Gateway Reporter

• Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies.
• If sinusitis lasts for more than three months, it is considered to be chronic sinusitis.
• Early intervention is highly recommended to address chronic sinusitis to reduce the risk of more serious issues. 

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are common medical conditions that can become more serious the longer they go untreated. Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free said that sinusitis can be managed much better if treated early.

"The earlier that we can arrest the progression of chronic sinusitis, the earlier we can decrease some of the long-term complications, including formation of polyps and significant chronic disease," Dr. Ditto told the Gateway Reporter. "We recommend early management versus waiting until the situation is severe. As far as quality of life, if you can treat the patient and improve their sinus conditions, then they will decrease their time off from work, which will increase productivity."

Symptoms of sinusitis include yellow or green drainage from the nose, pressure and pain in the face, a stuffy nose, bad breath, coughing up mucus, especially at night, and sometimes fever and chills, according to Merck Manual.

Sinusitis can advance to chronic sinusitis, a condition where the sinuses, the spaces inside your nose and head, become inflamed and swollen for three months or more, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition disrupts the normal drainage of mucus, leading to nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. As a result, individuals may experience a stuffy nose, and the area around their eyes may feel tender and swollen. Other symptoms may include infections, the presence of nasal polyps (abnormal growths in the sinuses), or inflammation of the sinus lining. The condition can affect both adults and children.

Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also responsible for 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits.

According to studies, early intervention for chronic sinusitis not only increases immediate quality of life but also typically improves long-term relief and reduces healthcare costs.

Serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such as vision loss or infections in the bones and skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is recommended to schedule a doctor's appointment if symptoms last for more than 10 days.

At times, allergies related to sinus disease can lead to headaches, according to Healthline. Although it’s a good idea to discuss taking any medication with your doctor, certain allergies—and allergy-related symptoms such as headaches—can be addressed with preventive steps and OTC medications. If your allergies are interfering with your day-to-day activities, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a full diagnosis and possibly a referral to an allergist.

According to Richmond Breathe Free's website, Dr. Ditto received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, where he earned recognition for his research efforts. He then went on to receive specialized training in ear, nose, and throat disorders at the University of Michigan's department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery.