What Is Chronic Sinusitis
When an individual is experiencing swollen and inflamed areas in the spaces between their nose and head that are not relieved even if treated, this is known as chronic sinusitis. These symptoms have to be experienced for at least three months. If the treatment is effective and cures the sinusitis before the three-month mark, it is not considered chronic sinusitis. Individuals who have chronic sinusitis will have difficulty breathing through their noses. It is difficult to breathe through their nose because the nasal cavity becomes filled with mucus. Chronic sinusitis may also cause the area around an individual’s eyes to become swollen and feel tender. Chronic sinusitis can affect both children and adults. It is caused by the swelling of the sinuses, nasal polyps, or infection of the sinuses.
Signs And Symptoms Of Chronic Sinusitis
There are signs and symptoms that individuals can look out for to help them determine if they are suffering from chronic sinusitis. Individuals would not have a good sense of smell and food would taste different. They will have a runny nose and the discharge coming from the nose will be thick. The individual will also have nasal inflammation. It will be difficult to breathe through the nose. An individual may experience pain in the forehead, cheeks, eyes, and nose. They may also have postnasal drainage and what this is is drainage going down the back of the throat. Other symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis are headache, fatigue, ear pain, bad breath, and sore throat.
If you are an individual who has the symptoms of sinusitis and you have tried different home remedies that have not been effective, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you are an individual who has had the symptoms of sinusitis for more than ten days, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. There are specific symptoms of sinusitis that an individual should be aware of because if these symptoms occur, they should see a doctor immediately. The symptoms that call for an individual to see a doctor immediately are a stiff neck, swelling around the eyes, redness around the eyes, forehead swelling, confusion, double vision, and severe headache.
How To Prevent Or Reduce The Risk Of Chronic Sinusitis
Individuals can reduce or prevent themselves from contracting chronic sinusitis by practicing frequent and thorough hand-washing. Individuals should avoid having contact with people who have active upper respiratory infections such as a cold. If an individual has allergies, they should manage them effectively because if they do this, it can also prevent them from contracting chronic sinusitis. If an individual smokes, they should stop and they should also try not to inhale secondhand smoke. The reason why is because cigarette smoke or any type of polluted air irritates the lungs and nasal passages and can lead to chronic sinusitis.