Chronic sinusitis is a frustrating and challenging condition identified by swelling and inflammation of the sinuses. While an acute sinus infection often clears up within a couple of weeks, chronic sinusitis persists for 12 weeks or longer. In many cases treatment will provide relief, but it’s common for symptoms to eventually return. Let’s look at some of the treatment options available to Atlanta patients and see if it’s possible to cure chronic sinusitis.
Is It Possible to Cure Chronic Sinusitis?
A permanent cure for chronic sinusitis may be possible, but in order to find an effective treatment, it’s essential to first identify the underlying causes of this condition. To understand how to best approach treating chronic sinusitis, it’s important to look at how a sinus infection is triggered.
The sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus to trap germs. Allergies, viruses, nasal polyps and other triggers can cause the sinuses and nasal passages to swell, preventing mucus from draining properly. This buildup of mucus causes further inflammation of the sinuses, and bacteria is able to thrive. The outcome of this is often sinus pressure, a sore throat, a cough and other symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Curing Chronic Sinusitis by Treating Underlying Causes
For someone with acute sinusitis, it might only take an environmental irritant or a cold to trigger an isolated spell of poor health. However, when you’re dealing with chronic sinusitis, the underlying cause repeatedly triggers mucus buildup, swelling, inflammation – and a cycle of recurring sinus infections.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the primary causes of chronic sinusitis, with substances like pollen, dust, mold and pet dander triggering an allergic reaction. The symptoms that can result from such a reaction are likely to include swelling and inflammation of sinuses and nasal passages. To treat an allergy, your allergist may recommend immunotherapy treatment or allergy shots. This approach desensitizes the immune system through gradual allergen exposure. A desensitized immune system lessens the chances of a response that can bring on a sinus infection.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are small growths found in the sinuses or nasal passages. The presence of nasal polyps can cause issues with mucus drainage and lead to congestion – and this in turn can eventually cause an infection. Taking corticosteroids is an effective treatment used to reduce the size of polyps, though if medication does not produce the desired results, surgery is sometimes required.
Asthma
Asthma-related inflammation is certainly among the potential causes of sinusitis. The chronic inflammation experienced by those with asthma can contribute to the development or worsening of sinusitis in some individuals. By effectively managing a person’s asthma, it may be possible to cure chronic sinusitis and provide much-needed relief.
Find Relief From Chronic Sinusitis at Our Atlanta Area Centers
When you’re experiencing chronic sinusitis symptoms, come see us at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for testing and treatment. We are conveniently located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
