| What is Chronic Sinusitis? Chronic sinusitis is defined | | | | scan, a visual inspection, or an MRI. The visual |
| by an infection of the sinuses that lasts longer than 8 | | | | inspection will take a close look at any redness or |
| weeks. The paranasal sinuses become inflamed and | | | | swelling that may be occurring. A nasal endoscopy is |
| irritated, and may be the result of a cold or infection. | | | | a camera that is connected to a tiny tube and inserted |
| Other causes of chronic sinusitis are allergies or | | | | into the nasal passage. This assesses the level of |
| autoimmune deficiencies. | | | | swelling and direct source of infection. If the case is |
| As the passages of the nasal become infected, they | | | | more extreme, then an MRI or CT scan may be |
| begin to swell and create a problem when mucous | | | | ordered. These will be recommended if the swelling |
| tries to properly drain. It becomes difficult to breathe, | | | | makes the nasal endoscope procedure too difficult. |
| and headaches, a sore throat, earaches, or exhaustion | | | | After the infection has been diagnosed, the doctor will |
| may occur. Other symptoms include a postnasal drip | | | | prescribe the appropriate remedy. Nasal sprays are |
| or mucous draining in the throat. | | | | the lease invasive and target the area directly. |
| The face may sometimes swell with a buildup of fluids, | | | | Chronic sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection may be |
| and if nasal sinuses cannot fully drain, polyps may | | | | prescribed and antibiotic. A remedy with a high |
| develop. This is when a yellowish/greenish mucous is | | | | success rate is the prescription of a corticosteroid. If |
| emitted. If a person has a deviated septum, he/she | | | | the diagnosis is one of an extreme, then surgery will |
| will often be more susceptible to chronic sinusitis. | | | | be recommended to remove the polyps or fix the |
| High potential factors to chronic sinusitis are a | | | | deviated septum. |
| weakened immune system, as well as those that | | | | Brief summary: In chronic sinusitis, sinuses are often |
| suffer heavily from hay fever. Another high risk | | | | inflamed or swollen for a two month time frame. The |
| factor is those with respiratory tract infections. | | | | common symptoms are issues with breathing, a sore |
| Chronic sinusitis can expand into meningitis, if it is not | | | | throat, swollen sinuses, postnasal drip, and mucous |
| treated properly. There have been cases that | | | | discharge through coughing. Triggers for chronic |
| blindness and blood clots have been a result. These | | | | sinusitis are a weak immune system, hay fever, or a |
| can occur if not evaluated quickly by a doctor. | | | | respiratory tract infection, and treatments include nasal |
| What is the treatment? A doctor will conduct a | | | | spray, antibiotics, or corticosteroids. In serious cases, |
| complete exam to properly diagnose the case. Test | | | | surgery may take place. |
| may include a mucous culture, nasal endoscopy, a CT | | | | |