By: Elizabeth Obigwe, B.Sc. Anatomy. Freelance Writer; with medical review and editorial support by the DLHA Team
Chronic sinusitis also known as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can sometimes be mistaken for other common diseases like the common cold and allergic reactions. While it may have some similarities with these conditions, chronic sinusitis has unique signs that can help you distinguish it from others. The condition usually manifests as a combination of some of the symptoms that we will be seeing in the subsequent slides.
Persistent nasal congestion or blockage also called stuffy nose is a common sign of chronic sinusitis. You may feel like your nose is always blocked, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This blockage may be a result of several factors including:
Inflammation of Sinus Linings: Chronic sinusitis involves persistent inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. This inflammation leads to swelling of the sinus linings, reducing the space available for air to flow through the nasal passages.
The inflammation can also trigger increased mucus production, nasal polyps and worsen structural abnormalities of the nose like deviated nasal septum, thereby contributing to nasal congestion.
Chronic sinusitis often leads to continuous nasal discharge, which can be clear, cloudy, yellow, or green. The condition is associated with persistent inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. This inflammation can lead to increased mucus production, which contributes to nasal discharge. You might also experience postnasal drip, where the mucus drains into the back of your throat rather than out through the nose.
Many people with chronic sinusitis experience persistent facial pain or pressure, particularly around the forehead, cheeks, nose, or eyes. This may be due to persistent inflammation of the sinus linings which can cause swelling and lead to increased pressure within the sinuses, resulting in pain or discomfort in the facial region.
Another possible cause is the build-up of mucus. If the excess mucus produced due to inflammation becomes trapped or doesn't drain properly, it can cause a build-up of pressure within the sinuses, leading to pain.
Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) and taste (hypogeusia) are common symptoms of chronic sinusitis. You might notice that you can't detect smells as well as you used to, or food doesn't taste as flavorful. The persistent inflammation that occurs with CRS leads to nasal congestion. When the nasal passages are blocked, smell can't reach the olfactory receptors located high in the nasal cavity, leading to a reduced sense of smell.
While taste buds are responsible for detecting basic tastes, the sense of taste is closely intertwined with the sense of smell. Smell contributes significantly to our perception of flavor. Volatile compounds released from food or beverages interact with the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity. This interaction between taste and smell enhances our ability to perceive complex flavors.
Hence, changes in the sense of smell due to chronic sinusitis can indirectly impact taste perception.
If you experience postnasal drip (drip down of excess mucus to the back of the throat), you are most likely to have a persistent cough and sore throat as well.
The presence of mucus in the throat can trigger coughing as the body attempts to clear the irritation. The irritation may also affect the throat lining, causing discomfort. The cough may worsen at night or in the morning and is especially present in children.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a distressing symptom associated with CRS. Chronic inflammation and mucus buildup in the sinuses can create a favorable environment for bacterial overgrowth. Bacteria may proliferate in the sinuses, producing sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath.
If bad breath persists despite home remedies or worsens over time, it's important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
The Eustachian tube is an opening that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. It plays a crucial role in equalizing air pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.
In chronic sinusitis, inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses can affect the function of the Eustachian tubes, leading to difficulty equalizing pressure and resulting in a sensation of ear pressure or fullness.
You can relieve some of the symptoms of CRS at home. For instance, you can manage nasal congestion with nasal saline irrigation. See other treatment methods for CRS
However, it is better to see your healthcare provider if you think you may have chronic sinusitis. This is because some cases of CRS may be accompanied by infection. Your healthcare provider will examine the severity of the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment for you.
Related:
Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis Explained for Africans
Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention Information for Africans
Do You Have a Common Cold or Sinusitis?
Published: May 20, 2024
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