What is chronic sinusitis?
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.
What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
The main symptoms of chronic sinusitis 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.
Other common symptoms may include:
- Ear pain or pressure.
- A headache.
- A cough. Children often have a cough.
- Tooth pain.
- Bad breath.
How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?
If your sinusitis symptoms last for more than three months even after treatment, you may need tests to help diagnose chronic sinusitis. These tests look for inflammation and things like polyps that block the nasal passages. These tests include:
- A CT scan of the sinuses.
- An endoscopic sinus exam (nasal endoscopy).
- A needle puncture and aspiration of sinus contents. This is followed by a nasal culture to identify the bacteria or fungus causing the problem.
- Allergy testing.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
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.
How can you care for yourself when you have chronic sinusitis?
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.
Chronic sinusitis: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse swelling, redness, or pain in your face or around one or both of your eyes.
- You have double vision or a change in your vision.
- You have a high fever.
- You have a severe headache and a stiff neck.
- You have mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have symptoms of a new sinus infection that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days. These symptoms may include the following:
- You have new or worse facial pain.
- The mucus from your nose becomes thicker (like pus) or has new blood in it.
- Your stuffy nose and congestion get worse.
- You do not get better as expected.
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