What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic Sinusitis is a condition that affects the nasal sinuses which become inflamed and swollen that also causes issues with your ears, nose, throat and head.

Long term issues can happen from a sinus infection that reoccurrs and medications such as antihistamines are given and sprays to help clear this up. Antibiotics are also given when infection is present.

So what are the symptoms?

• Thick, discolored discharge from the nose or drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
• Nasal obstruction or congestion (causing difficulty breathing through your nose)
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Ear pain

• Pain in your upper jaw and teeth
• Sore throat
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Fatigue or irritability
• Nausea

• Nausea

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis are similar with signs and symptoms but are much different. Acute sinusitis is a temporary infection which last upto 1 to 3 weeks. Chronic Sinusitis is an infection that lasts longer and often cause more fatigue and a fever isn’t a common sign of chronic sinusitis whereas acute sinusitis, a fever is.

What are the causes?

• Nasal polyps – tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
• Deviated nasal septum – crooked septum where the wall between the nostrils restrict or block sinus passages.
• Other medical conditions – the complications of cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux, or HIV and other immune system-related diseases can result in nasal blockage.
• Respiratory tract infections – infections in your respiratory tract, most commonly colds, can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be viral, bacterial or fungal.
• Allergies such as hay fever – occurs with allergies that can block your sinuses.

If you suffer from reoccurring sinus infections then see your GP for a referral to your nearest ENT clinic. For normal sinus infections, salt rinse sprays work really well to clean the nasal passages along side a spray recommended by your GP. I have found only one medication that helps me durinf the night called Chlopheramine which is an antihistamine.

There are also support groups via Facebook you can join however ALWAYS consult your GP or ENT consultant before changing or trying anything.