Chronic sinusitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice Complications

Screening and diagnosis Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

Chronic sinusitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic illnesses in the United States, affecting 30 million to 40 million Americans each year.

Chronic sinusitis begins with an inflammation of the mucous membranes in your sinuses — the air-filled passages around your nose and throat. The inflammation causes fluid buildup eventually plugging the sinus cavity and preventing normal mucus drainage.

Chronic sinusitis can be a miserable condition that significantly impairs your quality of life. If you have chronic sinusitis, you may have difficulty breathing through the nose, experience frequent headaches and tenderness in the face or aching behind the eyes. You may also have frequent yellow or greenish discharge from your nose or drainage down the back of your throat.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by infections of the upper respiratory tract — the nose, pharynx, sinuses and throat — but there are noninfectious triggers too. Allergies are a common cause, and anatomical problems such as a deviated nasal septum can bring on chronic sinusitis. Other suspected causes include mold or fungi in the sinuses.

Most cases of sinusitis are acute, meaning they resolve in less than four weeks. However, when the condition recurs or endures longer than 12 consecutive weeks, you've developed a case of chronic sinusitis.

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Signs and symptoms