Sinusitis is a common condition characterized by an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. This inflammation is usually caused by allergens, bacteria, viruses or fungi. According to the Mayo Clinic, sinusitis is considered to be chronic if symptoms persist for more than eight weeks, or if symptoms frequently recur. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are often similar to those of acute sinusitis, characterized by pain, nasal congestion and discharge and a general bodywide malaise.
Pain
Like acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis can cause significant pain in the face and head. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the location of the pain may vary depending upon which sinuses are inflamed. For example, inflammation of the maxillary sinuses causes pain below the eyes and over the cheeks, while frontal sinusitis typically causes pain across the forehead accompanied by a headache. Pain between and behind the eyes is an indication of ethmoid sinusitis, while generalized pain felt in the front or back of the head may indicate sphenoid sinusitis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic sinusitis can also cause a painful toothache and pain in the upper jaw area.
Nasal Congestion and Discharge
According to the Merck Manuals, nasal congestion and nasal blockage are among the most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Often, these symptoms are also accompanied by post-nasal drip--a condition in which excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat as a result of inflamed or infected sinuses. The mucus may be thick or yellowish or greenish in color, may run down the back of the throat and may be worse at night or when lying down. According to the National Institutes of Health, this nasal discharge is not serious, although it can be extremely bothersome and lead to further complications. For example, post-nasal drip can sometimes clog the tube that connects the ear and the nose, diminishing your hearing and causing ear pain. It may sometimes lead to an ear infection. The mucus also contributes to a worsening of congestion and pain around the eyes and face and can cause a sore throat and bad cough.
Nasal congestion also typically leads to a diminished sense of smell and taste and can cause halitosis, or bad breath.
Bodywide Symptoms
According to Merck, people suffering from chronic sinusitis may complain of a general malaise or bodywide feeling of illness. They may feel fatigued, irritable and nauseated. The Mayo Clinic points out that, unlike acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis is not typically associated with fever. So, if you develop a high or persistent fever, contact your physician for examination.
