Chronic sinusitis is a persistent inflammation of the sinuses, which are moist air spaces behind the bones of the upper face – between the eyes and behind the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Normally, sinuses drain through small openings into the inside of the nose. Any obstruction in this flow can lead to a buildup of mucus. Harvard Health offers comprehensive insights into sinusitis and its management.
One effective method for managing sinusitis symptoms is nasal irrigation, a practice of running water gently into the nasal passages to clear excess mucus and moisten membranes. Recommended times for this practice are in the morning and at night, coinciding with tooth brushing. Dr. Metson endorses this approach with the motto, “Brush then flush.” For more information, see Chronic Sinusitis (in Adults).
Chronic sinusitis, or chronic rhinosinusitis, is more severe than its acute counterpart. It is diagnosed when inflammation and swelling in the sinuses persist for more than three months. Causes can range from infections to nasal polyps or a deviated septum. For a detailed analysis, visit Sinusitis – Harvard Health.
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) can lead to sinusitis due to inflammation of the nasal passages, resulting in obstruction of the paranasal sinuses. This can trigger cycles of infection and inflammation. Allergic diseases also contribute to sinusitis by causing nasal tissue swelling and increased mucus production. To learn more about the distinction between chronic sinusitis and a stuffy nose, see the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include difficulty breathing through the nose, sleeping problems due to breathing discomfort, increased mucus, nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste, ear, upper jaw, and teeth pain, and post-nasal drip. For more information on treatment options and symptoms, consult University of Utah Health and Keck Medicine of USC.
For additional resources and patient guides on sinusitis, explore Stanford Medicine’s Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.