About Allergies: Do You Have Chronic Sinusitis?

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies   Sinusitis, or infection of the sinuses, affects millions of Americans every year. Symptoms of acute sinus infections typically include facial pain or pressure, colored nasal discharge, nasal congestion and fever. When a sinus infection lasts for more than 3 months, it becomes chronic sinusitis. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be subtle, and often can be difficult to differentiate from allergies. There are a number of different types of chronic sinusitis, including infectious, allergic, fungal, and aspirin-exacerbated -- the treatment for which is different for each type. Learn more about chronic sinusitis, and find out if your chronic nasal allergy symptoms might be something more serious. All About Chronic Sinusitis Chronic sinusitis is a common condition that quite a few of us will experience at some point. While not necessarily serious, it's a pain -- literally. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include nasal irritation, runny nose, post nasal drip, nasal congestion and sinus pressure or pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis requires signs of inflammation of the sinuses on a CT scan of the sinuses or by direct visualization by nasal endoscopy. Search Related Topics:  sinusitis  allergic rhinitis  allergen immunotherapy Diagnosis and Treatment of Sinus Infections Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are defined as inflammation of one or more sinuses. Sinuses are hollow cavities within the bones of the face. The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that normally produce fluid – this fluid usually drains into the nasal passages and is swallowed throughout the day. However, when the drainage sites for the sinuses are blocked, the sinuses cannot drain, and an infection may develop. Search Related Topics:  allergic rhinitis  allergen avoidance  antihistamines Nasal Saline Rinses for Sinus Infections Saline rinses help to prevent the crusting of secretions in the nasal passages, which may otherwise block the sinuses from draining. If the sinus drainage sites become blocked, which could also occur with swelling from allergies or irritants, a sinus infection may develop. Saline rinses also serve to reduce tissue swelling in the nasal passages, and improve the clearance of mucus. Related Searches Chronic Sinusitis Sinus Allergies Allergy and Sinus Severe Allergies Allergies Relief Featured Articles Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement