Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, which are the spaces inside the nose and head that become inflamed and swollen. Unlike acute sinusitis, which typically goes away within 10 days, chronic sinusitis lasts at least 12 weeks. The cardinal symptoms of sinusitis are purulent nasal discharge, facial or dental pain, and nasal obstruction. Other common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Thick, discolored mucus from the nose, known as a runny nose
• Mucus down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip
• Blocked or stuffy nose, known as congestion
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Ear pain
• Headache
• Aching in the teeth
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Bad breath
• Tiredness

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, allergies, structural abnormalities of the nose, and other medical conditions. Risk factors for chronic sinusitis include being around cigarette smoke or other pollutants, having a dental or fungal infection, and having asthma or allergies. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when at least two of the following four symptoms are present and occur for more than 12 weeks: purulent drainage, facial and/or dental pain, nasal obstruction, and hyposmia. Treatment for chronic sinusitis focuses on controlling or easing inflammation, and may include corticosteroid nasal sprays, nasal irrigation, antibiotics, antihistamines, or surgery.