How to Reduce Your Chronic Sinus Symptoms

Breathing is a complex process that requires multiple organs to work properly. Your nose and mouth are the first parts of the process where the air comes in. Your nose has sinus cavities that connect to your nasal passages, and they help to insulate against temperature changes, offer immunological defense, and provide resonance for your voice.

Unfortunately, they are prone to problems with infection and inflammation, which can lead to chronic issues that can make you feel miserable. However, these problems can be managed, so let’s have a look at the common causes of chronic sinus issues and see what can be done to treat them.

Residents of West Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, looking for relief from chronic sinus illnesses can get it from Dr. Shivan Amin and his medical team at Midtown ENT.

Common causes of chronic sinus conditions

Sinus infections or inflammation that lasts longer than 12 weeks (three months) are considered to be chronic, and several factors can cause that to happen:

Blockages: anything that obstructs your sinuses, whether it’s structural or from severe inflammation or mucus buildup (cystic fibrosis) can make it harder to breathe
Infections: a range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and even tooth infections can cause problems for your sinuses
Immune system problems: a weakened or otherwise compromised immune system makes you more vulnerable to infections and other things that affect sinuses
Polyps: these growths can develop in your sinuses and make passing air into your nasal passages more difficult
Allergies/asthma: allergic reactions can affect your sinuses in ways similar to a cold, and allergies can bring on asthma

Allergies and asthma, in particular, can increase your risks of chronic sinus issues, but some infections can also come back repeatedly. Common signs of persistent sinus issues include pressure or tenderness on the face (specifically around the nose, eyes, and forehead), colored mucus from postnasal drip, stuffy nose, toothache, headaches that make your face hurt, coughing, fatigue, and pain.

Prevention and treatment options

There are several options to reduce the signs of chronic sinus illnesses, like medications, nasal sprays, nasal irrigation, and surgery. There are a range of antibiotics that can help manage sinus infections, corticosteroids that can be inhaled to alleviate inflammation, and neti pots, saline sprays, and other nasal tools to flush the sinuses. Surgical options include removing polyps and balloon sinuplasty, which can gently restructure bones around the sinuses to make them clearer. If that isn’t effective, the sinuses can be removed.

Chronic sinus conditions can be frustrating to deal with, but Dr. Amin and his team can help you find relief for your specific needs. So, make an appointment today to breathe clearer and feel better.