Chronic Sinus Infection Complications

Pain and pressure in the sinus cavities is the body's response to an irritant in the nasal passages. The body produces excess mucus to flush out the sinuses, which can impair the cavities' abilities to drain. Backed up sinuses lead to the symptoms of sinus problems. When blockages exist too long in the sinuses, bacteria and viruses can flourish and cause a sinus infection, called sinusitis

Effects

• Chronic sinusitis is defined as a sinus infection that lingers for eight weeks or more, or that recurs more than four times in a year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of a sinus infection are uncomfortable and can impair function. Patients feel aching and pressure in the head around the nose, ears, and cheeks. Sufferers are often tired, have bad breath and trouble sleeping, and report a lowered sense of taste and smell. Sinus infections can also spread to the ears and create blockage there.

Misconceptions

• Not all cases of sinusitis are chronic. Most people suffer from acute sinusitis, which last much shorter than chronic infections. Sinus problems can also be caused by factors such as allergies, colds, or flu, and might be treated with a change in lifestyle or simple time for the body to fight the disease. Chronic sinusitis can also be caused by nasal tumors, a deviated septum or recent trauma to the bones of the face and skull.

Significance

• Frequent sinus infections can have a lasting impact on your health, according to Web MD. Chronic sinusitis can aggravate asthma attacks. Meningitis is a serious complication to chronic sinus infections. Blockage of the sinuses in the eyes can lead to vision problems. Chronic obstructions in the sinuses can also restrict the flow of blood, increasing risk for clots, aneurysms and stroke. Blockage in the ears can lead to chronic ear infections and damage to the ear canal and hearing ability.

Considerations

• Complications of chronic sinus infections have serious warning signs. The Mayo Clinic and Web MD list several distinct warnings to look out for. If you notice one of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Headache, fever, and swelling of the forehead are signs of a serious complication, though it is usually more common in children. Eye infections can occur from chronic sinusitis, and can be detected from swollen or sagging eyelids present with fever and headaches. These eye infections can result in permanent damage or blindness. Dilated pupil or fixed stares in addition to eye swelling can indicate blood clots. Seizures and trouble seeing or concentrating can also indicate a severe infection and can lead to coma or death if untreated.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the Mayo Clinic, allergens, pollutants, and bacteria can cause acute sinusitis to become chronic if they are not properly eliminated from your lifestyle. Chronic sinusitis can be diagnosed through a simple doctor's visit, or X-rays or CAT scans of the sinus cavity. Surgery is sometimes needed to allow the sinuses to drain properly. Home remedies such as over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines can alleviate symptoms, as can nasal irrigation and the use of humidifiers.