Chronic sinusitis can significantly affect your health, well-being, and quality of life. You could suffer from chronic sinusitis if your sinus infection lasts longer than 12 weeks. You do not have to live with endless pain and severe congestion. At Specialists In Otolaryngology: Howard Berg, MD in West Orange, NJ , we diagnose and treat chronic sinusitis using innovative, customized treatment plans to meet your needs and achieve long-term relief.

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What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the tissues lining the sinus cavities. Chronic sinusitis or chronic rhino sinusitis is a long-lasting infection or inflammation of the sinus typically lasting over 12 weeks despite treatment. The sinus has four paired spaces or cavities in the head connected by narrow channels. 

The four spaces are named after the bones near them: ethmoidal, sphenoidal, frontal, and maxillary. The sinuses produce thin mucus that drains out of the nose channels keeping the nose clean and free of bacteria. Chronic sinusitis is a common condition that interferes with mucus drainage leading to a stuffy nose and swollen or tender eyes. The condition can affect both children and adults.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

  • Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
  • Pressure and pain in the face around the eyes, nose, throat, and forehead
  • Post nasal drip (drainage down the back of the throat)
  • Stuffy nose or nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge)
  • Headache and ear pain 
  • Tooth pain and jaw soreness
  • Throat clearing or cough and sneezing
  • Tiredness
  • Fever 
  • Bad breath (Halitosis)
  • Difficulty sleeping due to nasal congestion
  • Difficulty smelling or tasting food and drinks
  • Dry or hardened mucus blocking your nasal passages

Causes of Chronic Sinusitis

Various factors cause Chronic sinusitis, including: 

  • An infection in the nose, lungs, or windpipe caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses causing inflammation and nasal congestion
  • Nasal polyps (tissue growth in the nose) block the sinuses and make breathing difficult
  • Swelling in the lining of the sinuses
  • An allergic reaction, especially hay fever or environmental allergies, can inflame the nasal passages
  • A deviated septum which minimizes air flow in the nostrils

Other underlying factors that cause chronic sinusitis include:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a digestive tract disease
  • Asthma: causes chronic inflammation in the airways
  • Cystic fibrosis: the buildup of mucus in the body 
  • HIV: causes a weak immune system