Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis
It is the inflammatory condition of the sinus lining; sinuses are present inside the nose and head. Chronic sinusitis is defined as swollen and inflamed condition for more than three months or more.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Thick nasal discharged
- Nasal inflammation
- Pain and tenderness around the sinuses
- Post nasal drippling
- Reduce sense of smell and taste
- Headache
Causes
Some general causes of sinusitis include:
- Respiratory tract infections increase the risk of sinus inflammation
- Allergies can also block the sinuses
- Deviated nasal septum also block the sinuses
- Nasal polyps due to the tissue overgrowth
- Other medical disease like cystic fibrosis
Complications
Complications due to sinusitis are uncommon but some are mention below:
- Infection may spread to the lining of brain and causes meningitis.
- Vision difficulties
Diagnosis
Diagnostic procedure includes:
- Physical examination of nose and sinuses
- Allergy test to check the cause of allergic reaction
- Imaging test like MRI and CT to see the detailed image of nose and sinuses from inside
- Culture test from nasal swab to check the causative organism
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Saline nasal drops
- Nasal corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation
- Oral steroids if symptoms are severe and does not reduce by nasal steroids drops.
- Aspirin desensitization treatment
- Antibiotics if it occurs due to any inflammation
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Mild to moderate disease treated with home remedies which include:
- Rinse out nasal passages with the help of nasal drops
- Take rest to reduce inflammatory symptoms
- Take steam to clear the nasal passage