Chronic Sinusitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Chronic sinusitis is a persistent inflammation of the sinus cavities that continues for 12 weeks or longer despite treatment attempts. This condition prevents normal mucus drainage, resulting in:
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Swelling or tenderness around the eyes
Several factors can contribute to chronic sinusitis, including:
- Infections
- Nasal polyps (tissue growths in the sinuses)
- Inflamed sinus lining
This condition, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, can affect both children and adults. The ongoing inflammation creates uncomfortable symptoms that impact daily breathing and can cause facial discomfort.
Signs and Symptoms
Chronic sinusitis causes several persistent symptoms that can affect daily life. Common symptoms include thick, discolored nasal discharge, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion, which can make breathing difficult.
Many people also experience pain, tenderness, and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. A reduced ability to smell and taste is also typical.
Additional symptoms may include ear pain, headaches, tooth pain, coughing, sore throat, bad breath, and fatigue.
While chronic and acute sinusitis share similar symptoms, chronic sinusitis symptoms last for at least 12 weeks.
Acute sinusitis usually resolves more quickly and is often connected to a cold. Fever is uncommon with chronic sinusitis, but may occur with acute cases.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
See your doctor if your sinusitis doesn’t get better with treatment or lasts more than 10 days.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these serious symptoms:
- Fever
- Swelling or redness around your eyes
- Severe headache
- Forehead swelling
- Confusion
- Vision changes or double vision
- Neck stiffness
These symptoms could indicate a serious infection that requires prompt medical attention.
Causes
Chronic sinusitis often has no clear origin. In children and teenagers, certain medical conditions like cystic fibrosis may trigger ongoing sinus inflammation.
Several factors can worsen chronic sinusitis:
- Respiratory infections – Both viral and bacterial infections can affect the sinuses, often starting as a common cold
- Structural nasal issues – Problems such as:
- Deviated nasal septum (crooked wall between nostrils)
- Nasal polyps (tissue growths in the nasal passages)
- Tumors inside the nose
These conditions can block proper drainage of the sinuses and lead to persistent inflammation and infection.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing chronic sinusitis:
- Dental infections that spread to the sinuses
- Fungal infections affecting the sinus cavities
- Regular exposure to cigarette smoke
- Frequent contact with environmental pollutants
These conditions can irritate your sinuses and lead to persistent inflammation.
Possible Problems
While rare, chronic sinusitis can lead to serious issues beyond typical symptoms. These complications require immediate medical attention when they occur.
Vision changes may happen if the infection spreads to the eye area. This can reduce how well someone sees, or, in severe cases, cause blindness.
Infections can spread beyond the sinuses to more dangerous areas. When infection reaches the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord, it’s called meningitis. In other cases, infection may spread to:
- Bones (osteomyelitis)
- Skin tissue (cellulitis)
These complications are uncommon but represent serious health risks that need prompt treatment.
Prevention
Preventing chronic sinusitis involves several practical steps that can reduce your risk. These measures focus on protecting your respiratory system and managing conditions that might trigger sinus problems.
Protect Your Overall Health
Maintaining good hygiene helps prevent infections that can lead to sinusitis. Try to:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating
- Avoid close contact with people who have colds or respiratory infections
- Get recommended vaccinations to prevent illnesses that could lead to sinusitis
Control Allergies
If you have allergies, proper management is essential for preventing sinus problems:
- Work with your healthcare provider to develop an effective allergy treatment plan
- Identify and avoid your specific allergy triggers when possible
- Take allergy medications as prescribed
Avoid Irritants
Environmental factors can irritate nasal passages and increase sinusitis risk:
- Stay away from tobacco smoke (including secondhand smoke)
- Limit exposure to air pollution and strong chemical odors
- Consider using an air purifier in your home
Maintain Proper Humidity
The air in your home should be neither too dry nor too moist:
- Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep nasal passages moist
- Clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth
- Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
Additional Preventive Measures
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Stay hydrated | Thins mucus and helps drainage |
| Use saline nasal rinses | Cleans nasal passages and removes irritants |
| Manage stress | Reduces inflammation that can contribute to sinusitis |
| Treat colds promptly | Prevents progression to a sinus infection |
These prevention strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic sinusitis and help maintain healthy sinuses.
