Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a condition of infection and congestion lasting more than 12 weeks, caused by inflammation of the nose and sinuses.
Sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nose that open into the nasal cavity.
When the sinuses, which normally moisturize and clean the inside of the nose with mucus production, become inflamed, chronic sinusitis occurs due to the inability to drain the mucus.
This condition manifests itself with symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, feeling of fullness in the facial area and negatively affects the quality of life.

Causes of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by many different reasons.
The main causes include the following:

Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa and blockage of the sinus passages.
Nasal Polyps Polyps that develop in the nasal cavity or sinuses can cause sinusitis by preventing mucus from flowing freely.
Nasal Bone Curvature (Septum Deviation): Curvature of the nasal septum can cause blockage of the sinus openings and accumulation of mucus.
Infections Frequent recurrent viral or bacterial upper respiratory tract infections can lead to inflammation of the sinuses.
Weak Immune System: People with a weak immune system may be more susceptible to sinusitis infections.
Smoking and Air Pollution: Cigarette smoke and air pollution can cause chronic sinusitis by irritating the lining of the sinuses.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be long-lasting and uncomfortable.
Common symptoms include:

Nasal Congestion: Nasal congestion occurs as a result of inflammation of the sinuses and accumulation of mucus.
Fullness and Pain in the Face: There is a feeling of fullness and pressure, especially in the forehead, cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Headache Fullness and congestion of the sinuses can cause pain, especially in the front of the head.
Post-nasal drip Post-nasal drip (post-nasal drip) occurs because the mucus in the nose cannot flow out.
Loss of Smell and Taste: Congestion in the sinuses can lead to a reduced sense of smell and taste.
Fatigue The constant discomfort of chronic sinusitis can lead to fatigue and poor sleep quality.

How is Chronic Sinusitis Diagnosed?

Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed based on the patient’s complaints and clinical findings.
The methods used in diagnosis are as follows:

Physical Examination: Endoscopic examination of the nose and sinuses examines intranasal structures, polyps, congestion and inflammation.
Imaging Methods: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to evaluate the structure, obstruction and inflammation of the sinuses in detail.
Allergy Tests: Allergy can be detected with skin or blood tests to determine whether chronic sinusitis is due to an allergic background.

Treatment Methods of Chronic Sinusitis

The treatment of chronic sinusitis depends on the cause of the disease, the symptoms and the general health of the patient.
Treatment methods include medication, surgical intervention and lifestyle changes.

1. Medication Therapy

Antibiotics In chronic sinusitis caused by bacterial infections, long-term antibiotic treatment can be applied.
Nasal Sprays: Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nose, relieving congestion and relieving symptoms.
Nasal irrigation with saline: Regular washing of the inside of the nose with saline (saline solution) helps to clear mucus and relieve congestion.
Allergy Medications: In case of sinusitis caused by allergic rhinitis, antihistamine and decongestant medications are used.

2. Surgical Treatment

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: In cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to drug treatment, endoscopic sinus surgery is applied.
In this method, sinus openings are widened and polyps are removed through small incisions made through the nose.
Normal drainage of the sinuses is ensured and symptoms are alleviated.
Removal of Polyps Polyps in the nose or sinuses are surgically removed.
Septoplasty Obstructions caused by curvature of the nasal septum are corrected with septoplasty surgery.

Ways to Prevent Chronic Sinusitis

To prevent chronic sinusitis, it can be helpful to make some lifestyle changes:

Cleaning the nose with salt water: Daily nasal irrigation with saline prevents mucus accumulation and sinus congestion.
Being in a humid environment: Keeping the humidity level of your environment between 40-60% prevents drying and inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Avoiding Allergens: If you have allergies, take care to minimize contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander.
Avoiding Cigarette Smoke: Cigarette smoke can trigger sinusitis by irritating the lining of the nose and sinuses.