Chronic Sinusitis
It sounds like you have chronic sinus inflammation. And that isn’t easy to kick to the curb. A typical sinus infection lasts about 10 days. The inflammation from chronic sinusitis takes those symptoms to a new level and can last for 12 weeks or more. And while it’s not a serious illness, it can make you feel lousy. And even have terrible breath.
If you think you have chronic sinusitis, it’s likely not going anywhere without treatment. At Cleveland Clinic, we’ll help you figure out what’s causing your condition and the best way to treat it — so it doesn’t keep hanging around.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Chronic Sinusitis Care?
Caring approach:
Not feeling well? Worried about tests and treatment? Our team is here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions every step of the way. We provide compassionate care from the moment you contact us. Meet our team.
Patient-centered care:
When you come to Cleveland Clinic, you’re at the center of everything we do. You’re always involved in decisions about your care. We focus on your needs, working with you to create a highly personalized care plan.
Innovation and research:
Our researchers work hard to discover new and improved ways to test, treat and care for patients. We want everyone, now and in the future, to have access to the best and most effective care possible.
Minimally invasive options:
Chronic sinusitis can be uncomfortable. It can also be tough to treat. We try to use minimally invasive therapies like balloon sinuplasty if appropriate. This can lessen recovery time and help you feel more like yourself again.
Virtual visits:
Need a quick check-in with your provider but don’t feel up to making the trip to their office? We’ve got you covered. Our virtual visits let you meet with them one-on-one without leaving the comfort of your home.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Diagnosing Chronic Sinusitis at Cleveland Clinic
Allergies, viruses or bacterial or fungal infections can cause regular sinusitis. So can a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Sinusitis inflames and irritates the hollow spaces around your eyes, nose and forehead (sinus cavities). This can create pressure and tenderness. You may also have yellow or green mucus clogging your nose and running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip). This can cause a nonstop tickle and frequent coughing.
Most sinus infections last about 10 days. But not everyone can shake it that quickly. Instead, the infection causes more inflammation. This can be hard to treat — and last for months.
That’s chronic sinusitis. It has the same symptoms as a short-term sinus infection, but they’re even more severe. And they stick around without getting better. You may also have toothaches, headaches and ear pain. It’s not unusual to feel tired. The infection might even cause you to lose your sense of taste or smell — or give you bad breath (halitosis).
So, if you’ve been feeling like this for 12 weeks (about three months) or longer, you’ll want to get things checked out by an experienced healthcare provider.
What to expect at your first visit
When you come to your appointment, don’t be surprised if your provider asks a lot of questions. Understanding your story is an important part of diagnosis and treatment. You’ll want to be prepared to answer questions like:
- What kind of symptoms have you noticed?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse?
- Do you have any new symptoms?
Next, your provider will do a physical exam. They’ll also order tests to help rule out other conditions (like a fungal infection or deviated septum). To pinpoint a diagnosis, you may have:
Meet Our Chronic Sinusitis Team
When diagnosing and treating your sinus infection, we put together a care team of expert providers focused on your needs. Your team may include:
- Otolaryngologists.
- Rhinologists (sinus specialists).
- Allergists.
- Radiologists.
- Pathologists.
This team works together to confirm your diagnosis, build a treatment plan and manage your care.
Providers Who Treat Chronic Sinusitis
Locations
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.Treating Chronic Sinusitis at Cleveland Clinic
No two people experience chronic sinusitis in the same way. So, that’s why you’ll have a care plan personalized to your specific diagnosis and needs. All treatments focus on keeping inflammation from getting worse, breaking up heavy mucus and helping you feel better.
Treatment without surgery
Often, your provider will have you try medical treatments like nasal irrigation or steroid sprays before talking about surgery. If you have a bacterial infection, you may also take antibiotics.
Your care team may have you combine these therapies with home treatment. Warm showers may ease sinus pressure. Getting extra rest is always good. And staying hydrated with water and other clear liquids can help break up mucus clogs.
Sinus surgery
When medication isn’t helping, your provider may decide to do sinus surgery. We try to use minimally invasive options as often as possible. There are several different kinds of sinus surgeries:
- Functional endoscopy sinus surgery (FESS): We widen the drainage passages by removing bone or infected tissue between your nose and sinuses. This helps clear trapped mucus.
- Balloon sinuplasty: Your provider opens your sinuses by inflating and deflating a balloon in them. They insert the balloon through a nostril using an endoscope and a thin tube (catheter). This procedure can be an alternative to FESS.
Most people recover from sinus surgery within a few days. But you might feel uncomfortable for a week or so after surgery. While some report that their problems go away quickly, it may take a few weeks or months for symptoms to improve.
Taking the Next Step
You don’t have to live with relentless sinus pain and congestion. Even a few weeks, let alone a few months, is a long time to feel that way. Cleveland Clinic’s chronic sinusitis experts are here for you. Our team will craft a personalized plan that focuses on your symptoms and the underlying causes. We’ll help you get back to feeling more like yourself as quickly as possible.
Appointments
Getting an appointment with one of our chronic sinusitis experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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