If you constantly suffer from sinus congestion and a runny nose, you may have chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is a common condition caused by inflammation in your sinuses. The inflammation leads to mucus buildup that plugs your sinuses. It's a major annoyance since the mucus buildup can make it impossible to breathe normally through your nose. You may have trouble sleeping at night since you're not getting enough air, and you may be unable to smell or taste anything due to the congestion. Thankfully, there are several sinus therapy treatment options available that can help relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms. To find out what you can do in order to treat your chronic sinusitis, read on.

Allergy Medication 

Chronic sinusitis is sometimes caused by allergies since breathing in allergens like pollen and pet dander can cause your sinuses to become inflamed. Taking allergy medication can help reduce inflammation by limiting your allergic response.

You can also talk to your doctor about undergoing an allergy skin test in order to find out what you're allergic to. A doctor will use tiny needles to inject common allergens into your skin, allowing them to see if you have an allergic reaction to them. Finding out what's causing your allergic reaction helps you take steps to avoid it, which lets you avoid triggering your chronic sinusitis.

Dietary Change

Chronic sinusitis can also be related to food sensitivities, and a skin allergy test can help you find out if you're sensitive to foods that frequently cause allergic reactions in people. Eliminating these foods from your diet will reduce inflammation throughout your entire body, which will also help with your chronic sinusitis symptoms.

Antibiotics

Your chronic sinusitis may be caused by a bacterial infection instead of allergies. Clogged sinuses can't drain, so they're a breeding ground for bacteria. Your sinuses will become inflamed when your immune system tries to fight them off.

A doctor can take a sample of the mucus in your sinuses using a fiber-optic camera inserted into your nasal passages, which allows them to see if it contains bacteria. If the sample is positive, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that will help fight the infection.

Nasal Steroids 

Steroids weaken your immune response, which means that they'll reduce inflammation in your body. If you have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray that contains steroids. Using nasal steroids will reduce inflammation in your sinuses, allowing you to breathe easier.

Polyp Removal

People who have chronic sinusitis sometimes develop nasal polyps. The constant inflammation causes small masses to form inside of your nasal passages. This blocks airflow, which can worsen chronic sinusitis symptoms. Large polyps can also trap mucus and prevent it from draining properly, which worsens inflammation and congestion.

A doctor can examine the inside of your nose using a fiber-optic camera in order to check for nasal polyps. If any are found, they can be removed by shaving them away using a small tool attached to the end of the camera. Removing your nasal polyps will help you breathe better by increasing airflow through your nose.

If you want to find out which treatment option is right for you, visit a clinic that offers sinus therapy. Successfully treating chronic sinusitis requires finding out what's causing it, whether it's allergies, bacteria, or extensive nasal polyps. Once the cause of your chronic sinusitis is discovered, you'll be provided with the appropriate treatment regimen that helps you breathe better and feel less congested.