Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.

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15%

of Americans have Chronic Sinusitis

70%

of patients with asthma also have sinusitis

4.3%

of Americans have nasal polyps that can cause sinusitis

ASAP Illinois Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis means inflammation of sinuses. When symptoms last more than 12 weeks, it is considered chronic.

What is chronic sinusitis?

The inflammation in the sinuses is often triggered by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Certain conditions, like having environmental allergies or smoking, can cause inflammation in the nose that can make patients more susceptible to infections and chronic sinusitis. Sometimes patients can also have anatomical issues like nasal polyps that make the patient more susceptible to infections.

How do I know I have chronic sinusitis?

Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

Nasal inflammation

Thick, discolored discharge from the nose (runny nose)

Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)

Blocked or stuffy (congested) nose causing difficulty breathing through the nose

Pain, tenderness and swelling around or behind the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead

Reduced sense of smell and taste

Why I should see an allergist for chronic sinusitis

An allergist will take a detailed history of symptoms and do a thorough physical exam. Based on this, the allergist may recommend testing for environmental allergies, radiographic imaging, and/or blood work. . Treatment can often be managed with medications only.

You should see an allergist if:

You've had sinusitis a number of times, and the condition doesn't respond to treatment

You have sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days

Your symptoms don't improve after you see your doctor

Common ways to prevent chronic sinusitis

Take these steps to reduce your risk of developing chronic sinusitis:

Try to avoid getting a respiratory infection by performing good hand washing.

Manage your allergies.

Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air.

See an Allergist to start feeling better today

Dr. Rachna Shah and Dr. Karina Gobin are experts in the treatment of allergic disease in both children and adults. They are serving the Oak Park, River Forest, Melrose Park, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Elmhurst, and Addison areas. Both practice cutting-edge, evidenced based medicine.

We've helped over 2,000+ families live better lives

Home of the chicago pollen count

Karen Cantaloupo and Dr. Shah work together to provide the Chicagoland area with a certified, official count that helps allergy sufferers understand their symptoms.

Pollen Count

Tree

Grass

Ragweed

Total Weed

Mold