Chronic Sinus Infection

Having a sudden onset sinus infection is bad enough; but, the majority of people with allergies and related illnesses also suffer from chronic sinus infection.  Thus, it becomes a lifelong medical condition.  Individuals have to be constantly vigilant, when it comes to their sinuses, so they can prevent flair ups and recognize the symptoms of an impending infection, before it causes debilitating symptoms.

Chronic Causes

For patients with chronic sinus infections, the pain and discomfort can adversely affect their quality of life for months at a time.  The sinuses are resistant to any treatment efforts, and it seems like the symptoms will never go away.  Sufferers may feel like they keeps tissue companies in business, because they are always blowing their noses.  In addition, they likely have ever-present pain and swollen sensations around their sinus cavities.  Frequent headaches are also a common complaint.

Chronic sinus infection can be debilitating.  It makes it difficult to concentrate and go about daily living.  Many people simply want to close their eyes and go to bed, where they can suffer in peace.  However, knowing the causes will help doctors know how to treat the sinuses and hopefully get rid of the chronic pain.  The cause may be:

• Infections
• Deviated septum
• Nasal polyps

Infections

The first thing most people think, when they start suffering the symptoms of sinus trouble is that they have another infection.  So, they make an appointment to see the doctor, so he/she can prescribe medicine that will make them feel better in a day or two.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  Sinus infections may be due to a virus or fungus, which will not be helped by antibiotics.  If it is a bacterial infection, a prescription should help; but, virus related infections basically need the home remedies used for anyone with a cold or the flu.  Conversely, fungal infections may require minor surgery to promote healing.

Deviated Septum

People who suffer from chronic sinus infection often have other underlying health concerns that adversely affect the sinuses natural function to drain properly.  For example, a patient may have a deviated septum.  The septum is that piece of cartilage that separates the two nostrils.  If it is misaligned and leans one way or the other, it can reduce proper drainage of the sinuses, which, in turn, promotes infection.  Fortunately, this problem can usually be surgically corrected.  Then, the chronic sinus infections become only an unpleasant memory.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths that stem from the sinus membranes.  While they are usually not tender, they can prevent the sinuses from draining properly, and ultimately cause infection. To get rid of these obstructions to good nasal health, a doctor will generally prescribe one of three treatment options:

1. Steroids
2. Topic ointments
3. Surgical removal

Naturally, it depends on the polyps and the level of discomfort suffered by the patient.

Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic sinus infection are almost the same as acute or sudden onset of an infection.  The differences are in the fever and the duration of the sinus trouble. Generally acute sinusitis will be accompanied by a temperature; but, once treated, the symptoms will go away.
Conversely, chronic sinusitis can last for months, and include any or all of the following symptoms:

• Yellow or greenish drainage
• Pain and swelling of the sinuses
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced ability to taste or smell
• Difficulty breathing through a clogged nose
• Coughing
• Ear pain
• Aching teeth and jaws
• Bad breath
• Sore throat from the drainage
• Upset stomach

Sometimes the symptoms can cause serious health risks.  So, it is extremely important to see a doctor right away if there is shortness of breath, double-vision, visible swelling around the eyes and face, forehead swelling, terrible headache, or a stiff neck that cannot be attributed to sleeping in a chair, in order to breathe easier at night.

Treatment

The treatment for chronic sinus infection depends upon the underlying causes for the continued illness.  For instance, people with allergies are also likely to suffer from chronic sinus trouble.  Once the allergy is under control, the sinus trouble will also abate. 

Although the doctor may prescribe treatment for various underlying causes, there are many home remedies and lifestyle changes that will also promote better sinus health and reduce the severity of the symptoms. For some, it might require alterations to the environment, such as more humidity or filters for air vents.  It may also mean less alcohol and more water in the system, or a change in diet to reduce the foods and beverages that cause the body to create more mucus. Living with chronic sinus infection is possible, once the root causes are dealt with, and the beginning symptoms are addressed, before they get out of control.