According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, “Chronic sinusitis is chronic inflammation of the sinus or nasal passages occurring for more than 12 weeks at a time… [It] is diagnosed when at least two of the following four symptoms are present and occur for more than 12 weeks:
- Purulent drainage [white, yellow or brown discharge from the nose].
- Facial and/or dental pain.
- Nasal obstruction.
- Hyposmia [reduced sense of smell].”
Below we review some of the most common causes of this condition.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by some sort of respiratory tract infection. For example, the common cold can cause inflammation of the nose and sinuses, trapping fluid in the sinuses. Even if you clear the initial infection, a secondary bacterial infection can occur if bacteria begin to grow in this pooled mucus, resulting in chronic sinusitis.
Allergies
Your immune system works to protect your body from diseases, viruses and infections. But for those with allergies, their immune system mistakes harmless substances such as pollen at Franke Park, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, mold and insect stings as a dangerous intruder. An allergic reaction occurs when your body is exposed to one of these harmless substances, known as an allergen, and your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes your cells to release histamine. Histamine can increase your mucus production and causes inflammation, including within your sinuses.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, benign growths that can grow in the lining of the nose or sinuses when the mucous membranes experience changes, such as if they are inflamed for a long period of time or frequently. Inflammation leads to fluid-filled growths, which then turn into polyps. Because these nasal polyps can block the nasal passages and sinuses, it can result in fluid buildup and chronic sinusitis.
Deviated Nasal Septum
The septum is the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal cavity. When the septum is off-center, it is said to be deviated. A deviated septum can be congenital or caused by some sort of trauma. Like with nasal polyps, a deviated septum can restrict or block the nasal and sinus passageways, causing or worsening symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today.