A runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and facial sinus pressure — these lingering, unwelcome symptoms not only impact the way you feel, but also likely indicate a more serious problem than your common cold or allergies. Recurring or chronic sinus infections where you have more than three sinus infections per year or one chronic infection lasting more than three months causes the spaces inside your nose (sinuses) to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to drainage, mucus build-up, loss of smell, difficulty breathing, facial pain or a headache.
Understanding the causes of recurring or chronic sinus problems and when to seek relief from a health care provider can help better manage frequency of your sinus issues or how to avoid them all together.
Dr. Omar Ahmed, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Houston Methodist Hospital, says it’s common to see the cold virus leading to sinus infections, but there are also other causes many don’t realize could also be triggering sinus problems, such as underlying allergies, tooth infections, and increased pollution exposure.
“When you have prolonged inflammation of your sinus membranes, or chronic sinusitis, it can cause drainage issues, leading to severe impairment in quality of life including higher rates of depression, sleep disturbances, exercise intolerance, and decreased ability to breathe through your nose,” said Ahmed. “All of that pressure and mucus build-up causing inflammation, leads to germs being trapped and worsens the problem, leaving you feeling miserable.”
Causes for sinus infections
The cold virus, which settles into the sinuses and causes inflammation, is the most frequent culprit of acute sinusitis. Certain conditions like allergies or environmental pollutants, asthma, respiratory infections, weakened immune systems, nasal anatomy such as a deviated septum, or tooth infections also can be contributing factors for recurring infections, so it’s important that patients are evaluated to address not just the sinusitis symptoms, but the cause.
“If you are experiencing three or four sinus infections a year or prolonged sinus symptoms lasting more than three months, that’s a sign you may have a more serious problem, and some treatment options like antibiotics, which can impact your natural biome and good bacteria, may not be the best option for you anymore,” said Ahmed. “Connecting with an ENT specialist for a comprehensive evaluation can help tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you, especially if you’re having recurring symptoms that may require diagnostic testing such a mucous culture, allergy scan or a CT scan of the sinuses.”
Treatment for chronic sinusitis
A combination of the following treatments may solve or alleviate sinus infections or congestion:
- Home remedies: using a saline rinse regularly, inhaling warm water vapor, applying a warm compress and staying hydrated.
- Medications: over-the-counter products like a nasal spray and nasal decongestants may help with stuffiness. Antibiotics prescribed by your physician can help fight bacterial infections or topical or oral decongestants may ease sinus pressure.
- Office procedures: procedures to treat both recurring or chronic sinusitis may be recommended. Balloon sinuplasty, turbinate reduction or ablation to the nerves of the nose are just a few options that your ENT specialist may suggest based on the severity of your symptoms.
- Surgery: sinus surgery may be recommended to open up the nasal passages
Comprehensive care and relief
If you’re suffering from sinus pain, schedule an appt with a specialist who can help explore different treatment options to ease your symptoms. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ent-central for more information, or to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor, call 713.441.1ENT (1368).
