Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an ENT condition that may cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, facial pain, and a reduced sense of smell due to inflammation in the sinus cavities surrounding the nose. While acute sinusitis is generally a shorter-term condition that develops after an infection, chronic sinusitis may progress with longer-lasting and recurring symptoms. Therefore, the duration and severity of the symptoms, as well as underlying structural problems within the nose, should be evaluated together.

What Are Acute and Chronic Sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses that usually develops following an upper respiratory tract infection. Swelling of the nasal lining, blockage of the sinus passages, and an inability to drain secretions may cause the symptoms to become more severe.

Chronic sinusitis is a condition in which the inflammatory process in the sinuses continues for a longer period. This condition may be associated not only with infection but also with allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, enlarged nasal turbinates, septal deviation, or structural problems that affect the ventilation of the sinus passages.

What Are the Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis?

Symptoms of acute sinusitis often begin after a common cold. Nasal congestion, pressure in the face, pain in the forehead or cheeks, thick nasal discharge, and postnasal drip are among the most common symptoms.

Some patients may also experience headaches, a reduced sense of smell, pain radiating to the teeth, fatigue, and coughing. Facial pressure that becomes more noticeable when bending forward, nasal congestion lasting longer than a few days, and thick nasal discharge should be evaluated for sinusitis. However, not every headache or nasal discharge indicates sinusitis; an examination is important for differential diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis?

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may last longer and sometimes progress more subtly. Patients may experience persistent nasal congestion, postnasal drip, a reduced sense of smell, a feeling of fullness in the face, a frequent need to clear the throat, and recurring headaches.

Pain may not always be the main symptom of chronic sinusitis. In some patients, the most noticeable symptoms are persistent postnasal drip and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose. This condition may affect sleep quality, daily energy levels, and breathing comfort.

Differences Between Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

The differences between acute and chronic sinusitis include the duration of the symptoms, the way they begin, and the underlying causes.

These differences alone are not sufficient to make a diagnosis. Sinusitis symptoms should be evaluated together with examination findings and, when considered necessary, imaging results.

Does Sinusitis Cause Nasal Congestion and Postnasal Drip?

Sinusitis may cause nasal congestion because it increases swelling and secretions in the tissues inside the nose. Blockage of the sinus passages may cause facial pressure and difficulty breathing through the nose.

Postnasal drip is also one of the common symptoms of sinusitis. Nasal and sinus secretions flowing toward the throat may cause a sensation of something being stuck in the throat, coughing, bad breath, and a frequent need to clear the throat. When these symptoms persist for a long time, an evaluation for chronic sinusitis may be necessary.

How Are Acute and Chronic Sinusitis Diagnosed?

When making a sinusitis diagnosis, the patient’s symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, any accompanying history of allergies, and the degree of nasal congestion are considered together. During the ENT examination, the tissues inside the nose, discharge, swelling, nasal turbinates, septal structure, and the presence of polyps may be evaluated.

When considered necessary, additional examinations such as an endoscopic nasal examination or a sinus CT scan may be planned. Identifying the underlying cause, particularly in chronic sinusitis, is important for planning the treatment process correctly.

Does Chronic Sinusitis Require Surgery?

Chronic sinusitis does not require surgery in every patient. Medication, nasal irrigation, allergy management, and regular follow-up may be sufficient for some patients. However, a surgical evaluation may be performed if nasal polyps, blockage of the sinus passages, significant structural problems, or symptoms that continue despite treatment are present.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a method considered in suitable patients to improve the ventilation and drainage of the sinus passages. Whether surgery is required should be determined together with the examination, endoscopic evaluation, and imaging results when considered necessary.

This content is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace a diagnosis or treatment plan.