living with chronic sinusitis can be challenging. The constant stuffy nose, pressure in your face, and tiredness can make daily life harder. You're not alone if you've been dealing with these symptoms for weeks or months. Many people struggle with this condition, and it's frustrating when nothing seems to help. In this blog, we'll talk about what chronic sinusitis is, its causes, and treatment that can make you feel better. But, Please note that this blog is intended for informational purposes only. For professional medical advice, consult the ENT Specialist in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospital.

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is a health issue that causes stuffy nose, facial pain, headaches, and trouble breathing. This happens when the space within your nose and head, called the sinuses, becomes inflamed or swollen. It's more than just a common cold—it lasts 10 days or longer and often comes back even after treatment. 

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

If you have chronic sinusitis, you may experience these symptoms: 

• Stuffy nose.
• Toothache.
• Headache, particularly a headache that makes your face hurt.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.
• Ear pain.
• Loss of the senses of taste and smell. 
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Tenderness or pressure, particularly around your nose, eyes and forehead.
• Thick yellow or green mucus from your nose.

What are the causes of chronic sinusitis?

Your sinuses are hollow spaces in your forehead, nose, and cheekbones that help airflow into your lungs. They produce mucus to keep your nose moist and block out dust, bacteria, and allergens. In chronic sinusitis, these tissues become swollen, blocking mucus drainage and causing congestion, pressure, and discomfort.

There are several factors contributing to this situation, such as:

• Allergies, such as hay fever or reactions to pollen or chemicals, can cause your nose to become inflamed or swollen.
• Nasal polyps are small growths inside your nose that can block your airway.
• A deviated septum means the wall between your nostrils is uneven, making breathing difficult.
• Infections from colds or other viruses can cause inflammation and prevent mucus from draining.
• Tooth infection is also the leading cause of this problem.
• These factors can lead to persistent sinus problems that are hard to cure without treatment.

When to see a doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if your sinusitis symptoms persist for over 10 days and don't go away despite the treatment. Additionally, you can see a doctor if you're experiencing fever, swelling, redness around the eyes, a severe headache, swelling in your forehead, confusion, double vision or other vision problems, or a stiff neck. Ignoring these signs can make your symptoms worse. 

What are the best treatments for chronic sinusitis? 

Treatment for chronic sinusitis is designed to control or reduce inflammation. This is because most chronic sinusitis occurs when something irritates your sinuses. However, treatments may vary depending on your condition. Your doctor might prescribe these treatments:

• Nasal corticosteroids: These steroid-based nasal sprays are used to prevent and treat inflammation. 
• Saline nasal rinses: A squeeze bottle is used to treat nasal problems like allergies, hay fever, or sinusitis. 
• Corticosteroids: They are available in shots or pills, but it is important to note that they are also commonly available as nasal sprays for treating sinus issues.
• Nasal corticosteroids: They are often the first choice for reducing inflammation in chronic sinusitis, while pills or shots are typically reserved for more severe cases. 
• Allergy medicines: Using allergy medications may help reduce allergy symptoms that contribute to sinusitis caused by allergies.

CTA

If you're experiencing persistent sinus issues or allergy symptoms, don't wait. Book your appointment today. 

The Final Word

Chronic sinusitis is a health issue that occurs when the space within your nose and head, called the sinuses, becomes inflamed or swollen. This condition leads to various chronic sinusitis signs and symptoms, including a stuffy nose, facial pain, headaches, and trouble breathing. 

Chronic sinusitis may last 10 days or longer and often comes back even after treatment. It can be treated with proper treatment and precaution. 

FAQ

 

Can chronic sinusitis be treated at home?

Yes, chronic sinusitis can be managed at home with treatments like saline sprays, warm compresses, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider.

Is chronic sinusitis curable?

Chronic sinusitis may not be fully curable, but it can be managed with proper treatment to reduce symptoms and flare-ups.

What are the complications of chronic sinusitis?

If left untreated, chronic sinusitis can lead to complications such as nasal polyps, loss of smell, or infections that spread to the eyes, brain, or other body areas.