What is chronic sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the nose and sinuses. Sinuses are the hollow spaces in your skull around the eyes and nose. Sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in your head and face along with a stuffy or blocked nose. It can also cause thick, discolored mucus that drains from the nose or down the back of the throat. If these symptoms last 12 weeks or longer, you may have chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis is caused by long-term swelling of the sinuses and nasal passages. Other things, such as allergies and nasal polyps, may also be involved. A deviated nasal septum can also make it worse.

When the mucous membranes that line the sinuses get inflamed, they swell and make more mucus. The swelling can block the normal drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat. If the fluid and mucus can't drain, they build up over time. This can make future sinus infections more likely. Chronic sinusitis can be hard to treat.

You will likely need a steroid nasal spray. Nasal washes are an important part of your treatment too. Antibiotics may be used if there's a bacterial infection. Other medicines may be needed. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms don't get better after treatment.

The main symptoms are pain and pressure in the face and a stuffy or blocked nose. Symptoms also include thick, discolored drainage from the nose or down the back of the throat and a reduced sense of smell. Children often also have a cough.

Treatment for chronic sinusitis involves treating the swelling that is causing your symptoms. Your doctor will likely suggest a steroid nasal spray along with saline nasal washes to help relieve your symptoms. Sometimes other medicines are used. You may need surgery if no other treatment works and you still have problems.

If your symptoms last for more than three months even after treatment, you may need tests to help diagnose chronic sinusitis. You might have tests like a CT scan of the sinuses or an endoscopic sinus exam. These tests look for inflammation and blockages in the nose.

Use saline nasal washes every day. Try not to smoke since it can make your symptoms worse. If your doctor prescribes or recommends any medicines, take them exactly as directed. You might also try breathing warm, moist air from a shower, bath, or sink.

Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the nose and sinuses. Sinuses are the hollow spaces in your skull around the eyes and nose. Sinusitis can cause pain in the face, a stuffy nose, and drainage from the nose. Sinusitis is chronic (long-term) when you have symptoms for more than 12 weeks.

Chronic sinusitis is caused by long-term swelling of the sinuses.

Anything that causes the sinuses to become inflamed and stay inflamed may lead to chronic sinusitis. This includes nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and nasal polyps. A deviated nasal septum can also make it worse.

When the mucous membranes inside the nose and sinuses get inflamed, they swell and make more mucus. The swelling can block the normal drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat. If the fluid and mucus can't drain, they build up over time. This makes it easier for germs like bacteria or viruses to grow in the sinuses. When this happens, these bacterial or viral infections can cause more swelling and pain.

Medicines

• Your doctor will likely recommend a steroid nasal spray. Sometimes steroids are used as a wash, drops, or pills. Take this and other medicines exactly as prescribed.
• If needed, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

At home

• Use saline (saltwater) nasal washes every day. This helps keep your nasal passages open. It also can wash out mucus and allergens.
  • You can buy saline nasal washes at a grocery store or drugstore. Follow the instructions on the package.
  • You can make your own at home. Add 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of distilled or boiled and cooled water. Fill a squeeze bottle or neti pot with the nasal wash. Then put the tip into your nostril, and lean over the sink. With your mouth open, gently squirt the liquid. Repeat on the other side.
• Do not smoke or breathe secondhand smoke. Smoking can make sinusitis worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Breathe warm, moist air. You can use a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water. Avoid cold, dry air. Using a humidifier in your home may help. Follow the instructions for cleaning the machine.