Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the sinus cavities that persists for at least three months, despite therapeutic interventions. Individuals affected by chronic sinusitis typically exhibit a range of symptoms, including the following:
- Pain and swelling around the eyes, forehead, nose, or cheeks.
- Thick, colored discharge from the nose or mucus accumulating at the back of the throat.
- Decreased sense of smell and taste in adults.
- Nasal congestion, which complicates breathing through the nose.
- Sore throat.
- Fatigue or irritability.
- Cough that may worsen at night.
- Ear pain.
- Nausea.
- Pain in the upper jaw and teeth.
- Bad breath.
Causes of Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis may arise from various factors, the most significant of which include:
- Infection due to viruses or bacteria in the nose, airways, or lungs.
- Development of growths in the nasal cavity known as nasal polyps.
- Deviation of the nasal septum.
- Exposure to allergens and irritants such as chemicals and pollen.
- Underlying health conditions, such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- Asthma.
- Cystic fibrosis.
Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis
There are several therapeutic options available for managing chronic sinusitis, including:
- Intranasal corticosteroid medications: These can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, doctors may prescribe specific antibiotics for chronic sinusitis, such as Amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate.
- Nasal irrigation: This can be done using saline nasal sprays or a Neti pot to help clear the nasal passages.
- Surgical intervention: In certain situations, a physician may recommend surgery to clean the sinuses.