Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

Most people have heard of acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis but very few know what the difference is between them and how they are treated. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the small cavities in the skull that are normally filled with air. These cavities habitually produce mucus, which helps to keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and pollutants. Inflammation of the sinuses blocks off the sinuses, trapping mucus and air inside them which can cause pain and pressure. Clogged nasal passages can also lead to a bacterial infection.

Acute sinusitis can last for up to four weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last more than twelve weeks and then linger for years afterward. The cause of chronic sinusitis can be hard to pin point but the initial inflammation of sinusitis might be initially triggered by a cold or allergies. As allergens like pollen dust and mold are breathed in, they cause irritation in the nose and the sinus cavities. Studies have linked chronic sinusitis with an immune response from fungi in the nose. Those that suffer from asthma are more likely to have chronic sinusitis as well. In rare cases, chronic sinusitis results from defects in the structure like a growth of the nasal passages. The growth can block the sinuses and prevent them from draining normally. Another cause of chronic sinusitis might be air pollutants. Breathing in these pollutants might trigger the body’s natural response to protect itself and in turn over-stimulate chronic sinus sufferers already easily irritated sinus cavities. Therefore more mucus is produced blocking nasal passages once more.

Unfortunately, chronic sinusitis treatment can be difficult and sometimes the process can be long before being successfully. Antibiotics should be used but even after prolonged use, symptoms may continue after treatment has finished. Decongestants and nasal sprays can also be used in order to relieve and control symptoms. Nasal spray users should be aware that they have side effects. Nasal sprays that contain steroids may cause nosebleeds. The safety of using the nasal sprays long-term is unknown but it is thought that they can lead to diabetes, cataracts or thinning of the bones. Decongestants also have been known to cause difficulty in sleeping and could raise the blood pressure. Other remedies like steam inhalation have been used to help reduce inflamed sinuses and open sinus cavities. Chronic sufferers have also used saline solutions to irrigate nasal passages. These solutions will decrease the pain and pressure associated with clogged sinuses.

Amazingly about 40 million people in the United States suffer from sinus infection every year. Individuals that think they have chronic sinusitis should see a doctor to get the condition diagnosed properly. While treatment of sinusitis may last for a while, it is better to start treatment as soon as possible. Symptoms like a post nasal drip, stuffiness, pain, pressure and a reduced ability to smells can be minimized. Often, chronic sinus sufferers must continue treatment for months to keep reduced and to prevent a reoccurrence of inflammation or infection within the sinus cavities.