Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp | Facebook
Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp | Facebook
With the beginning of spring comes the beginning of allergy season, but for those who experience more than the average everyday allergy-induced stuffy nose, it could be a sign of chronic sinusitis.
Basic nasal congestion is caused by anything that inflames or irritates the nasal tissue such as allergies, colds, the flu, tobacco smoke and other irritants, according to the Mayo Clinic. For symptoms lasting for less than four weeks, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) calls it acute sinusitis.
"Sinusitis occurs when the linings of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing cold or allergies," Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp with the Indianapolis Sinus Center said. "Chronic sinusitis is when this inflammation lasts three months or more,"
An estimated 37 million people suffer from chronic sinusitis each year, according to the Indianapolis Sinus Center. Out of those 37 million people, only about 4.1 million have the primary diagnosis by their physician's office, a National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey found.
"Sinusitis is a painful condition resulting from swelling of the sinus membranes," the Indianapolis Sinus Center's website states. "This swelling can block the sinus passageways, preventing mucus from draining."
Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows that chronic sinusitis is one of the most frequently reported chronic diseases in the United States, affecting 14% to 16% of the U.S. population, a study from the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery found.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include headaches, sinus pressure or pain, facial tenderness or swelling, pain or pressure around the ears, tooth pain, nasal drainage or congestion, fatigue, cough, an irritated throat or bad breath.
"As mucus builds up in the sinus cavities, it stagnates, allowing organisms to grow and cause a sinus infection," the Indianapolis Sinus Center's website states. "The result is a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that can really make you miserable."
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