Chronic Sinusitis

If you suffer from allergy-related chronic sinusitis you know how much misery comes from invisible particles of pollen and dust – especially in Central Oregon.

Symptoms & Causes

It’s good to recognize the common symptoms of sinusitis which include cough, sore throat, headache, fever, loss of smell and stuffy nose. These symptoms can occur when the mucus lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Often time home remedy is the best option because a virus must run its course. However, there are times when a trip to the doctor’s office is prudent. These times include when your symptoms don’t improve or they worsen within a few days, if you have a history of chronic sinusitis or a high fever.

Allergic sinusitis is a reaction to breathing in allergens such as dust, pollen, smoke and dander. If sinusitis doesn’t go away after a couple weeks or reoccurs throughout the year allergic chronic sinusitis is the likely diagnosis. Symptoms can include nasal congestion for more than two weeks, itchy eyes and nose, headache, tenderness, sleep problems and a reduced sense of smell and taste.

Diagnosis & Treatment

When you see your doctor he or she may perform a physical exam, nasal endoscopy, CT or MRI scan. The doctor might also take a sinus culture or perform allergy skin tests. Once your doctor is confident your symptoms are caused by allergies, he or she may offer treatment options such as immunotherapy allergy shots or drops, antibiotics, balloon sinuplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery. Other treatment options for symptom relief include home remedies such as nasal sprays, inhaling steam and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Prevention

Preventing sinusitis can be the best way to avoid the misery of the symptoms and treatments. Because sinusitis can be triggered by the common cold, do your best to wash your hands, blow your nose properly and sneeze into your shoulder rather than your hands. Avoiding cigarette smoke and polluted air also helps to keep your sinuses clean and infection free. Using a humidifier is also a good idea

Further reading