Most Common Causes of Chronic Sinusitis You Should Be Aware Of

When the tissues inside the nose and head (known as sinuses) are inflamed and swollen for three months or longer, it can lead to chronic sinusitis. This condition is very common and can interfere with the way mucus generally drains. This can make breathing through the nose difficult as the nose becomes stuffy. Furthermore, the area around the eyes might feel tender and swollen.

Chronic sinusitis can happen due to swelling of the lining of the sinuses, nasal polyps, or an infection. This condition is also known as chronic rhinosinusitis and can affect both children and adults.

Common Signs for Chronic Sinusitis

Some common signs of sinusitis include:

• Reduced sense of taste and smell
• Postnasal drainage
• Nasal inflammation
• Stuffy or blocked nose that can make breathing difficult through the nose
• Discolored, yellow, or green-colored and thick discharge from the nose (also known as runny nose)
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the forehead, eyes, nose, and cheeks.
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Ear pain
• Toothache
• Cough
• Bad breath (Halitosis)
• Always sleeping on one side
• Nosebleeds

It is important to know that acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms. Chronic sinusitis can last for at least 12 weeks, whereas acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection often related to a cold. However, a person may have several episodes of acute sinusitis before developing chronic sinusitis.

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?

Some of the common causes of chronic sinusitis can include:

• Deviated nasal septum: The wall between the nostrils (nasal septum) may block or restrict the passages that can worsen your sinusitis symptoms.
• Nasal polyps: These tissues tend to block the sinuses or nasal passages.
• Respiratory tract infections: The infections in the respiratory tract can thicken and inflame the sinus membranes and block the mucus drainage (mostly colds). These infections can occur due to bacteria and viruses.
• Allergies such as hay fever: Inflammation caused due to allergies can block the sinuses.
• Nose injury: A deviated septum may also happen due to a nose injury that can cause the nasal septum to move out of its original position.
• Other medical conditions: Complications occurring due to immune system-related diseases like HIV and cystic fibrosis can lead to nasal blockage.

The aging process may also affect the nasal structures that can worsen a deviated septum in the long run. Furthermore, irritation and swelling of the sinus or nasal cavities caused by an infection may narrow the nasal passage further, resulting in nasal obstruction.

Risk Factors

You are at risk of getting chronic sinusitis if you have:

• Fungal infection
• Tumors
• Sensitivity to Aspirin
• Dental infection
• Asthma
• Deviated nasal septum
• Regular exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke

Complications

Severe chronic sinusitis complications are rare but can include the following:

• Infections: Those with chronic sinusitis may develop major infections like meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

• Vision problems: It can reduce vision or cause permanent blindness if it spreads to the eye socket.

If you suffer from bouts of acute sinusitis or are facing symptoms of chronic sinusitis, it is best to get quick medical help. Doing so can help treat the disease effectively and prevent any related complications.

Please visit us at the 8-2-8 Urgent Care walk-in clinic if you're suffering from chronic sinusitis. Our healthcare professionals can provide you with the best medical treatment to tackle chronic and acute sinusitis. Contact us for more information.