Do you have congestion, tenderness around the eyes and cheeks, and a reduced sense of smell? You might be one of 37 million Americans living with chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis is a common condition that causes the cavities around the nasal passages to become inflamed. Though it’s normal for sinuses to become inflamed from time to time, if your sinuses are inflamed for more than eight weeks, it could be considered a chronic sinus condition. There are a few conditions that can cause sinuses to become blocked for weeks at a time, including:
- Nasal Polyps – Nasal polyps are small tissue growths that might block the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Allergies – A lot of people who have allergic reactions to common ailments, such as pollen, mold, and ragweeds, might also experience chronic sinusitis symptoms.
- Deviated Septum – A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum is crooked. This can cause different issues, including difficulty breathing and chronic sinusitis.
- Trauma to the face – A broken facial bone could cause the sinuses to become blocked, which will eventually lead to recurring sinus problems.
- Complications from pre-existing medical conditions – Complications with conditions such as cystic fibrosis or other iimmune-system-relateddiseases may result in nasal blockage.
Are There Treatment Options for Chronic Sinusitis?
The treatment your ear, nose, and throat doctor chooses depends greatly on the cause of your sinusitis. The most common treatment options include:
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Decongestants
- Oral or injected corticosteroids
- Immunotherapy (Only if allergies are the cause)
- Surgery (If you have large nasal polyps that need to be removed)
The trained physicians at Madison ENT will help you find relief from chronic sinusitis. Call (212) 213-3339 to schedule an appointment with one of our ENTs. For more information, learn more about sinusitis in our health library.