Chronic Sinusitis can really have a big impact on one's life. Chronic sinusitis, also known as Chronic rhino-sinusitis usually lasts a lot longer than Acute sinusitis which can hang around for around three months or so depending on age, your environment and specific treatments taken and how regular you take them.

People have reported to have had Chronic Sinusitis for well over fifty years or more and have suffered badly as a result

Causes:

The mucous membranes of the sinuses become inflamed and swollen resulting in mucous build up and nasal drainage is constrained. These obstructed, inflamed sinuses bring on a moist environment that helps bacterial infection run riot.

This can happen from these following causes:

Repeated periods of Acute Sinusitis together with a low immune system
Fungal infections
Allergies
Deflected nasal septum
Polyps or tumors
Injuries to the face or trauma that can block the sinuses
Overexposure to cigarette smoke or something similar
Certain medical conditions can bring it on like Cystic Fibrosis, HIV and Gastroesophageal reflux
Immune system cells

Symptoms:

Sinus obstruction/sinus pain, headaches, runny nose, constant sneezing without having a cold or Hay Fever, loss of taste and smell, difficulty breathing, tiredness, lethargy, fatigue and dizziness and even a touch of bad breath because of having to breathe in and out of the mouth especially at night.

Treatments:

Antibiotics- don't really get rid or Chronic Sinusitis and can be counterproductive. There was a study conducted in the US and they found that 96% of sufferers have a fungal infection and that the infection is the reason behind the irritation of the sinus passages, this is why Antibiotics do not work because they cannot get rid of the fungal infection. They could potentially make the sufferer worse because Antibiotics themselves are a mold.

Non prescription drugs such as decongestant tablets and liquids

Nasal corticosteroids such a Aldercin, Rhinocourt and Beconase can work temporarily and reduce nasal polyps but tend not to get to the root of the problem. Nasal corticosteroids have known to cause side effects such as headaches, nasal ulcers, sore throat and dryness in the throat as well.

Non prescription and prescription pain relievers-more relevant to Acute Sinusitis

Saline sprays can be surprisingly effective

Nasal sprays (non-steroid) such as Nasanex or Sudafed can relieve the sufferer by reducing histamines in the nasal canal. It's best to use these sprays when the nose is clear so they can do their job to the fullest and really penetrate into the nasal passage. These sprays can also have their fair share of side effects such as headaches, swelling of the face and the nasal tissue drying

Non prescription anti-histamines- These are readily available in the form of syrups or tablets such as Clarytine or Benadryl. Again these are good in preventing histamine build up thus reducing nasal blockage. These to have their various side effects such as drowsiness

Minimizing stress levels- I'm sure we've all heard that reducing stress can have huge health benefits in our life. This rings true with the irritation of the nasal lining as stress can encourage and aggravate histamine build up and add to nasal blockage. A good balanced lifestyle along with a healthy diet which includes life-giving fruit and vegetables and plenty of sleep can minimize stress levels

Exercise- This is another stress buster most of us can do and has been known to reduce Chronic Sinusitis in sufferers as it releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers. This does not mean having to go for a 20km run, just a short walk up the street can be beneficial.

Natural remedies or natural anti-inflammatories can relieve the symptoms of sinusitis because they reduce the inflammation causing Chronic sinusitis. Vitamin C, ginger, Omega 3,6 and 9 oils and turmeric can be quite beneficial in reducing the symptoms of Chronic sinusitis. These natural inflammatories usually have a waiting time in the system before they can take effect

Surgery- This can be effective in removing sinus polyps especially but have a tendency in growing back. Surgery can also get rid of infected sinus tissue and fix up a deviated septum. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort and it is never guaranteed to work

There is the other type of sinusitis caused by hay fever and pollen barriers such as petroleum jelly can be gelled inside the nasal passage and stop the pollen from entering into the sinuses

Sufferers should always consult their doctor and/or specialist before trying anything new.

I am passionate about helping people with Chronic sinusitis as I am a sufferer of the ailment and continue to suffer but have minimized the impact using several treatments and experimenting alon