Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinuses are four pairs of small, air-filled spaces that are located within the bones that surround our nose, cheeks and eyes. These four pairs of air-filled cavities are known as maxillary, frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. These are lined with a mucous membrane that moistens the nasal passages. Sinusitis is the medical condition associated with the inflammation of these sinuses. Sinusitis is classified into acute and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis lasts for a shorter duration whereas a chronic sinus infection could last for more than 8 weeks. Scroll down to know what causes chronic sinusitis and how chronic sinusitis symptoms can be alleviated.

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis

One of the most common causes of a chronic sinus infection is allergies. An acute infection of the sinuses due to allergies is likely to cause nasal swelling. The long term inflammation of sinuses could be caused due to presence of allergens such as dust, mold, pollen or the spores of fungi. The release of histamines due to an allergic reaction causes swelling in the membranes, and this blocks the sinuses. This makes one more vulnerable to catching viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Cold and flu, upper respiratory infections, nasal bone injuries and structural abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum are also very likely to cause a chronic sinus infection. Sinuses can also get blocked due to nasal polyps which are a type of tissue growth in the nasal cavity. Damage to cilia due to excessive smoking and dehydration could also lead to inflammation of the sinuses.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

The signs and symptoms of sinus infection vary depending on which of the four cavities is affected. The sufferer generally experiences pressure or pain in the forehead, nose, cheeks or eyes. Chronic maxillary sinusitis is characterized by pain or pressure in the cheek area. When the frontal sinuses are affected, one experiences pain or pressure behind or above the eyes. Inflammation in the ethmoid sinuses results in pain or pressure behind or between the eyes. If sphenoid sinuses become inflamed, one is likely to experience pain or sinus pressure in the top part of the head. Dizziness, thick yellow or green nasal discharge, post nasal drip, ear pain, fever, nasal congestion, cold and cough, reduced sense of taste and smell, runny nose, difficulty in breathing, bad breath, toothache, fatigue or sore throat are some of the symptoms that one may experience during episodes of sinusitis.

Treatment Options for Chronic Sinusitis

The treatment of sinus infections generally involves use of antibiotics, antihistamines or decongestant nasal sprays. If the symptoms of chronic sinusitis are very severe, doctors might also prescribe corticosteroids. The medicines will also vary depending on the infection responsible for causing the infection. Generally antibiotics are given for treating bacterial infections. You can also try certain home remedies. Taking steam is one of the most effective sinus infection home remedy. The steam will help in thinning down the mucus blocking the sinuses and provide sinus congestion relief. Taking a hot shower or applying warm compresses to the affected area will also help in chronic sinusitis drainage. If you are in a great deal of discomfort due to sinus pressure, massaging the sinus pressure points with your fingertips and knuckles will surely help. Acupressure is also one of the effective sinus pressure remedies. You can also try nasal irrigation for alleviating the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

This was some information on symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Though increasing your fluid intake and following home remedies such as application of warm compresses, steam inhalation and drinking herbal tea will surely prove beneficial, one must consult a doctor for getting chronic sinusitis treated. This is to eliminate the chances of further complications.