Chronic Sinusitis: What You Need to Know

Colds are inconvenient—but when congestion lingers for weeks, it may be more than just a cold. If you’ve experienced nasal pressure, facial pain, and lingering congestion for more than 12 weeks, you may be dealing with chronic sinusitis.

This condition affects more than 30 million Americans every year and can significantly disrupt your daily life. Here’s how to spot the signs, find relief, and know when to see a specialist.

What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, often caused by an infection. When symptoms last more than 12 weeks, even with treatment, it’s considered chronic sinusitis.

In contrast, acute sinusitis usually lasts less than 4 weeks and is often triggered by a cold or flu virus.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

If you experience any of the following symptoms for weeks at a time, it may be chronic sinusitis:

• Facial pressure or pain
• Congestion or nasal blockage
• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• Headaches or pain in the upper teeth
• Persistent postnasal drip
• Chronic cough, especially at night
• Fatigue or brain fog
• Fever (occasionally)

What Causes Chronic Sinus Infections?

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Structural issues – Deviated septum, nasal polyps, or narrow sinus passages
• Allergies – Such as hay fever or seasonal allergies that cause long-term inflammation
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Immune system disorders
• Environmental irritants – Like smoke, air pollution, or chemical exposure

Sometimes, an acute sinus infection simply doesn’t clear up and becomes chronic over time.

At-Home Treatments for Sinus Relief

If your symptoms are mild or in the early stages, try these home remedies to relieve pressure and promote healing:

• Steam therapy – Take a warm shower or breathe in steam to open nasal passages
• Warm compresses – Apply to your face to reduce sinus pressure
• Humidifier – Adds moisture to dry indoor air to ease sinus inflammation
• Saline nasal spray – Keeps your nasal passages moist and clear
• Nasal irrigation – Use a neti pot or bulb syringe to flush mucus
• Rest and hydration – Help your body fight infection and recover
• Over-the-counter medications – Such as Flonase®, Nasacort®, or ibuprofen for inflammation and pain

When to See a Specialist

It’s time to see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist if:

• Your symptoms last more than 12 weeks
• You experience multiple sinus infections per year
• You have frequent facial pain, pressure, or headaches
• At-home and prescription treatments don’t work

An ENT doctor can perform imaging tests, allergy screenings, or a nasal endoscopy to determine the cause—and recommend the best treatment plan.

Expert Sinus Care at BASS Medical Group

If you’re dealing with frequent or long-lasting sinus infections, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. The ENT specialists at BASS Medical Group offer advanced diagnostic tools and effective treatments to help you breathe and feel better.

From noninvasive therapies to surgical options, we’ll tailor a solution to your unique needs—so you can get long-term relief.

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