What to know about chronic sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation that causes pain, pressure, and swelling in the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts for a long time, usually longer than 12 weeks.
Unlike acute sinusitis, which is often due to a sinus infection, chronic sinusitis is not usually caused by bacteria and does not always get better with standard treatment.

Chronic sinusitis is sometimes called chronic rhinosinusitis. Fast facts on chronic sinusitis:

• Treatment for chronic sinusitis depends on the underlying cause.
• People with allergies and asthma may be more vulnerable to chronic sinusitis.
• Some home remedies can prevent chronic sinusitis, or prevent it from getting worse.

Symptoms

Sinusitis may cause a number of symptoms, including a painful or uncomfortable pressure along the sides of the nose, and feeling congested.
The sinuses are moist, hollow spaces behind the bones of the face. They usually drain through the nose.
When the sinuses are unable to drain, due to issues such as an infection that blocks the nose, swelling, irritation, or an allergic reaction, then mucus and other fluid, including pus, stays trapped in the sinuses.
This can cause the sinuses to swell and become irritated or infected. This inflammation is called sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis is usually due to the common cold or a mild infection and usually goes away within 10 days. Some people with acute sinusitis develop an infection that requires antibiotics.

Chronic sinusitis usually persists longer than 10 days, but the symptoms are the same. Those include:

• pain and pressure above the eyes, along the sides of the nose, and behind the cheeks
• green or yellow mucous draining from the nose
• feeling congested
• pain in the nose or throat
• fever
• difficulty sleeping due to congestion
• frequent sneezing.

Takeaway
Chronic sinusitis can be intensely painful. People with this condition may feel sick for weeks, and mstruggle to participate in everyday life.
Prompt medical care from a specialist can help, so see a doctor for signs of sinusitis. Diagnostic tests that help a doctor see the sinuses can determine the underlying cause, and help with prescribing the right treatment.