Chronic Sinusitis
Description
Chronic sinusitis is when the cavities around your nose and face (the sinuses) stay inflamed for 12 weeks or more, even after trying to treat them. Common symptoms include a blocked or stuffy nose, thick nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, and often a reduced sense of smell. Causes can include infections, allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues in the nose, and it can affect sleep and daily activities. In India, you may start with a visit to a primary health centre or a government hospital, and an ENT doctor can help identify the cause and guide further care. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a qualified doctor or local healthcare provider in India for a personalized evaluation.
Common Symptoms
- Nasal obstruction or stuffiness
- Facial pressure or pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
- Thick, discolored nasal discharge (pus-like mucus)
- Reduced or loss of sense of smell
- Postnasal drip and throat irritation
- Chronic cough, often worse at night
- Fatigue or a general feeling of congestion
- Bad breath (halitosis) or a persistent sense of nasal fullness
Note: This is general information. If symptoms last more than 12 weeks or recur frequently, please consult a doctor in India—such as a doctor at a Primary Health Centre (PHC), district hospital, or ENT clinic—for a proper evaluation.
Causes
Chronic sinusitis is persistent inflammation of the sinus linings that lasts 12 weeks or more, often due to blocked drainage pathways.
Risk factors include allergic rhinitis and asthma, which cause nasal swelling and mucus buildup.
Structural problems such as a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps can block drainage and contribute.
Smoking, air pollution, exposure to indoor smoke, and frequent upper respiratory infections raise the risk.
Immune issues, dental infections in the upper jaw, and sometimes fungal factors may play a role; if you have symptoms, consult a doctor or ENT specialist in India for evaluation.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle measures such as regular saline nasal irrigation, keeping the air humid, avoiding smoke and other irritants, staying hydrated, and managing allergies can help.
Medications commonly used include intranasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antihistamines if allergies are present, and analgesics for pain; antibiotics are used only if a clinician suspects a bacterial flare.
Short-term relief may come from decongestants, but they should not be used for a long period without doctor’s advice.
Diagnosis is usually made by an ENT specialist, with nasal endoscopy and imaging like a CT scan if symptoms persist; allergy testing may be used in selected cases.
For some people, procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty are considered after medical therapy; these services are available at many government and private hospitals in India, with post-op care guided by the treating ENT. Always consult a qualified doctor in India for personal medical decisions.