Print Overview Chronic sinusitis Enlarge image Close Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include a blocked or stuffy (congested) nose that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. 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. Breathing through your nose may be difficult, and the area around your eyes might feel swollen or tender. Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Also called chronic rhinosinusitis, the condition can affect both adults and children.Products & ServicesBook: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsCommon signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: Nasal inflammation Thick, discolored discharge from the nose (runny nose) Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage) Blocked or stuffy (congested) nose causing difficulty breathing through your nose Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead Reduced sense of smell and taste Other signs and symptoms can include: Ear pain Headache Aching in your upper jaw and teeth Cough or throat clearing Sore throat Bad breath Fatigue Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms. But acute sinusitis is a temporary infection of the sinuses often associated with a cold. The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis last at least 12 weeks, but you may have several episodes of acute sinusitis before developing chronic sinusitis. Fever isn't a common sign of chronic sinusitis, but you might have one with acute sinusitis. When to see a doctorSchedule an appointment with your doctor if: You've had sinusitis a number of times, and the condition doesn't respond to treatment You have sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days Your symptoms don't improve after you see your doctor See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection: Fever Swelling or redness around your eyes Severe headache Forehead swelling Confusion Double vision or other vision changes Stiff neck Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Causes Nasal polyps Enlarge image Close Nasal polyps Nasal polyps Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They often occur in groups, like grapes on a stem. Common causes of chronic sinusitis include: Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses. Deviated nasal septum. A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse. Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage. Respiratory tract infections. Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses. Risk factorsYou're at increased risk of getting chronic sinusitis if you have: A deviated nasal septum Nasal polyps Asthma Aspirin sensitivity A dental infection A fungal infection Tumors An immune system disorder such as HIV/AIDS or cystic fibrosis Hay fever or another allergic condition Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke ComplicationsSerious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare, but may include: Vision problems. If your sinus infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or possibly blindness that can be permanent. Infections. 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. PreventionTake these steps to reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis: Avoid upper respiratory infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds or who are sick with other infections. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals. Manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control. Avoid exposure to things you're allergic to whenever possible. Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages. Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment July 16, 2021 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references AskMayoExpert. Chronic rhinosinusitis. Mayo Clinic; 2020. Bennett JE, et al., eds. Sinusitis. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2015. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 30, 2019. Peters AT, et al. Diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis: A practice parameter update. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Journal. 2014;113:347. Wyler B, et al. Sinusitis update. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2019;37:41. Dietz de Loos DD, et al. Prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in the general population based on sinus radiology and symptomatology. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2019;143:1207. Sinus infection (sinusitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sinus-infection.html. Accessed March 11, 2021. Sinusitis. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/sinusitis. Accessed April 30, 2019. Goldman L, et al., eds. Allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 30, 2019. Hamilos DL, et al. Chronic rhinosinusitis: Management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 29, 2021. Related Chronic sinusitis Associated Procedures Allergy skin tests CT scan MRI Upper endoscopy Show more associated procedures Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Chronic sinusitisSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDoctors & departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20164005 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Chronic sinusitis
There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry