Understanding Chronic Sinusitis
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is characterized by the irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues and membranes lining the sinuses. The sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces located behind the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Normally, the sinuses produce mucus that humidifies the air we breathe. They’re also responsible for trapping and removing irritants in the sinus cavities. However, sometimes, the sinuses can become irritated and inflamed, which can cause mucus buildup. This can create an ideal environment where germs can thrive and potentially cause an infection.

Sinusitis is a common condition that affects approximately 31 million people in the United States.

Chronic sinusitis is one of two major types of sinusitis (the other being acute sinusitis) and is a long-term inflammatory condition where symptoms typically last for at least 12 weeks or longer. Infection may sometimes be present, but evaluation is important to identify contributing factors and determine appropriate treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis?

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis vary significantly per patient. However, common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Persistent nasal congestion, causing breathing difficulties through the nose
• Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Runny nose with thick green or yellow nasal discharge
• Facial pain or pressure, particularly around the nose, eyes, cheeks, and forehead
• Ear pain or pressure
• Tooth or jaw pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat or coughing
• A reduced sense of smell or taste
• Fatigue
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in the mouth

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?

The underlying cause isn’t always clear and can be difficult to determine. However, several pre-existing conditions can make someone more susceptible to developing sinusitis, including:

• Seasonal allergies
• The common cold
• Flu
• Asthma, or other respiratory conditions
• A weakened immune system
• Structural issues or abnormalities in the nose or sinuses, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum

How the Environment in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, CA, Exacerbates Sinus Issues

Many residents of Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, and the surrounding California communities experience ongoing and persistent sinus issues due to a variety of reasons:

⭕ Seasonal allergies

California has a mix of climates and a diverse plant life, which means that residents can experience allergy symptoms at varying times of the year, depending on their specific triggers. You may experience allergy symptoms only during certain seasons or throughout the rest of the year, based on your triggers and the plant life that currently produces pollen.

⭕ Shifts in weather patterns

Weather pattern changes can significantly affect the overall health of your sinuses. Changes in temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions may trigger or worsen nasal symptoms in some individuals. In some sensitive individuals, this may potentially cause nasal blockages and sinus pressure.

⭕ Air quality and pollution

Air pollution and worsening air quality are a growing public health concern. Airborne pollutants and irritants, including smoke, dust, and smog, may irritate the nose and worsen sinonasal symptoms in some individuals.

What Are Chronic Sinusitis Treatment Options in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, CA?

Here are a few tips and options to manage symptoms of chronic sinusitis:

✅ Home remedies to support symptom management

• Run an indoor humidifier to combat extremely dry air or a dehumidifier to combat extreme indoor humidity.
• Keep yourself hydrated to thin mucus and support sinus health.
• Inhale steam to loosen mucus buildup and soothe irritated sinuses.
• Limit your exposure to common allergens and irritants.

✅ Over-the-counter medications for symptom support

• Decongestants
• Antihistamines, for allergy-related sinus issues
• Saline nasal sprays
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays

✅ Advanced treatment options for persistent sinus issues

• Immunotherapy: Certain sublingual immunotherapy tablets are FDA-approved for specific allergens. Custom-compounded sublingual allergy drops are not FDA-approved, although healthcare providers may prescribe them off-label when clinically appropriate.
• Balloon sinuplasty: Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon catheter that is inserted into the affected sinus cavity. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated, which may potentially improve sinus flow and drainage.
• Septoplasty: Septoplasty is a nasal procedure used to correct a deviated septum. In appropriately selected patients, correcting significant structural obstruction may improve nasal airflow and may be considered as part of treatment planning.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: ESS may be recommended for patients who have nasal polyps, excess tissue, or chronic nasal obstruction whose symptoms don’t respond to other forms of treatment. The procedure uses an endoscope to allow the surgeon to view and access the nasal and sinus passages.

When Is It Time to See an ENT in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, CA, for Chronic Sinusitis?

While sinus issues may resolve with adequate rest, proper hydration, and appropriate medications and home remedies, consider seeing a sinus specialist in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, CA, if:

• Your symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days
• You experience four or more sinus infections every year
• Your symptoms don’t get better with home remedies or over-the-counter medications
• You have a decreased sense of smell or taste, even after other sinus symptoms have resolved

Learn More About Sinusitis Treatment With Del Rey MD

Del Rey MD provides chronic sinusitis evaluation and treatment in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, and the surrounding communities. We offer personalized treatment planning and guidance based on clinical findings, symptom severity, and personal health goals.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about chronic sinusitis and what might be contributing to persistent sinus issues.