Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that are the result of viral, bacteral, fungal, allergic or autoimmune diseases. The inflammation interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. Also known as rhinosinusitis and considered to be the same as nasal polyps but as a worst case senerio of rhinosinusitis. Rhino, meaning nose, and sinuses, the cavities in the skull can form nasal polyps (tissue swellings) that can obstruct the air passage ways of the nose. When the mucosal linning in the nasal cavity becomes infected the mucaosal glands start to secrete large amounts of mucus that fills the cavity. Chronic sinusitis is one of the four different subtypes which causes can vary due to the different conditions. The other three forms are acute, subacute, and recurrent acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is the most debilitating form that can lead to physical symptoms as well as substantial functional and emotional impairement. The physical symptoms can be extremly painful from the tissues of the nose being irratated and swollen for the minimal of twelve weeks. A long term duration of symptoms is as followed:
Nasal polyps
Cystic fibrosis
Nasal obstruction

Other symptoms are:
Ear pain
Sore throat
Bad breath(halitosis)
Fatigue or irrtability
NAUSEA

Causes of chronic sinusitis may be causesd by a variety of reasons:
Viral, bacterial & fungal growth
Allergic diseases
Autoimmunity diseases

When to see a Doctor ?
You may have several episodes of acute sinusitis that last more than four weeks and keep reoccuring before developing chronic sinusitis. You may be reffered to an ear, nose and throat specialist for evaluation and treatment. See a doctor if you have:
If you have sinusitis a number of times and condition fails to respond to treatment.
If you sinusitis that last more than 7 days.

Treatments:
Saline nasal sprays
Oral, Injected, or Nasal corticosteroids
Decongestants
Over the counter drugs:(
Aspirin-NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO CHILDREN

Test and diagnosis:
Nasal Endoscopy
Imaging studies
Nasal ans sinus cultures
Allergy test

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.webmd.com