What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition in the nose and sinuses that lasts longer than 12 weeks. If your complaints last longer than 3 months and do not improve despite treatments, this condition is called chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis does not only mean nasal congestion; it can manifest itself with many different symptoms such as facial pain, postnasal drip, headache, and loss of smell.

Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps: The Silent Invader

Nasal polyps are benign soft tissue growths that develop inside the nose or sinuses. They usually appear as a result of chronic inflammation.

The most common complaints we encounter include:

• Persistent and stubborn nasal congestion
• Significant reduction in sense of smell, even complete loss
• Increased mouth breathing and snoring at night
• Postnasal drip and nasal discharge
• Facial fullness, pressure sensation, and headache

Loss of smell is particularly striking in patients with polypoid sinusitis. Patients often express it as “I can no longer smell food” or “I don’t even notice the smell of perfume.”

Nasal polypoid sinusitis usually has a more resistant course. In treatment, medical methods such as nasal sprays, cortisone treatments, and saline washes, as well as surgical intervention, may often be required. Polyps are cleaned with surgical intervention, but if there is no regular follow-up and treatment, the risk of polyps recurring is high.

Chronic Sinusitis without Nasal Polyps: Hidden Danger

In sinusitis without nasal polyps, there is no polyp formation, but there is chronic inflammation on the inner surface of the sinus.

In these patients, the following symptoms are usually prominent:

• Nasal congestion
• Thick, dark-colored nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip and throat discomfort
• Facial pain or pressure
• Headache, especially pain that increases when bending forward
• Slight reduction in sense of smell

Non-polypoid sinusitis usually responds better to drug treatments. Allergy control, regular saline washes, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and sometimes antibiotic treatments may be sufficient. However, if there are structural problems (for example, nasal deviation), surgical intervention may also be required.

The Most Important Differences Between Polypoid and Non-Polypoid Sinusitis

Nasal polypoid sinusitis is a more challenging disease both in terms of treatment and recurrence risk. Especially loss of smell is more severe in patients with polyps. In non-polypoid chronic sinusitis, inflammation and discharge complaints are usually more prominent and better response to treatment can be obtained.

Why is it Important?

Although nasal congestion is often taken lightly, the quality of life of a patient with chronic sinusitis is seriously impaired. Constantly breathing through the mouth reduces sleep quality; insufficient oxygen intake leads to daytime fatigue and concentration problems.

In my experience, many patients are not diagnosed correctly, so unnecessary medication use, unnecessary antibiotics, and futile treatment attempts are seen for years. However, with correct diagnosis and a personalized treatment program, patients can breathe comfortably again, regain their sense of smell, and continue their daily lives comfortably.

My Special Recommendations for My Patients

✔ Don’t underestimate your complaints. If you have nasal congestion lasting longer than three months, definitely consult an ENT specialist.

✔ Don’t skip saline washes. Although it seems simple, regular washing helps a lot in cleaning mucus and relieving complaints.

✔ Manage your allergies. If you have allergies, stay away from triggers as much as possible and don’t neglect your regular treatment.

✔ Don’t postpone your check-ups. Especially in patients with polyps, regular follow-up after surgery is very important. Be sure to use the recommended sprays and medications to prevent polyps from reforming.

Final Word

Remember, the nose is important not only for breathing, but also for enjoying life. Smelling scents, sleeping comfortably, breathing healthily; all are indispensable parts of a quality life.

Chronic sinusitis, whether with or without polyps, can be controlled with specialist supervision and the right approach.

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Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin
Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist