If you’ve been living with the uncomfortable, often debilitating symptoms of chronic sinusitis, you’re not alone. Many people struggle for years with nasal congestion, facial pressure, and recurring infections that don’t fully respond to medication. When conservative treatments fail, endoscopic sinus surgery can offer long-term relief and significantly improve quality of life.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, is a long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses – the air-filled cavities located behind your forehead, cheeks, eyes, and nose. Unlike acute sinusitis, which usually clears up within a few weeks, chronic sinusitis persists for 12 weeks or longer, often despite repeated attempts at treatment.
This condition can significantly impact your day-to-day life, causing ongoing discomfort and making it harder to breathe through your nose. You may feel constantly congested, fatigued, and prone to sinus infections that never seem to entirely go away.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
● Nasal congestion or blockage often affects your ability to breathe easily.
● Thick nasal discharge, which may be yellow or green
● Facial pressure or pain, especially around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
● Reduced or lost sense of smell or taste
● Post-nasal drip, where mucus runs down the back of your throat
● Persistent coughing, particularly worse at night
● Fatigue, headaches, or a general feeling of being unwell
Some people may also experience bad breath, ear pain, or an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the face.
If you’ve been struggling with ongoing nasal congestion, pressure, or repeated infections for several months, and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, it may be time to see an ENT specialist. Chronic sinusitis isn’t just frustrating – if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as recurrent infections, worsening asthma, or even structural changes to the sinuses.
At the Harley Street Nose Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including nasal endoscopy and CT imaging, to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment – whether medical or surgical.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, preventing normal drainage and leading to a build-up of mucus. This creates the ideal environment for infections to develop. Sinusitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks), and the causes can vary widely from person to person.
Common Causes of Sinusitis
Viral infections
The most frequent cause of acute sinusitis is a common cold. A viral upper respiratory infection can cause inflammation of the sinus lining, leading to blocked drainage and secondary infection.
Bacterial infections
If symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen after initial improvement, a bacterial infection may be present. This is more common in chronic or recurrent sinusitis cases.
Nasal polyps
These non-cancerous growths in the nasal lining can block sinus drainage pathways, leading to persistent congestion and inflammation.
Allergies
Conditions like hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can inflame the nasal passages and trigger sinusitis, especially in people with seasonal or year-round allergies.
Deviated nasal septum
When the thin wall between the nasal passages is crooked or off-centre, it can restrict airflow and contribute to blocked sinuses.
Environmental irritants
Exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, or chemical fumes can irritate the nasal lining and increase the risk of inflammation.
Fungal infections
While rare, some individuals — particularly those with weakened immune systems — can develop fungal sinus infections, which may require specialist treatment.
Dental issues
Infections from the upper teeth or after dental work can sometimes spread to the maxillary sinuses located just above them.
Underlying health conditions
Conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or immune system disorders can make people more prone to chronic sinus inflammation.
Can Chronic Sinusitis Be Cured?
The short answer is: yes, chronic sinusitis can often be effectively managed and, in many cases, resolved — but the path to relief depends on the underlying cause of your condition.
For some people, chronic sinusitis may be triggered by allergies or environmental factors, and long-term symptom control can be achieved through lifestyle adjustments, allergy treatment, and medication. In others, the condition is due to structural issues in the nose, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. In these cases, surgery may be the most effective way to restore proper sinus drainage and provide lasting relief.
Medical vs Surgical Treatment
Medical treatments, such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, saline rinses, antibiotics (for bacterial infections), and antifungals (in rare cases), can reduce inflammation and control symptoms — particularly in the early stages of chronic sinusitis.
However, if symptoms persist despite medical therapy, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure addresses the root cause of the problem — whether that’s blocked sinuses, polyps, or anatomical obstructions — and can result in dramatic symptom improvement and long-term relief.
Long-Term Outlook
While some people experience a complete resolution of symptoms after treatment, others may need to maintain a long-term management plan to prevent flare-ups — especially if allergies or asthma are contributing factors.
At the Harley Street Nose Clinic, we take a tailored approach to each case. Our goal is to not only relieve your symptoms but to identify and address the specific causes so you can enjoy better breathing, fewer infections, and an improved quality of life.
Chronic Sinusitis and Fatigue
One of the lesser-known but prevalent symptoms of chronic sinusitis is fatigue. Many patients are surprised to learn that their constant tiredness, brain fog, or low energy levels could be directly linked to their sinus condition.
Why Does Chronic Sinusitis Make You Feel So Tired?
When your sinuses are inflamed and not draining properly, your body is in a constant state of low-grade infection or inflammation. This puts your immune system on high alert, which can leave you feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep.
Other ways chronic sinusitis can contribute to fatigue include:
● Poor sleep quality – blocked nasal passages can make it difficult to breathe comfortably at night, leading to snoring, sleep apnoea, or frequent waking
● Ongoing pain and pressure – persistent facial discomfort or headaches can wear you down mentally and physically.
● Reduced oxygen intake – difficulty breathing through your nose can limit proper airflow, especially during sleep.
● Post-nasal drip and coughing – constant throat irritation can keep you awake or disturb restful sleep
Many patients also describe feeling foggy-headed, irritable, or less focused, which can affect work, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Finding Relief
If you’ve been living with unexplained tiredness and chronic nasal symptoms, it’s worth exploring whether sinus issues could be the cause. Addressing the underlying inflammation — whether through medication, allergy treatment, or surgery can dramatically improve your energy levels and help you feel more like yourself again.
What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, and how can it help with Sinusitis?
Endoscopic sinus surgery, also known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), is a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore normal drainage of the sinuses and improve airflow.
Using a thin, flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope), a sinus specialist can access the nasal passages without the need for external incisions. Specialised instruments are used to remove blockages, open up sinus pathways, and correct structural issues.
When is Surgery Recommended?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is typically considered when:
● Symptoms persist despite medical treatment
● Imaging (such as a CT scan) shows blocked sinuses or anatomical issues.
● Nasal polyps are present.
● Recurrent sinus infections interfere with daily life.
At the Harley Street Nose Clinic, we take a personalised approach. We’ll explore all non-surgical options first and only recommend surgery if it’s the most effective path forward.
Book a call with one of our consultants to discover if surgery could be a suitable option for you.
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