Chronic Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinus lining, resulting in symptoms like facial pain and nasal congestion.
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Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Chronic Sinusitis FAQ


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What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is also called chronic rhinosinusitis. The condition affects adults and children. Thick, discolored mucus from the nose, known as a runny nose. Mucus down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip. Blocked or stuffy nose, known as congestion. This makes it hard to breathe through the nose.

How long does chronic sinusitis last?

Chronic sinusitis causes the spaces inside the nose and head, called sinuses, to become inflamed and swollen. The condition lasts 12 weeks or longer, even with treatment. This common condition keeps mucus from draining. It makes the nose stuffy. Breathing through the nose might be hard. The area around the eyes might feel swollen or tender.

How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?

Other ways to diagnose chronic sinusitis and rule out other conditions include: Nasal endoscopy. A health care provider inserts a thin, flexible tube, known as an endoscope, into the nose. A light on the tube allows a care provider to see inside the sinuses. Imaging tests. CT or MRI scans can show details of the sinuses and nasal area.

What causes chronic sinusitis?

The cause of chronic sinusitis usually is not known. Some medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis, can cause chronic sinusitis in children and teens. Some conditions can make chronic sinusitis worse. These include: A common cold or other infection that affects the sinuses. Viruses or bacteria can cause these infections.

How common is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is common, affecting in 1 in 10 adults in the UK.. Most cases of chronic sinusitis develop following an acute sinusitis infection. Most cases of acute sinusitis go away within 2-3 weeks, often much sooner. In some cases the symptoms do not go and become persistent (chronic).

Is acute sinusitis a symptom of a cold?

But acute sinusitis is a short-lived infection of the sinuses often linked to a cold. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis last at least 12 weeks. There might be many bouts of acute sinusitis before it becomes chronic sinusitis. Fever isn't common with chronic sinusitis. But fever might be part of acute sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis References

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