What is chronic sinusitis?
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.
Breathing through your nose may be difficult, and the area around your eyes might feel swollen or tender.
This condition can affect both adults and children.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Nasal inflammation
- Thick, discolored discharge from the nose
- Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
- Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
Other signs and symptoms can include:
- Ear pain
- Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
- Cough or throat clearing
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
What is the difference between chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms, but acute sinusitis is a temporary infection of the sinuses often associated with a cold.
The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis last at least 12 weeks, but you may have several episodes of acute sinusitis before developing chronic sinusitis. Fever isn't a common sign of chronic sinusitis, but you might have one with acute sinusitis.
When to see a doctor
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:
- You've had sinusitis a number of times, and the condition doesn't respond to treatment
- You have sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days
Your symptoms don't improve after you see your doctor
See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection:
- Fever
- Swelling or redness around your eyes
- Severe headache
- Forehead swelling
- Confusion
- Double vision or other vision changes
- Stiff neck
Causes
Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
- Nasal polyps.
- Deviated nasal septum.
- The complication of cystic fibrosis.
- Immune system diseases.
- Respiratory tract infections.
- Allergy.
Complications
Serious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare, but may include: Vision problems and infections.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
