Chronic Sinusitis: Why Sinus Infections Keep Coming Back

February 1, 2026

ENT

Chronic Sinusitis: Why Sinus Infections Keep Coming Back

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
01 February, 2026

Chronic Sinusitis: Why Sinus Infections Keep Coming Back

Chronic sinusitis is a major public health problem in the Indian subcontinent, as studies show that almost 1 in 8 individuals deal with it on a regular basis- with a higher incidence being observed in the northern states. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages or sinuses; when it continues for longer than 3 months or so, it is chronic and hence requires more structured management. Symptoms are present even if specific treatments are used. It can affect quality of life and sleep too which can lead to fatigue and tiredness through the day.

Chronic Sinusitis Causes

Let us look at some of the causes for chronic sinusitis

If you suffer from chronic asthma, allergies or cystic fibrosis- in all of these conditions, excess mucus production can make it harder for it to drain with ease. This can cause a blocked or stuffy feeling in the nose and headache.
If you have a tooth infection which has not been addressed.
If you have a weak immune system
If you have polyps or benign growths in the nose and passages.
Deviated septum sinusitis – A lightly off centre septum in the nose is fine but a severely deviated septum can cause chronic sinusitis.

Sinus Blockage Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis include the following

Sinus headache and pressure like feeling in the nose, forehead or eyes.
Thick coloured mucus that blocks your nose and also tends to drip down your throat.
Coughing persistently.
You may have ear pain.
You may not be able to smell or taste food or stuff.
You may have persistent bad breath or halitosis.

If you don’t treat it, you may develop complications where other parts of the face or brain get infected (if an infection is what is causing your symptoms).

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

Endoscopy is recommended if you have symptoms that last for longer than 12 weeks. A CT scan or MRI is done to check for a deviated septum. If your doctor thinks that your symptoms are being caused by some other issue like an infection, then rarely a biopsy may be done.

Sinusitis Treatment Options

Sinusitis literally means the sinuses or spaces in your skull have become inflamed. So, calming down inflammation can in turn help control symptoms. Some common treatments include- the use of nasal sprays which contain saline for irrigation or steroids for calming the immune system down.

If a deviated septum is causing symptoms, then a septoplasty can be done to correct the fault and remove polyps too, so that air can move in and out of the nasal passages freely. Infectious fungal balls can also be removed during the procedure.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is done to open up the sinuses and allow for better breathing and drainage. This is minimally invasive and there are no external incisions needed, when compared to traditional balloon sinuplasty- both of which provide the same end results.

Conclusion

Chronic sinusitis can be a year long issue and exposure to pollutants or specific triggers can cause inflammation to continue and worsen symptoms. So, look for triggers like animal fur, dander, pollen, dust, smoke, mold, etc. and actively try to avoid them by using a mask or an air purifier at home. Wash your hands very well and do not touch your nose or face often. You can try to irrigate your nasal passages with warm saline water and try to keep your asthma in check. Most people don’t require surgery at all, but when breathing becomes really difficult, then you may need surgery. Other ways to ensure your symptoms can be managed include resting more often, drinking more water and checking if you have chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinusitis- as management methods can differ. Call our specialists today for a consultation, so you can breathe better and stay symptom-free!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do sinus infections keep returning?

Recurring sinus infections often result from unresolved inflammation that blocks normal sinus drainage. Common drivers include allergies, asthma, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, smoking, air pollution and immune deficiencies. Repeated viral colds can also trigger swelling that traps mucus, creating an environment where bacteria grow. If prior infections were not fully cleared or underlying structural issues remain unaddressed, symptoms can cycle back.

How is chronic sinusitis different from acute sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks and usually follows a cold, with facial pressure, congestion, thick nasal discharge, and reduced smell. Chronic sinusitis persists for 12 weeks or longer despite treatment. It involves ongoing inflammation rather than a short infection and may include nasal blockage, facial fullness, drainage, cough, fatigue and smell loss. Chronic cases often require imaging and longer-term management.

When should I see an ENT specialist for sinusitis?

Consult an ENT if symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, recur several times a year, or persist beyond 12 weeks. Seek care for severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, high fever, vision changes, or if antibiotics and nasal steroids have not helped. An ENT can perform nasal endoscopy, order CT imaging and evaluate for polyps or structural blockage.

Is surgery required for chronic sinusitis?

Most patients improve with medical therapy such as saline irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, allergy control, and targeted antibiotics. Endoscopic sinus surgery is considered when symptoms continue despite maximal medical treatment or when polyps or anatomical obstruction prevent drainage.

Can untreated sinusitis lead to complications?

Yes. Ongoing infection can spread to the orbit or brain, causing cellulitis, abscess, meningitis, or bone infection. Persistent inflammation can also worsen asthma and reduce quality of life.