long lasting sinus

Overview

Long-lasting sinusitis (also called chronic sinusitis) is a condition where the lining of your sinuses stays swollen and inflamed for 12 weeks or longer, even with treatment. The sinuses are small air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. When they are healthy, they drain mucus and air freely. When they are inflamed, mucus can build up and cause discomfort.

Yes, chronic sinusitis is very common. It affects millions of people around the world and is one of the main reasons people see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in adults. You are more likely to have it if you have asthma, allergies, nasal polyps, a weak immune system, or if you smoke.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Stuffy or blocked nose that lasts a long time
• Thick, yellow or green mucus from your nose or down the back of your throat
• Pain, pressure, or a dull ache in your cheeks, forehead, or around your eyes
• Reduced sense of smell and sometimes taste
• Headache that feels worse when you bend forward
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• A cough, often worse at night
• Feeling tired or generally unwell

Symptoms in children

• A long-lasting runny or stuffy nose
• Cough that gets worse at night
• Irritability or fussiness
• Snoring or breathing through the mouth
• Ear pain or a feeling of pressure in the face

Symptoms in older adults

• Often fewer obvious symptoms like facial pain
• May just feel tired, weak, or have a persistent cough
• Could have confusion or dizziness that is not explained by other conditions
• May not notice a reduced sense of smell as much

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, like a cold, that damage the sinus lining and cause long-term swelling
• Bacterial infections that develop after a viral cold or flu
• Allergies, such as hay fever, which cause persistent inflammation in the nose and sinuses
• Nasal polyps (soft, non-cancerous growths) that block sinus drainage
• A deviated septum, which is a crooked wall between the two sides of your nose that narrows the passage

Risk factors

• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever or year-round allergies)
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Air pollution or strong chemicals
• Dental infection in the upper teeth
• A weakened immune system from certain medical conditions or medicines

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Symptoms that last more than 10 days without getting better
• Symptoms that are severe, like high fever, face swelling, or severe headache
• Sudden worsening of symptoms after they were starting to improve

Book a routine appointment if:

• Nasal congestion and facial pressure that last for more than 12 weeks
• Symptoms that keep coming back, such as two or more sinus infections in a year
• Loss of smell that does not go away
• Symptoms that affect your daily life, sleep, or concentration

Diagnosis

A doctor, often an ear, nose, and throat specialist, will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and what makes them better or worse. They will look inside your nose using a small lighted camera to check for swelling, blockages, or polyps. They may also tap tender areas on your face.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal endoscopy: a thin, flexible tube with a camera is placed into your nose to see the inside of the sinuses
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, if the diagnosis is unclear or if treatment is not working
• Allergy testing to check for triggers like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
• A swab from your nose to check for infection if a bacterial or fungal cause is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is usually quick. The camera may feel strange but should not be very painful. A CT scan is painless and takes a few minutes. You will likely get an explanation of what the doctor sees and a discussion about options that fit your situation.

Treatment

Treatment for long-lasting sinusitis focuses on reducing swelling, keeping your sinuses draining, and managing any underlying causes such as allergies or asthma. Many people need a combination of self-care and medical treatment. The plan is personal to you.

Self-care at home

• Use a saline (salt water) rinse or spray to clear mucus and moisten your nasal passages
• Place a warm, damp cloth over your face to help ease pain and pressure
• Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or a warm shower to help loosen mucus
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom to keep the air moist
• Get enough rest, especially when symptoms flare

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend a steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation in the sinuses. Saline washes are also commonly advised. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed. For people with allergies, antihistamine tablets or allergy shots (immunotherapy) may help. These are general approaches — a doctor will decide what is safe and appropriate for you, and will discuss any possible side effects. If treatments do not help, a doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further management.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only considered when symptoms continue despite good medical treatment, or if there is a structural problem such as a blocked sinus opening. The most common surgery is functional endoscopic sinus surgery, where a surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera to open up the sinus passages and improve drainage. This helps mucus move out more easily and can reduce the number of infections.

Living with this condition

Living with chronic sinusitis can be tiring and frustrating, but with a steady routine it can become more manageable. Work with your doctor to find a daily habit that keeps your symptoms at bay. It may take time to find what works best for you.

Lifestyle tips

• Rinse your nose daily with saline if your doctor advises it
• Avoid allergy triggers like pollen, dust, and pet hair when you can
• Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
• Use a humidifier in dry climates or in winter
• Wash your hands often to reduce the chance of catching infections

Diet and exercise

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep mucus thin. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support your immune system. Gentle exercise, like walking or cycling, may help your sinuses drain and improve your mood. Avoid swimming in heavily chlorinated pools if the chemicals irritate your nose.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with constant pressure, tiredness, and reduced smell can wear you down emotionally. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low at times. Your feelings matter — speak to your doctor if someone who has not been diagnosed? No, mental health impact is ours. Let me craft: 'It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low at times. These feelings can affect your sleep and energy. If sinusitis is affecting your mood or quality of life, talk to your doctor. You are not alone, and support is available.'

Prevention

You cannot always prevent chronic sinusitis, but you can lower your risk. Avoid allergy triggers, keep your nose moist, wash your hands regularly, and treat colds and allergies early. If you smoke, getting help to stop can significantly reduce your risk.

Vaccines

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine, can help reduce respiratory infections that sometimes lead to sinusitis. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for chronic sinusitis. It is diagnosed when you see a doctor because of ongoing symptoms. If you have frequent sinus infections, your doctor may check for underlying causes like allergies or polyps.

Complications

If left untreated

• Rare but serious: the infection spreads beyond the sinuses to the eye, the tissue around the brain, or the bloodstream
• Permanent loss or reduction of smell
• Respiratory problems such as asthma attacks that are harder to control
• Mucus buildup can form a mucocele, a fluid-filled sac that may block a sinus cavity

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most people with long-lasting sinusitis find significant relief. It may take a combination of treatments, a few adjustments, and some patience. The outlook is generally positive, and you can live a full and active life with the right support and treatment plan.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.