Managing Chronic Sinusitis

Key Information

• What is Chronic Sinusitis?: Sinusitis is considered "chronic" when symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks.
• The Smouldering Fire: Unlike an acute infection (a raging fire), chronic sinusitis is like a "smouldering fire." The initial infection has gone, but low-level inflammation remains.
• Treatment Goals: The focus shifts from fighting a short-term infection to managing long-term inflammation.
• The Management Plan: Treatment typically involves using a nasal corticosteroid spray every day to reduce inflammation, alongside daily nasal rinsing with saltwater solution.
• Specialist Referral: If symptoms do not improve after 3 months of this consistent treatment, we may consider a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.