Chronic sinusitis can lead to headaches, congestion, facial pain, earaches and other symptoms. | Wikimedia Commons
Chronic sinusitis can lead to headaches, congestion, facial pain, earaches and other symptoms. | Wikimedia Commons
Those who are struggling with inflammation of the sinuses might not just be dealing with a cold or allergies; it could be chronic sinusitis and require the assistance of a specialist.
According to the American Sinus Institute, about 37 million Americans suffer from at least one bout of acute nasal inflammation each year. Nasal inflammation is swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses and is also known as sinusitis. The inflammation blocks the air passageways and causes mucus to increase and potentially cause an infection. This can be brought on by the common cold, a deviated septum or a shift in the nasal cavity.
“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses,” physician assistant Diana Ruiloba of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told SE Valley Times. “This is important to note. As inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for the sinuses to function optimally. Over time, chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect quality of life.”
Ruiloba said treating sinusitis can have a significant financial impact, as there are multiple over-the-counter medications, steroids and other treatments that need to be purchased. She added that flareups can oftentimes lead to people needing to take time off from work or school, adding to the financial burden.
The American Sinus Institute says there are four types of nasal inflammation: acute, sub-acute, chronic and recurrent. Acute nasal inflammation comes on suddenly and causes pain that can last between two and four weeks. Sub-acute inflammation can last up to eight weeks. Chronic nasal inflammation has the same characteristics as the other types but can last eight weeks or more. Recurrent inflammation involves several attacks repeatedly throughout a year.
According to the American Sinus Institute, about 37 million Americans suffer from at least one bout of acute nasal inflammation each year.
Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers has an online sinus quiz for those who want to evaluate their symptoms.
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