Common Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis to Watch Out For

Sinus pain can sometimes be disruptive enough to prevent you from moving through your daily routines. If you experience frequent or ongoing sinus inflammation and infections, you may have a condition called chronic sinusitis. 

Help is available through the care of Steven D. Kushnick, MD, at his practice in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City. Here’s what you need to know about sinusitis and common symptoms that signal it’s time to see a specialist to get relief.

What is sinusitis and when is it considered chronic?

Your sinuses are four pairs of interconnected open spaces located between your eyes and your nose. These sinus cavities secrete mucus, which helps to humidify the air you breathe in before it reaches your lungs. Mucus also helps trap dirt, pollutants, dust, and bacteria as it enters your airways.

Sinusitis develops when the tissues within your sinuses become inflamed. The common cold is a leading cause of sinusitis, but bacteria, fungi, allergies, and other viruses can also cause a sinus infection and the resulting inflammation. 

Chronic sinusitis is defined as infection or inflammation that persists for 12 weeks or longer. 

Know the symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Understanding the signs of chronic sinusitis can help you decide when to take action and seek treatment. Sinus pain is perhaps the most common symptom. Your pain can be located around your forehead, eyes, nose, or cheeks. It might feel like a persistent ache, or a sensation of tenderness. The discomfort might worsen when you bend over or move around. 

Excess nasal mucus is another leading symptom of sinusitis. Your nose can feel congested or clogged, and you may see a tinge of yellow or green when you blow your nose. It may be more difficult to breathe normally. Mucus might begin draining down the back of your throat, a condition called postnasal drip. 

Additional signs of sinusitis include:

• Ear pain
• Coughing
• Aching teeth
• Sore throat
• Changes in your ability to smell or taste
• Bad breath
• Persistent tiredness

If you experience symptoms that linger for weeks, you might have chronic sinusitis. Issues like a weakened immune system, asthma, allergies, nasal polyps, or even a tooth infection can lead to chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis is treatable, but don’t wait to seek help

When you see Dr. Kushnick for sinus care, you have access to the very latest diagnostic and treatment technology. There are numerous ways to treat chronic sinusitis, and your treatment path depends on your symptoms and what’s causing the inflammation. 

For example, if you have nasal polyps, injectable medication can help reduce their size and ease discomfort. If allergies are causing sinus problems, allergy medications or immunotherapy can bring relief. Some people need a course of antibiotics to combat infection. Nasal corticosteroids in the form of nasal sprays can prevent or reduce swelling.

In some cases, surgical tissue alteration is the best way to open up your sinuses and remove problematic tissue. Dr. Kushnick performs these procedures endoscopically, using very small incisions and surgical tools. 

It’s important to seek treatment early if you suspect you have chronic sinusitis. Allowing an infection to linger can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness if the infection spreads to your eye socket. 

An untreated infection can also move into the membranes and fluid that protect your spinal cord and brain. This is meningitis, and while it’s rare, it is potentially deadly. 

If you live in Brooklyn, you have access to outstanding ENT care. Booking a visit with Steven D. Kushnick, MD, is as simple as a quick phone call or a few moments online, so don’t delay reaching out for help if you experience persistent sinus pain or other symptoms of chronic sinusitis.