Chronic sinus problems are commonly diagnosed as sinus disease or chronic sinusitis (sinus infection), according to Doctor Murray Grossan, a leading eye, nose and throat specialist in Los Angeles. Chronic sinus problems may be a result of physical complications such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, severe allergies or a compromised immune system. Chronic sinus problems commonly manifest themselves with sinus pressure pain, nasal obstruction and nasal discharge.
Sinus Pressure Pain
The University of Maryland states that a person suffering from sinus pressure pain may feel a dull, throbbing pain in the eyes, the back of the neck or in the center of the face. Sinus pressure pain is the result of inflamed sinus cavities pressing on various parts of the head. Sinus pressure pain is commonly felt in the forehead, the upper teeth, behind the eyes, in the inner-ear and throughout the head. Sinus pressure pain can be treated with over-the-counter decongestants and anti-inflammatory pain relieving drugs. A person with sinus pressure pain for more than seven days should seek medical advice.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is typically related to physical complications such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. Nasal polyps are small, non-cancerous tumors that grow along the wall of the sinuses. A deviated septum is a crooked center bone in the nose. Both physical conditions obstruct a person's ability to breathe and drain mucus properly. Nasal obstruction may lead to chronic sinusitis due to the constant buildup of mucus in the sinuses. Nasal polyps may be treated with a prescribed steroid nasal spray or surgery. Nasal polyps should remain under a doctor's supervision. If left untreated, there is potential for serious complications. A deviated septum is only treated by surgically correcting the malformed nasal bone.
Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge may be the result of severe allergies, physical complications, the common cold or a compromised immune system. Nasal discharge manifests itself as either a runny nose or postnasal drip. If a person has excess mucus, he may experience both forms of nasal discharge at the same time. Postnasal drip is the nasal discharge in the back of the throat leading to a sore throat, a cough and chest congestion. Nasal discharge should remain thin and clear in color; otherwise a person may have developed a sinus infection. A sign of sinusitis is thick and yellowish-green nasal discharge. A person should talk to her doctor if she experiences this type of discharge.
