Chronic sinusitis affects millions of Americans each year, and it's easy to mistake the persistent nasal congestion and postnasal drip it causes for something else, such as a cold.
If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic sinus inflammation, there are treatments available to help you feel better.
Our allergists and ENT physicians at Southern ENT Associates routinely diagnose and find solutions for chronic sinusitis. Read on to learn more about chronic sinusitis and how treatment can help you get relief.
What is chronic sinusitis, and how does it affect you?
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by long-lasting inflamed sinuses. When the inflammation lasts for at least 12 weeks and isn't relieved by traditional treatments or medications, it's considered chronic.
People who have chronic sinus inflammation often have partial or complete obstruction and mucus buildup. Breathing becomes difficult, and facial pain, pressure, and sinus headaches are common.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms
Signs that your stuffy nose is more than a cold are:
- Nausea
- Earache
- Postnasal drip
- Impaired smell
- Impaired taste
- Thick, discolored discharge
- Throbbing in your jaw and/or teeth
- A sore throat that gets worse at night
- Tenderness around your eyes, nose, forehead, and cheeks
Chronic sinusitis can also cause trouble sleeping and irritability.
What causes chronic sinusitis?
Some of the most common causes of chronic sinus inflammation include:
- Nasal polyps (benign growths)
- Respiratory allergies
- Deviated septum
- Respiratory infections
Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and immune-related diseases can also cause sinus problems.
Factors that raise the risk of chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinus inflammation is more likely if you:
- Have asthma
- Are allergic to aspirin
- Have immune deficiency
- Have seasonal allergies
- Have respiratory allergies
- Are regularly exposed to pollutants such as cigarette smoke
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, seeing an ENT physician is an excellent first step.
Getting relief from chronic sinusitis
To get relief from chronic sinus inflammation, we offer a variety of treatment options.
Nasal irrigation
Flushing with a saline solution can help reduce nasal drainage and remove irritants that contribute to chronic inflammation.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
These sprays contain steroids that help to reduce and prevent inflammation.
Antibiotics
If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help you get rid of your symptoms and eliminate the infection.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots help some people with sinusitis who have allergies reduce their reactions to known allergens and improve their symptoms.
Surgical procedures
When none of the above-mentioned treatments provide relief, we may recommend surgery. If you have nasal polyps, removing the polyps and restoring airflow can significantly improve your symptoms.
During this procedure, we use an endoscope to examine the sinus cavities and then use a variety of instruments to open the sinuses.
Relief from chronic sinusitis is possible
If you’re struggling with symptoms of chronic sinusitis, there’s treatment available to help you breathe better. Chronic sinusitis is a major health issue that can affect many aspects of your life.
Don’t put off getting the help that you need. Get started today by calling us at Southern ENT Associates to schedule a visit with one of our outstanding providers.
Our clinics are located in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Morgan City, New Iberia, and Youngsville, Louisiana.