Chronic Sinus Infections: Could You Have Them?

NY SINUS CENTER STAFF DEC 9, 2011 1:01 PM

You’ve been there before: nasal congestion, pain or swelling around the eyes, thick yellow or green mucus discharge. If your sinusitis symptoms won’t go away, you could be dealing with a more advanced problem called a chronic sinus infection.

Chronic sinus infections are defined by swelling or inflammation of the nasal passages that lingers for 12 weeks or longer, in spite of treatment efforts. Besides facial pain and breathing trouble, other symptoms can include bad breath, ear pain, a sore throat and nausea.

A number of factors can lead to chronic sinus infections:

• Facial trauma
• Allergies (including hay fever)
• Deviated nasal septum
• Enlarged tonsils
• Nasal polyps
• Respiratory infections
• Intranasal cocaine use
• Other conditions (such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes or HIV)

If you’re dealing with chronic sinusitis, then you might feel helpless to make the symptoms go away. But it’s wise to see a doctor for the condition to avoid possibly serious complications like these:

• Asthma attacks
• Blood clots
• Vision trouble or blindness
• Stroke
• Meningitis

With proper care, a chronic sinus infection can be managed. Treatment options range from nasal spray to antibiotics to allergy shots, with additional home remedies and sleeping techniques recommended to help you recover more quickly. Surgery might be considered in extreme cases, but many patients discover that alternate options work best.

We want you to feel better quickly, and we’re always here to discuss ways to boost your health. Call us for a consultation anytime about a chronic sinus infection. We’re here to help.

Similar Posts:

• Is My Sinus Infection Making Me Tired?
• My Sinus Infection Won’t Go Away. What Do I Do?
• What You Can Do About Sphenoid Sinusitis

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