Chronic sinusitis occurs when the passageways in your head and nose are inflamed and swollen. This condition usually persists for three months or longer at a time, even with treatment.
It is the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, WebMD explains. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. When they are blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
The condition interrupts the regular drainage of mucus. It also makes your nose stuffy. Breathing through your nose becomes difficult, and the area around your eyes is tender. Chronic sinusitis can appear because of an infection. The infection can include growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or a swollen sinus lining. Adults and children are susceptible to the condition that usually happens during the change of season and in very polliniferous months and areas.
How will you know if you have the condition?
Besides nasal inflammation, you will notice a thick, discoloured discharge from your nose. Postnasal drainage is also a common symptom of chronic sinusitis and a reduced sense of smell and taste.
Ear pain, aching in your upper jaw, coughing, a sore throat, bad breath and fatigue are other signs of chronic sinusitis.
A biofilm is a colony of bacteria. It also triggers chronic sinusitis. It is thick and similar to the plaque on teeth. Biofilms are hard to get rid of. There are strategies, including surgery which can help to clean the sinuses.
This condition and acute sinusitis have similarities. However, acute sinusitis is temporary. A fever is only a common sign of acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis symptoms can last for up to 12 weeks. Several episodes of acute sinusitis will develop before actually being diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.
A weak immune system doesn’t fight infections and inflammation as easy as a healthy one. People with cystic fibrosis are a bit more prone to chronic sinusitis. This also goes for people with HIV.
Sinusitis usually happens after an upper respiratory tract infection, This can even just be the common cold, explains NHSIform.
Symptoms of sinusitis:
- a green or yellow discharge from your nose
- a blocked nose
- pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a sinus headache
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or more
- toothache
- a reduced sense of smell
- bad breath (halitosis)
Monitor your symptoms.
If you have had sinusitis numerous times with no response to treatment, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Ten days is too long to have sinusitis symptoms.
A fever, redness around your eyes, confusion and stiffness are some symptoms that could require immediate medical attention.
Chronic sinusitis can spread to the eye socket. This could reduce your vision or bring on permanent blindness.
Reduce your risk.
Contact with people who have colds will increase upper respiratory infections. It is necessary to minimise these interactions and stay safe. Wash your hands frequently. Do this before meals.
Your doctor can help to keep your allergies under control. Manage any exposure to allergy trigger whenever you possibly can.
Smoke and polluted air can irritate your lungs. The tobacco smoke and air contaminants can also inflame your nasal passages.
A humidifier can moisten your air at home, especially if the air is dry. Adding moisture to the air may help with chronic sinusitis. You have to keep the humidifier clean and mould-free. A thorough cleaning is essential.
There are treatment options.
According to Medical News Today, doctors see a similarity with chronic sinusitis to asthma and allergies. Chronic sinusitis may be an inflammatory disorder too.
A treatment option for the condition is antibiotics. Some doctors disagree with the role of antibiotics for chronic sinusitis. However, amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate can be helpful.
Nasal corticosteroids are steroid drugs. They can assist with healing the body, inflammation reduction and relief. Some people have experienced side effects from steroid drugs. Speak to your doctor before deciding on these medications.
Sinusitis Surgery
Surgery is a treatment option for some people with chronic sinusitis. Balloon dilation is usually the first suggestion to clean out your sinuses. However, it is not always successful. If this is the case, the sinuses should be removed in surgery.
Nasal irrigation is a non-prescription treatment. This includes saline sprays, Netti pots and other devices. The devices flush your sinuses with water. The treatment clears out infections and reduces irritation.
Sinusitis Home remedies
Home remedies are also a suggestion. Use a HEPA air filter in your air conditions. Do not leave your windows open at night. High air pollution should be avoided. Avoid mowing the lawn or making use of a leaf blower. This is especially suggested during allergy season. Wash your hands properly to prevent interaction with bacteria and fungi.
A doctor should treat seasonal allergies. It should not be set aside or delayed where possible chronic sinusitis is the case.
The Medical Society
The Medical Society covers you and your family for whatever unforeseen illnesses may come your way, offering affordable health care for adults. Adult members are covered for an array of Primary health care treatment benefits.
Members are covered for unlimited nurse room visits and dietary advice from professionals, starting from R89 per month.
Adults also receive chronic illness monitoring, advice, and prevention for high blood pressure and diabetes.
Treatment for minor medical conditions such as sprains, cuts, bruises and burns is also available.
