Chronic Sinus Congestion Symptoms

We know sinus congestion by many different names like rhinitis, nasal congestion, stuffy nose, etc. Sinuses are small, air-filled cavities found in the frontal part of the skull. They are located in the areas near the forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose and ears. They play a major role in trapping up harmful bacteria, virus and other unwanted substances stop them from entering your body. Thus they protect you from various forms of infection. Sinus congestion results from inflammation in the lining of the sinuses. A sinus congestion that lasts for a week or so is categorized as a acute case. While if it persists for 8 weeks or more, then it is considered as chronic sinus congestion. In some chronic cases, the duration of congestion could be short but they tend to occur again and again.

Causes
The sinus lining is inflamed when its cells get irritated and damaged by some foreign elements. Exposure to various types of allergens like pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, etc. causes irritation in the sinuses and trigger allergic reaction. Similarly, smoke, chemicals, fumes, scents, perfumes can act as irritants for the sinus lining. Chronic sinus congestion in children occur when small objects like bead accidentally get stuck inside their nasal cavity. If harmful virus, bacteria and fungus attack the cells of nasal cavity, then swelling occur due to infection. Upper respiratory infection like common cold, sore throat and tonsillitis and infection in lower respiratory tract like pneumonia may cause chronic nasal congestion. Any structural abnormality in the nasal passage can be responsible for sinus congestion that persists for a long time. Growth of polyps and tumors cause obstruction in sinuses and congestion.

Symptoms
There is no difference between the symptoms of acute and chronic sinus congestion. Any kind of inflammation in the sinus cavity exerts pressure on its surroundings. As a result, pain due to the pressure can be felt in the areas around the eyes, nose, upper jaw and ears and these areas are tender to touch. One often get sinus headache for the same reason which may get extended to the back of the neck. When the sinus lining get irritated, its starts producing more amount of mucus. This excess amount of mucus get accumulated in the nasal passage and gives nasal congestion. This leads to a stuffy nose with a continuous clear and thin discharge from the nose. Other common symptoms are as follows:

• Postnasal drip where the thick mucus from nasal passage is secreted at the back part of the throat.
• Sore throat triggered by the mucus drips.
• Hoarse voice
• Breathing difficulty
• Persistent cough
• Frequent sneezing
• Constant itchiness in eyes and throat.
• Dull and heavy feeling in the head.
• Loss of taste and smell because of congestion inside the nose.
• Bad breath
• Low-grade fever
• Sense of fullness in ears
• Dizziness
• Swollen eyes

Treatment Options
Treating this condition mainly aims at reducing the symptoms associated with it. Saline nasal sprays are highly effective for clearing up the nasal passage. It washes off the mucus and provide a temporary relief from the congested feelings. When there is too much of mucus build up inside the nasal cavity, then oral decongestants are used to treat the condition. It reduces inflammation inside the sinus cavity by restricting flow of blood to the area and thus facilitate easier sinus drainage. Excessive inflammation caused due to obstruction like nasal polyps is treated with corticosteroids. It is available in the form of oral medicines, injections and nasal sprays. Your doctor will recommend which one is the most suitable for you. However, it should not be used for a long time. Antibiotics are prescribed for chronic sinus infection symptoms caused by bacteria. Pain relieving medicines are given for controlling sinus headache. A nasal polyp or tumor need to be removed by surgical means.

The intensity of symptoms tend to be at its worst in fall and spring. During these seasons, you can try simple remedies like steam inhalation and nasal irrigation to prevent any further aggravation of the symptoms.