Although you may be aware of acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis, do you know the difference between them.   Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the small cavities in the skull that are normally filled with air.   These cavities normally produce mucus, which helps to keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and pollutants .  An inflammation in these cavities causes swelling, trapping mucus and increases pressure inside them leading to pain. Clogged nasal passages can also lead to a bacterial infection .

While acute sinusitis may last for maybe four weeks, chronic sinusitis can last twelve weeks or more and may still linger for years afterward.   The causes of chronic sinusitis are hard define although the initial onset might result from a cold or allergies.   As allergens like pollen dust and mold are breathed in, they cause irritation in the nose and the sinus cavities.   Studies have linked chronic sinusitis with an immune response from fungi in the nose.   Asthma sufferers are more likely to have chronic sinusitis as well.   In rare cases, chronic sinusitis results from defects in the structure like a growth of the nasal passages.  A growth can block the sinuses and prevent them from draining normally .   Another cause of chronic sinusitis might be air pollutants. In breathing pollutants, the body’s natural response to protect itself can further irritate those already sensitive cavities   causing more mucus and producing additional blockage in the nasal passages.

Unfortunately, chronic sinusitis can be difficult to treat successfully.  Antibiotics may be used but still after extended use symptoms may continue after treatment has finished.   Decongestants and nasal atomizers can also be used in order to relieve and control symptoms.   Although, nasal spray users should be mindful that they have side effects.   Steroids in nasal sprays can result in nosebleeds.   The safety of using the nasal sprays long-term is unknown but, it is thought that they can lead to diabetes, cataracts or thinning of the bones.   Decongestants also have been associated with difficulty in sleeping and apnea and could raise the blood pressure.   Other remedies like steam inhalation have been used to help reduce inflamed sinuses and open sinus cavities.   Also, chronic sufferers have used saline solutions to irrigate the nasal canals .   These solutions are very effective at decreasing the pain and pressure of congested sinuses.

A surprising fact is that 40 million people in the United States suffer from sinus infection every year.   Those who think they have chronic sinusitis should see a doctor to get the condition diagnosed properly .   While treatment of sinusitis may last for a while, it is better to start treatment as soon as possible  – symptoms like a post nasal drip, stuffiness, pain, pressure and a reduced ability to smells can be relieved. frequently chronic sinus sufferers must continue treatment for months to relieve symptoms and to prevent recurrence of the inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities.