Chronic Sinusitis: When to See a Specialist
Chronic sinusitis is defined as inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment attempts. This condition can cause facial pain, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and a reduced sense of smell.
While occasional sinus infections are common and often resolve on their own, chronic sinusitis requires professional attention. You should see an ENT specialist if your symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement, if symptoms worsen after initial improvement, or if you experience fever accompanied by nasal discharge lasting more than 3 days.
An ENT specialist can perform advanced diagnostic tests including nasal endoscopy and CT scans to identify the underlying cause of your chronic sinusitis. Treatment options range from prescription nasal sprays and antibiotics to minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery.
Modern endoscopic sinus surgery is performed through the nostrils, leaving no visible scars and offering faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical approaches.