13 signs of painful chronic sinusitis you should be aware of

Chronic Sinusitis

Do you feel like every time you turn around, you’re getting another sinus infection?  Are you constantly complaining about sinus pain and discomfort? You may have a condition known as chronic sinusitis. Nearly 30 million American adults suffer from sinusitis, so you are not alone. 

At ExcelENT of Alabama, we understand that these ongoing sinus challenges can be frustrating and cause you to miss school, work, or other important occasions. 

Learn more about what chronic sinusitis is, the signs that you may suffer from chronic sinusitis, and the treatment options available. 

What is chronic sinusitis? 

Chronic sinusitis is persistent sinus swelling that interferes with the way your mucus drains, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. When the sinuses are chronically inflamed, they trap mucus, making your sinuses more susceptible to bacteria growth and infection.

Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by conditions such as sinus infections, allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. 

Does this condition sound familiar? The signs below may help you confirm that you suffer from chronic sinusitis. 

13 signs you suffer from chronic sinusitis

Common signs of chronic sinusitis include: 

1. Congestion or “fullness” in the face
2. Blockage in one or both nasal passages
3. Fever
4. Runny nose
5. Discolored postnasal drainage (drainage at the back of your throat)
6. Pus in the nasal cavity
7. Headaches
8. Fatigue
9. Ear pain
10. Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
11. Cough or throat clearing
12. Sore throat
13. Bad breath

Suffering from two or more of these symptoms typically indicates you have chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis are often confused because they share similar signs and symptoms. The main difference is that acute sinusitis is temporary and often associated with a cold. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, the signs and symptoms listed above could potentially last at least 12 weeks.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment Options

Treating chronic sinusitis can be challenging. It often requires a combination of several methods, such as nasal irrigation, decongestants, and antibiotics. Some chronic sinusitis treatments you can even do at home for short-term relief, such as a saline rinse, over-the-counter pain medications, and nasal sprays, but sometimes you need the help of a professional to get rid of chronic sinusitis for good.

If home remedies and medication do not provide relief, we may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty. Every patient is different, so it is important to schedule a sinus evaluation to determine your condition’s best treatment option.

Fortunately, there are many minimally invasive sinus treatment options on the market today, and Dr. Davis is a leading expert on how to get you back on your feet with just a small amount of downtime.

We’re passionate about sinuses!

The team at ExcelENT of Alabama is passionate about sinus health and helping patients breathe better. If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis, get in touch with Dr. Davis. He will get you feeling better in no time! Call 205-988-6858 or schedule an appointment here.

People Also Ask

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is persistent sinus swelling that interferes with normal mucus drainage, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. When the sinuses stay inflamed, they trap mucus, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth and infection. It can be brought on by sinus infections, allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.

What are the signs that I might have chronic sinusitis?

Common signs include facial congestion or fullness, blockage in one or both nasal passages, fever, runny nose, discolored postnasal drainage, pus in the nasal cavity, headaches, fatigue, ear pain, aching in the upper jaw and teeth, cough or throat clearing, sore throat, and bad breath. Experiencing two or more of these typically points to chronic sinusitis.

How many symptoms do I need to have before it’s likely chronic sinusitis?

Suffering from two or more of the common signs — such as facial congestion, discolored drainage, headaches, and fatigue — typically indicates chronic sinusitis rather than a routine cold or occasional sinus irritation.

How is chronic sinusitis different from acute sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis share similar symptoms, but acute sinusitis is temporary and often tied to a cold, usually clearing up on its own. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when those same signs and symptoms last at least 12 weeks.

How common is chronic sinusitis?

It’s very common, nearly 30 million American adults suffer from sinusitis, so persistent sinus pain and recurring infections are far from rare.

What causes chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by sinus infections, allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum — all of which contribute to ongoing inflammation that blocks normal sinus drainage.

What should I do if I think I have chronic sinusitis?

If you recognize two or more of the common signs, especially if they’ve lasted 12 weeks or longer. It’s worth having an ENT specialist evaluate you. At ExcelENT of Alabama, our specialists can identify the underlying cause and build a personalized treatment plan rather than just managing symptoms.