Sinusitus is the swelling of the sinuses usually caused by an infection. A swelling of the mucous membrane lining of your nose and sinuses is responsible for this swelling. This condition is classed chronic if the swelling lasts for more than twelve weeks.
Chronic sinusitis is often associated with Nasal Polyps. These are non-cancerous (benign) soft tissue growths in your nose which may restrict you breathing through your nose. Nasal polyps are more likely to occur over time if you suffer from chronic sinusitis. Moreover, these growths can block mucus flow, worsening sinusitis symptoms.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps include but are not limited to:
- Nasal breathing restriction
- Having a runny nose
- Stuffiness persists.
- A postnasal drip
- A loss of the sense of taste
- An absent or diminished sense of smell
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Face and forehead pressure
- Snoring
- Nose bleeds
Causes
In short, scientists do not fully understand what causes long-term sinus inflammation or why nasal polyps develop. Patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps tend to have elevated immune system response chemical markers.
Some potential causes include:
- Allergies
- Recurrent upper respiratory infections
- Diet
- Pollutants and allergies
- Infections caused by dental problems.
- A deviated septum
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Physical trauma
- A vitamin D deficiency
Conventional Treatments
If you have managed to find our website, you may have already tried some of the following common conventional treatments for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps:
Nasal Steroid Spray/Drops and Oral Steroids
Medically known as Nasal Corticosteroids. These sprays (usually prescribed as Fluticasone) are often used on a short-term basis to shrink/slow the growth of smaller nasal polyps. Unfortunately, patients may suffer a severe rebound if treatment is ceased.
Often prescribed along with a nasal steroid spray are oral steroids usually in the form of prednisolone. This is a anti-inflammatory drug is used in the treatment for a range of medical conditions. Studies have shown that oral steroids are effective in the treatment of nasal polyps although recurrence rates are high after treatment has been ceased. This is important given the risks of the long-term use of steroids.
Surgery
A nasal polypectomy, carried out by an ENT surgeon under general anesthetic is usually the last resort if conservative treatment does not work. Most patients are able to return to normal duties within a week or two following surgeries. Unfortunately, recurrence rates
