ROSEWOOD HEALTH CARE

What is chronic sinusitis? — Chronic sinusitis is long-lasting form of sinusitis. Sinusitis is a condition that causes a stuffy nose, pain in the face, and discharge (mucus) from the nose.

The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the face They have a thin lining that normally makes a small amount of mucus. When this lining gets infected, it swells and makes extra mucus.

The most common type of sinusitis often happens after you catch a cold. It is also called “acute sinusitis” and usually gets better in 1 to 3 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts for at least 3 months. People with this condition often have very swollen sinuses. One or more sinus might get filled with infected mucus. Some people get abnormal growths inside their noses or sinuses, called “polyps.”

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis? — The symptoms include having at least 2 of the following symptoms for at least 3 months:

• Stuffy nose


• Yellow, green, or brown mucus that drains from the nose or down the back of the throat


• Pain, pressure, or “fullness” in the face


• Not being able to smell things as well as usual

Are some people more likely to get chronic sinusitis than others? — Yes. You might be more likely to get chronic sinusitis if you have:

• Allergies – Allergies to molds, cockroaches, dust mites (tiny insects found in dust), and animal dander (tiny flakes from animal fur, hair or skin) are most likely to cause sinus problems. (Things that cause allergies, such as pollen and mold, are called “allergens.”)


• Problems with your body’s infection-fighting system (called the “immune system”) – These conditions are called “autoimmune diseases.”


• Frequent colds.


• An injury or deformity of the nose that makes it hard to drain mucus normally.

Breathing cigarette smoke might also makes you more likely to get chronic sinusitis.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — See your doctor or nurse right away if you have:

• Fever higher than 102.5°F (39.2°C)


• Sudden and severe pain in the face and head


• Trouble seeing or seeing double


• Swelling or redness around 1 or both eyes


• A very bad headache or stiff neck

Are there tests for chronic sinusitis? — Yes, but they are not always needed. Tests include:

• CT scan or other imaging tests – Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the sinuses. These tests are not usually done in children unless they do not get better with treatment.


• A test to look inside the sinuses – For this test, a doctor puts a thin tube with a camera on the end into the nose and up into the sinuses.

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. If you smoke, quit. If you have allergies, talk to your doctor about how to better control your allergy symptoms.

You can also rinse out your nose with salt water. This cleans the inside of your nose and washes allergens and mucus from the nose. Different devices can be used to rinse the nose.

How is chronic sinusitis treated? — Your doctor might recommend different treatments, including:

• Steroids – These medicines help to reduce swelling and mucus, and shrink polyps, if you have them. (They do not contain the same steroids that athletes take to build muscle.) They can be taken as sprays or drops that you put in your nose. You can also add steroid medicines to the salt water you use for rinsing out your nose. Your doctor also might prescribe steroid pills.


• Antibiotics – These are used to treat sinus infections, which sometimes happen when you have chronic sinusitis.


• Surgery – Some people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to reopen blocked nasal passages and remove polyps or mucus trapped in the nose. But this is usually done only in people who do not get better after trying medicines.


• If you have any more questions call us at 989-775-3823