Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer. That space called as sinus and inflammation of sinuses known as sinusitis.
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 feel swollen or tender or heavy. Head feels heavy.
Chronic sinusitis can cause by an infection or by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Known as chronic rhinosinusitis, the condition can affect both adults and children.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include :
- Nasal inflammation, Redness and swelling inside nose.
- Thick, dis-coloured discharge from the nose.
- Drainage down the back of the throat called as postnasal drainage.
- Blocked or stuffy nose 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
- Headache
- Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
- Cough or throat clearing
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
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 and fever. The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis last more than 10 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.
Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
- Nasal polyps – These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
- Deviated nasal septum – A septum which is present in between two nostrils may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse.
- The complications of cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage.
- Respiratory tract infections – Infections in your respiratory tract can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Recurrent cough and cold.
- Allergies such as hay fever ( Allergic nasal infection ).
Risk factors
Risk factors of getting sinusitis are
- A deviated nasal septum
- Nasal polyps
- Asthma
- Aspirin sensitivity
- A dental infection
- A fungal infection
- An immune system disorder such as HIV/AIDS or cystic fibrosis
- Hay fever ( Allergic nasal infection ) or another allergic condition
- Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke
Complications :
Serious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare, but may have vision problem, infections such as meningitis, serious skin infections.
Prevention :
Take these steps to reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis:
- Avoid contact with people who have colds or who are sick with other infections. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals.
- Manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control. Avoid exposure to things you’re allergic to whenever possible.
- Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.
- Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis.
Important :
Try to take homeopathy treatment for your sinusitis problem as it helps to clear the passage of sinus and free the airflow inside the nose which gives big relief. Homeopathic medicines help to reduced inflammation in longer term and improves immunity in patient.
Homeopathy is the best choice of treatment in chronic sinusitis. It is a systematic healing process one might feel slow result, but it gives permanent long-lasting solution.
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