What are the long term effects of sinusitis?
Long-term chronic sinusitis can also cause other serious complications, including: permanent loss of your ability to smell because of damage to your olfactory nerve, which helps you smell. loss of vision if an infection spreads to your eyes. inflammation of your brain and spinal cord membranes (known as meningitis)
Can blocked sinuses cause inflammation?
Uncommonly, people with chronic sinusitis may develop inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), an infection in the bones, or a serious skin infection.
Can sinusitis cause permanent damage?
This can be due to inflammation and blockage of your nasal passages, or damage to the olfactory nerve. Though the loss of smell from a sinus infection is often transient, it can be permanent in severe cases, wreaking havoc on the quality of your life and overall wellbeing.
Can a sinus infection linger for months?
While most symptoms resolve in two weeks or less (with or without treatment, depending on the cause), you may also develop a chronic sinus infection that can linger for months.
Can you have a sinus infection for months?
If you have had nasal congestion and drainage for more than 3 months, you may have chronic sinusitis. The primary symptoms are nasal congestion, stuffiness, mouth breathing, and snoring. Nasal blockage often results in loss of taste and smell.
How long does chronic sinusitis stay inflamed?
Chronic sinusitis is a common condition in which the cavities around nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen for at least 12 weeks, despite treatment attempts.
Can a sinus infection make nasal congestion worse?
Longer use can cause a rebound effect in nasal congestion. When using nasal spray to treat a sinus infection, keep in mind that prolonged use can make your symptoms worse.
What happens if you block drainage in your sinus?
But if sinus drainage is blocked, glands in the sinuses continue to produce mucus, and the resulting pool of backed-up mucus provides what Dr. Metson calls “the perfect culture medium.”. The bacteria grow out of control, causing infection, and the immune system kicks off an inflammatory response.
When does chronic sinusitis make your nose stuffy?
Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. This common condition interferes with the way mucus normally drains, and makes your nose stuffy.
