Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms of a sinus infection have continued for more than 12 weeks. In some cases, your doctor may use an endoscope (a small and flexible tool that allows the doctor to see inside your nose and sinuses). A CT scan or MRI could also be used to look for structural issues.
When symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis. But some cases of chronic sinusitis can develop subtly, without a preceding viral infection.
If chronic sinusitis goes untreated for a length of time, it is possible the infection can spread to vital parts of your body, including to the bones, spinal fluid, and the brain. These complications, meningitis and brain abscesses, are life-threatening and require immediate emergency surgery.
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. This common condition interferes with the way mucus normally drains, and makes your nose stuffy.
Unilateral facial pain / swelling. Persistent bleeding/crusting with unilateral nasal obstruction. Persistent clear watery discharge (CSF leak - presents like a dripping tap from tip of nose) Persistent bulging eye associated with partial or total loss of vision, painful eye movements or double vision.
Chronic sinusitis can be caused by several factors. These include: Blocked airways from asthma or allergies or from conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Infections, which can be bacterial, viral or fungal.
In adults, chronic sinusitis most often is linked to nasal swelling caused by allergies, especially allergies to inhaled dust, mold, pollen, or the spores of fungi. These allergies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the inner lining of the nose to swell and block sinus drainage.
Chronic sinusitis affects approximately 14.6 percent of the US population and is currently the 5th most common condition treated with antibiotics, accounting for 18–22 million physician visits and costing 3.4–5 billion annually [1].
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, happens when you breathe in something to which you are allergic, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed and swollen. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining inside the sinuses which can be acute or chronic.
Chronic sinusitis can lead to lifelong medical issues if not treated. Untreated sinusitis can cause chronic cough, throat infection, ear infections, asthma, and bronchitis. If you already have asthma, you are in danger of the condition worsening if your sinusitis is not treated.
Can a sinus infection affect your eyes? A sinus infection (sinusitis) can cause pain around your eyes, eyelid swelling and other symptoms that can affect your vision. Get eye pain and vision changes checked out by an eye doctor as soon as possible to avoid vision loss and other eye health issues.
Sinusitis symptoms that last for more than 12 weeks could be chronic sinusitis. In addition to frequent head colds, your risk for chronic sinusitis also goes up if you have allergies. "Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an allergy, virus, fungus, or bacteria and can go on for months or even years," says Dr. Flores.
Many individuals with sinusitis will stress to you chronic sinusitis is no minor thing at all. It's long-term symptoms can lead to fatigue with possible depression or can worsen depression in a few ways: As weeks of symptoms continue to drag on, the discomfort can really take a toll.
Sinusitis most frequently occurs when a virus or bacteria irritates the tissues of your sinus cavities. This irritation can lead to swelling which, in turn, can lead to mucus buildup and congestion. Your sinus cavities and ears are interconnected systems, so congestion in the sinuses can create ear congestion, as well.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.
Saline nasal sprays and nasal irrigation are useful in relieving nasal congestion. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also help improve symptoms. Oral corticosteroid tablets are also occasionally used to treat acute and chronic sinusitis.
As we age, the nose lining gets thinner and makes you more prone to sinus complications. Get advice on treatment and care from the Department of Otolaryngology at Singapore General Hospital.
Stress and anxiety can affect your sinuses indirectly by increasing your susceptibility to a range of health issues that, in turn, worsen your sinus problems. Sustained stress can weaken your body's immune system, making you more vulnerable to the effects of allergens, as well as germs, bacteria, viruses, infections.