Sinusitis is medical condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages (known as sinuses and hence the name for this problem). This condition can be either acute or chronic, depending on the duration. Doctors usually say that someone suffers from chronic sinusitis when no treatment has been able to improve the situation for more than 12 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis provokes accumulation of mucus and these patients may have troubles breathing properly through the nose. This problem is often seen to be caused by some infection, nasal polyps or in people with deviated nasal septum. Patients suffering from chronic sinusitis can be of any age, but they are frequently young and middle aged adults.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Both acute and chronic forms of sinusitis have similar symptoms. To diagnose chronic sinusitis, doctors usually look for at least 2 of 4 main signs and symptoms associated with this condition.
Patients usually experience thick discharge from the nose or in the throat. Problem with the chronic sinusitis may also cause congestion or nasal obstruction leading to hard times when a person tries to breathe through the nose. Swelling, tenderness and pain of certain areas of the face, especially the eyes, cheeks, forehead or the nose are also frequently present in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis. Additionally, the patient could have decreased sense of smell and taste, due to this condition.
Some symptoms are the same as in acute cases of sinusitis, but many chronic patients reported them. Sore throat, bad breath (halitosis) and cough, especially bad at night may also accompany chronic sinusitis. Someone suffering from this condition may experience nausea, irritability or fatigue, as well as pains in the upper jaw and teeth and in the ears. Fever is rarely seen in chronic sinusitis.
Serious headaches, swelling of the forehead or around the eyes and pain felt around the eyes should be immediately resolved with some medical attention. Don’t wait to consult the doctor if you happen to experience confusion, shortness of breath, stiffness in the neck or some vision problems.
Chronic Sinusitis Remedies
Some simple steps at home may make your life more tolerable when suffering from chronic sinusitis. Make sure to rest properly and provide your body plenty of time to recuperate. Elevate the head during sleep to decrease congestion. Hydrate your body and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Warm compresses on the face and inhalation may also be beneficial. Rinsing of nasal passages is also something that many chronic sinusitis sufferers find helpful.
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