1. When You Can't Breath
In chronic sinusitis, the mucous membranes become inflamed, allowing fluid to build up. Postnasal drip often occurs and can cause nausea and vomiting. It's also common to have difficulty breathing through the nose when you have a sinus infection, and you may also experience headaches and facial pain.
2. It Could be the Way You're Built
Individuals who experience chronic sinusitis should see an otolaryngologist, or an Ears, Nose and Throat specialist (ENT). An ENT can evaluate you for structural concerns such as large tonsils and adenoids or a deviated septum, all of which can contribute to chronic sinusitis. X-rays or a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan might be recommended to determine any structural problems.
3. Antibiotics Aren't Always the Solution
Antibiotics were once a common treatment for chronic sinus infections. More recently, doctors have limited prescribing antibiotics. While antibiotics can provide temporary relief to individuals experiencing chronic sinus infections, it's always best to identify the underlying cause. Repeated antibiotic use doesn't come without side effects, and some studies have even linked frequent antibiotic use and cancer. If you are prescribed antibiotics, however, it's always important to take the entire amount that is prescribed. The only exception is if you experience side effects.
4. Surgery is an Option
Surgery is usually a last resort for individuals who suffer from chronic sinus infections that persist despite antibiotic use and other treatments. As with any procedure, you're exposed to possible complications if you opt for surgery. Balloon sinuplasty is another possible treatment, but it's controversial and not all insurance plans cover it. Some patients don't respond to surgery and need a second surgery.
5. Food Might be the Culprit
Many food intolerances and food allergies manifest themselves in the body in subtle ways, such as ear infections or chronic sinusitis. Dairy products are a big culprit. Many individuals who eat dairy products, even those who don't experience chronic sinusitis, still get some level of nasal and chest congestion from dairy products. Wheat is another culprit for some individuals. Ask your doctor to perform IgG blood testing to determine if your bloodstream is carrying any antibodies to food. See an immunologist, or allergy doctor, to have skin-prick testing done, which can detect many different food or environmental allergens.
