Chronic sinusitis is an illness that affects thirty seven million people every year and can be extremely painful and exhausting to those who suffer from its effects. Your sinuses are small cavities in your skull that are normally filled with air, and they produce mucus which assists in keeping your nasal passages clear of allergens and pollutants. When the tissue that lines these cavities becomes inflamed, it is known as sinusitis. Sometimes when this inflammation occurs, it is coupled with swelling and causes the sinuses to be blocked up. This causes a great deal of pain and pressure; it can even lead to a bacterial infection. While the cause of chronic sinusitis has yet to be pin pointed, it can be properly treated.
Chronic sinusitis is not to be brushed off as a common cold or minor sinus infection. Chronic sinusitis can last several weeks and can even linger for years. While the exact cause of chronic sinusitis cannot be specifically determined, the inflammation of the lining in the sinuses is usually triggered by a cold or allergies. People who suffer from allergies or have a weaker immune system are at greater risk of contracting chronic sinusitis. Other conditions that can trigger chronic sinusitis include having a defect in the structure of the nasal passage or a growth like nasal polyp which can block the nasal passage, causing the initial inflammation.
Facial pressure, facial pain, thick discolored mucus and congestion issues are all common symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Many people that go to the doctor with these ailments are often given the wrong diagnosis and prescribed a medicine that will not treat the sinusitis properly. Usually a proper diagnosis of sinusitis includes imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. If the cause of your sinusitis is bacterial, then your doctor will normally prescribe you an antibiotic. Other treatments that are commonly used are over the counter pain killers like Advil or Tylenol, or over the counter decongestants.
In more extreme cases of chronic sinusitis, when antibiotics and over the counter medicines fail to treat the patient, surgery can be the best choice. A surgeon can remove blockages within your sinus canals and enlarge the sinus passages, making it much easier for them to drain. If you are prone to sinusitis and have tried to treat it on your own or have taken antibiotics and over the counter pain killers and decongestants with no positive results, it is time to contact ENT Specialists to properly and permanently treat your chronic sinusitis, allowing you to breathe freely and be free from pain.
