Chronic sinus conditions are any condition affecting the nasal cavity for more than eight weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common chronic sinus conditions are sinusitis, allergies, nasal polyps and a deviated septum. A chronic sinus condition results in continual nasal congestion, sinus headache pain and/or nasal discharge such as a runny nose or postnasal drip. Depending on the type of sinus condition, different treatments may be helpful in alleviating and correcting the condition. A person should talk with her doctor before attempting to medicate herself.
Sinus Surgery
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, sinus surgery is reserved for severe cases when over-the-counter and prescribed medications are not successful. Sinus surgery is primarily used to correct sinus abnormalities, a deviated septum and remove nasal polyps. If the sinus cavity is obstructed due to an abnormality, sinus surgery will remove the obstruction and correct the cavity to function normally. A deviated septum is a condition in which the center wall of the nose is crooked, creating difficulty breathing. A deviated septum is only corrected through surgically dislocating the nose and realigning it properly. In extreme cases, nasal polyps are surgically removed when they do not respond to other treatments.
Medication
Many chronic sinus conditions are treated with medication to prevent the sinus cavity from becoming inflamed. The most common long-term medical treatment is the use of nasal and oral corticosteroids, according to the Mayo Clinic. Corticosteroids are steroid-based drugs that prevent the sinus cavity from inflammation. Nasal sprays are more commonly used for allergy-related sinus issues, while oral or injected corticosteroids are used specifically for a severe sinus infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are also used to alleviate sinus pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for sinusitis if the patient has a bacterial infection; however, chronic sinusitis is usually not caused by bacteria and as such, antibiotics won't help.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are used to reduce a person's allergic reaction to a particular substance such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergy shots are administered by an allergist who pays close attention to the individual's medical history and responds to the treatment. Allergy shots are administered over a three to five year period wherein small amounts of the allergen are given in each injection. Slowly, the amount of the allergen is increased, conditioning the immune system to accept the allergen as a safe substance.
