What is Chronic Sinusitis? Chronic sinusitis is defined by an infection of the sinuses that lasts longer than 8 weeks. The paranasal sinuses become inflamed and irritated, and may be the result of a cold or infection.
Other causes of chronic sinusitis are allergies or autoimmune deficiencies. As the passages of the nasal become infected, they begin to swell and create a problem when mucous tries to properly drain. It becomes difficult to breathe, and headaches, a sore throat, earaches, or exhaustion may occur. Other symptoms include a postnasal drip or mucous draining in the throat.
When the sinuses and the nasal passage don’t properly drain, then in addition to mucous, nasal polyps may form. In extreme cases, there may also be face swelling. Those that have a deviated septum may have chronic sinusitis more than those that don’t.
Individuals with a weak immune system may also be more susceptible to chronic sinusitis, as are those suffering from hay fever. Another increased risk factor is individuals with respiratory tract infections.
Meningitis may develop if the chronic sinusitis is not treated early enough or in the proper manner. Individuals may also have blood clots or blindness.
Doctors may suggest that the patient take a full exam in order to properly treat chronic sinusitis. The doctor may do a visual inspection or conduct a nasal endoscopy, which consists of a thin tube that has a camera on its end sent into the nasal passage. The endoscopy will determine levels of swelling, the source of the infection, and any nasal polyps that have formed. A CT scan or an MRI may also be suggested. A mucous culture may be taken in a visual inspection.
After the level of severity has been identified, the doctor will prescribe one of many options of treatments. The doctor may suggest nasal spray or a decongestant, which targets the infection directly. Antibiotics are another option, and they are used when the infection is bacterial. Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids, which have a high rate of success. If the case has been determined as severe, surgery may be suggested. Surgery may occur to fix a deviated septum or eliminate any nasal polyps that have formed.
Summary of Chronic Sinusitis: When sinuses are infected and inflamed for longer than eight weeks, chronic sinusitis may be diagnosed. Symptoms of this condition could include swollen sinuses, a sore throat with post nasal drip, challenges breathing, or a mucous. It could be triggered by a weak immune system, respiratory tract infection, or hay fever. Treatments for this condition could be antibiotics, a nasal spray, or corticosteroids. If the case is severe, surgery may be recommended by the doctor.
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