Chronic sinusitis is a common condition in which the cavities around nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen. Chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or longer despite treatment attempts.

Also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, this condition interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. If you have chronic sinusitis, it may be difficult to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face may feel swollen, and you may have throbbing facial pain or a headache.

Symptoms

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms, but acute sinusitis is a temporary infection of the sinuses often associated with a cold. At least two of the following signs and symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis:

1)Drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat
2)Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
3)Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
4)Reduced sense of smell and taste
5)Other signs and symptoms can include:
6)Ear pain
7)Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
8)Cough, which may be worse at night
9)Sore throat
10)Bad breath (halitosis)
11)Fatigue or irritability
12)Nausea

Causes

1)Nasal polyps or tumors
2)Allergic reactions
3)Deviated nasal septum
4)Trauma to the face
5)Other medical conditions
6)Respiratory tract infections
7)Allergies such as hay fever
8)Immune system cells

Western Medicine Treatment

1)Saline nasal spray
2)Nasal corticosteroids.
3)Oral or injected corticosteroids.
4)Decongestants
5)Over-the-counter pain
6)Aspirin desensitization
7)Antibiotics

Adopted from Wei Laboratories, Inc.