Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis, also known as common rhinosinusitis, is caused by the inability for the sinuses cavities to properly drain, causing inflammation and swelling. Mucus will then build up in the cavity that is not draining and symptoms of inflammation will increase. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis is used for sinus problems which last a minimum of eights weeks or are reoccurring.

What causes chronic sinusitis?
The development of chronic sinusitis can be contributed to the following:
• Infection
• Deviated septum
• Polyps
• allergies

Signs and symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
• The persistent discharge of yellowish mucus from the nares.
• Difficulty breathing due to congestion
• Facial swelling or tenderness
• Headache

Treatment
The treatment for chronic sinusitis can include pharmacological therapy or the removal of polyps. A nasal spray may be ordered by the physician. This spray which consists of normal saline is used to cleanse the maxillary sinus. Pharmacological treatments may include: a corticosteroid (via oral or intramuscular route), over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or aspirin which can decrease pain that is associated with sinusitis, and decongestants which help reduce the amount of mucus produced within the sinus cavity.