Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses neighboring the nose. Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside nose and head (sinuses) are inflamed and swollen for three months or longer, in spite of treatment.

This condition makes nose stuffy and interferes with the way mucus normally drains. Breathing through nose is difficult, and the area around your eyes might feel swollen or tender.

It can be caused by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by swelling of the lining of sinuses. Chronic rhinosinusitis, the condition can affect both adults and children.

Recommended treatment duration is 2-3 years. 

Symptomatic treatment with betterment in frequency and severity of episodes is expected from treatment.

Differs from patient to patient with chronicity and severity.

Expectation is less dependency on antiallergic if it all were being taken or less episodes of severe infection. 

 

Symptoms

• Nasal inflammation
• Difficulty breathing through nose because of blocked or stuffy nose.
• Sense of smell and taste is altered.
• Thick, discolored discharge from the nose.
• Postnasal drainage (Drainage down the back of the throat). 
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead and face.
• Bad breath
• Headache
• Ear pain
• Aching in upper jaw and teeth
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

Children

• Runny nose that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days. The discharge is often thick green, clear or yellow. 
• Cough at night
• Occasional daytime cough
• Swelling around the eyes

Adults

• Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than 7 to 10 days
• Complaints of drip in the throat from the nose
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swelling around the eyes, worse in the morning  

 

TYPES

• Symptoms last less than 4 weeks and get better.
• Does not get better with treatment. Symptoms last 4 to 8 weeks.
• Chronic infection happens with repeated or poorly treated acute infections. These symptoms last 8 weeks or longer.
• If one has 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year.

 CAUSES 

• Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
• Deviated nasal septum. A crooked septum —may restrict or block sinus passages.
• Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage.
• Respiratory tract infections. Infections in respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken sinus membranes and block mucus drainage.
• Allergies such as hay fever.  
• Aspirin sensitivity
• A dental infection
• A fungal infection
• Tumors
• Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke.

 

 Diagnosis

• Clinical symptoms
• Sinus X-rays
• Sinus computed tomography (CT or CAT scan).
• Blood tests (CBC, ABC, Serum IgE LEVEL)
• Cultures from the nose

  

Complications

• Vision problems. If sinus infection spreads to eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or possibly blindness that can be permanent.
• Uncommonly, people with chronic sinusitis may develop inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), an infection in the bones, or a serious skin infection.
• Warning signs are :
• Vision changes
• Severe or intense facial pain or pressure
• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or redness around eyes
• Trouble thinking  

 

Treatment 

Homeopathic medications.

Counselling and educating about the disease. 

Dietary advice 

Dos and don'ts of the disease.