Everyday is a Sick Day with Chronic Sinusitus and Rhinitis

April 9th, 2010

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As a key point of entry into our bodies, our nose and nasal passages are regularly exposed to many foreign viral, fungal and bacterial invaders that could make us ill. Frequently when we are young or when our immune systems are already taxed and do not stop these invaders, we can get a nasal or sinus infection. Though this can be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful, these infections will generally clear up on their own or with antibiotics. This is not always the case however, and for a large percentage of the population, such infections can be a chronic nuisance.

Sinusitis, as it is formally named, is an infection of the sinuses that leads to nasal congestion, sinus pressure and fluid or mucous draining into the throat that can cause a lasting, annoying cough. Similarly, Rhinitis is an infection of the nasal passages. More specifically, these infections involve the mucous membrane in these areas.

Such infections often occur following a cold because the tissues in the nose are most vulnerable at this point.

In the US, almost 37 million people, or 12% of the population will experience Sinusitis each year. At the same time, somewhere between 16 and 32 million suffer from the condition chronically, making it one of the most common forms of disease experienced. Furthermore, because it is so prevalent, the condition, in combination with bronchitis, accounts for more than 30 million missed workdays annually in the US alone.

Also due to its common occurrence, sinus and nasal infections represent 2 of the top 3 reasons for chronic coughs or coughs lasting more than 3 weeks. Whether the cause is viral, bacterial or fungal in nature, the symptoms will usually look the same. In many cases, patients are not diagnosed as to the reason for the chronic cough and will suffer needlessly with such coughs for long periods of time.

Worse than a chronic cough, however, Chronic Sinusitis and Rhinitis can also lead to increased bodily pain. Research published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology concluded that the bodily aches and pains experienced by those with these conditions are similar to the levels felt by those with depression or arthritis. This can make someone in their 40s feel regular pain equivalent to the pain felt by those in their 70s.

Even when these infections are treated, however, 10% of those with such chronic infections will develop another infection within weeks or at most a few months. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University studying these cases suspect that for these individuals, genetics plays a part in reducing the ability of the patient’s immune system to identify foreign invaders so that other components of the immune system can attack and remove these invaders.

Other research into Chronic Sinusitis by the University of Buffalo and the Mayo Clinic determined in 2004 that chronic Sinusitis and Rhinitis are triggered by fungal infections that cause the immune system to overreact. Their research found that treating patients with antifungal remedies caused a significant reduction in symptoms.

Regardless of the reasons for the condition, at present, the condition cannot be eliminated, but only managed. This makes detection of the condition very important. To aid in such diagnosis, research conducted at the Medical College of Georgia has created a blood test that detects specific proteins that identify people who have Sinusitis. With the test, people who might not otherwise know they have the condition can find out earlier and get appropriate treatments to reduce the symptoms.

With any medical condition that medical science has not yet eliminated, the key to incremental success is in reducing the symptoms of the condition and making life the most livable for patients. For sufferers of chronic Sinusitis and Rhinitis, the situation is no different and it is important that patients are aware of their condition so that they can get the best treatments currently available.

Do you suffer the effects of Chronic Sinusitis or Rhinitis? Does it affect your daily life? Share your experiences in the forums.

Related Links

http://www.aaaai.org/media/statistics/allergy-statistics.asp#sinusitis

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2006/09_15_06.html

http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/medicine_health/report-47954.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-cough/DS00957/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-10/uopm-sba102004.php

http://www.otojournal.org/article/PIIS0194599808006682/fulltext

http://resource.ca.jhu.edu/pipermail/jhu_science_and_medicine_news/2006-September/000962.html

http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/archives/vol35/vol35n28/articles/Sinusitis.html

https://my.mcg.edu/portal/page/portal/News/archive/2008/Potential%20blood%20test%20for%20chronic%20sinusitis%20identified

http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/taking_action_for_you/story/New-blood-test-detects-chronic-Sinusitis/RbPwmntZ90-6nEk_fZtwLQ.cspx