About the disease

In this module, we’ll cover the basics to help you understand chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). But first, let’s begin with an important question:

Why do we have sinuses in the first place?

Sinuses are small, air-filled spaces inside your head, connected to your nose. Think of them as tiny air pockets behind your nose, cheeks, and forehead. They are covered with soft, moist tissue and help your body in three important ways:

  • Cleaning the air you breathe: They trap dust and germs.
  • Adding moisture and warmth: This makes the air more comfortable before it reaches your lungs.
  • Protecting your brain: They act like airbags to absorb shock if you bump your head.

Plus, they even play a role in giving your voice its unique sound!

What is CRS?

CRS happens when the soft tissue inside your sinuses and nasal passages get swollen and irritated. This swelling and irritation is called inflammation. It’s your body’s immune system working to protect you, similar to what happens when you have a cold. However, with CRS, the immune system doesn’t calm down when it’s supposed to or the soft tissue is continuously irritated by external triggers (like cigeratte smoke, air pollution, or occupational agents).

This ongoing inflammation or irritation can lead to symptoms that last 12 weeks or longer, including:

  • A stuffy or blocked nose that makes breathing through the nose harder
  • A runny nose or secretions dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
  • Difficulties smelling things
  • Pain in your face or headache

This condition can happen to anyone, no matter their age, but it’s more likely to show up in adults than kids. And it’s also a pretty common condition—about 1 in 10 people in Europe suffer from it.

It can be hard to make CRS go away completely, but with the right care and preventive measures, a lot of people feel much better and find it easier to deal with their symptoms in daily life.

What causes CRS?

The exact reasons behind this long-lasting inflammation aren’t fully understood. However, we do know that several factors can contribute to CRS, such as:

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Breathing in dirty or polluted air that irritates your nose
  • Getting sick a lot, like having frequent colds due to a weak immune system
  • Allergy to pollen, house dust mite, pet dander, mold, or other inhaled particles
  • Hormone changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause
  • Traits passed down from your family (genetics)
  • Major anatomical abnormalities inside the nose (like a severe deviation of the nasal septum)

What are nasal polyps?

There are two types of CRS:

  1. With nasal polyps
  2. Without nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, round growths that can form inside your nose or sinuses. They look like tiny grapes and occur because of this long-lasting inflammation. Although these polyps can become larger, the good news is that they are not cancer and won’t turn into cancer.

If you have (large) nasal polyps, you might:

  • Have trouble smelling
  • Get headaches
  • Feel like your nose is always blocked
  • Be more prone to infections

When CRS and nasal polyps happen together, it’s called nasal polyp syndrome. We even wrote a full paper around this patient-friendly term, which is free to access.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis (or chronic rhinosinusitis) is characterized by the presence of two or more of the following key symptoms for at least 12 consecutive weeks, one of which should be either:

  • Nasal blockage; to have difficulty breathing through your nose
  • Runny nose; discoloured and thick discharge from the nose or down into the throat

This can be with or without:

  • Facial pain/pressure  
  • Reduction of smell

Some patients may also experience ear or teeth pain, bad breath, sore throat, irritability, and/or lack of energy.

Take the self-assessment test to check your symptoms.

Diagnosis of chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed based on the presence of the above key symptoms, and confirmed by either:

  • Nasal endoscopy; looking with a camera inside the nose
  • CT scan; a computed tomography scan

Chronic sinusitis is a broad diagnosis that includes different subtypes of inflammatory disease, further classified based on the presence of nasal polyps. Other tests might be performed, such as smell tests, sinus cultures and/or allergy tests.

Medications for chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a broad diagnosis further classified based on the presence of nasal polyps. Depending on the subtype, the underlying cause, and the extent of the disease, your doctor may use different therapeutic approaches to treat your chronic rhinosinusitis. Generally,

  • The use of medication represents the first-line treatment, and
  • Surgery is recommended as a second-line treatment when medications fail to control symptoms. Find more here about treatment strategies for Chronic sinusitis.

FAQ

What is chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

When inflammation of the nasal mucosa extends to the mucosa of the sinuses located right above the nose, the consensus term (rhino)sinusitis is used. Typical symptoms of (rhino)sinusitis are facial pain or pressure, smell dysfunction and nasal secretions dripping into the throat, in addition to the classical rhinitis symptoms of nasal blockage and nasal secretions. When these symptoms are present for more than 12 weeks, (rhino)sinusitis is addressed as chronic. Chronic (rhino)sinusitis can present with or without nasal polyps and it is currently still unclear why some chronic (rhino)sinusitis patients develop nasal polyps and others do not.

Is chronic (rhino)sinusitis inherited?

Chronic (rhino)sinusitis with nasal polyps runs in families but also chronic (rhino)sinusitis without nasal polyps has been observed in family members, strongly suggesting that a hereditary (=genetic) factor contributes to the disease. However, studies in identical twins showed that both siblings will not necessarily develop nasal polyps, which emphasises the additional and important role of non-hereditary, environmental factors. 

Why do I have sinuses?

Sinuses are air-filled cavities covered by mucosal linings within the bones of your face and skull. The nose and sinuses are important for filtering, heating, and moistening the air you breathe through your nose. This important function protects your lungs. Sinus cavities may also contribute to voice resonance. Furthermore, a gas (nitric oxide or NO) is produced inside the sinuses which protects against sinus infections, improves the removal of secretions from the sinuses and increases the uptake of oxygen in the lungs. 

How many people have chronic (rhino)sinusitis in Europe?

Around 10% of the population in Europe has chronic (rhino)sinusitis. This roughly equals the population of Spain. In some areas, the percentage of affected people is even higher.

Can chronic (rhino)sinusitis be cured?

Generally, this is a chronic disease that cannot easily be cured; however, patients sometimes have long periods of the well-controlled disease. The treatment aims primarily to control the patient's symptoms. Other goals are to reduce mucosal inflammation, establish sinus drainage of secretions and reduce sudden worsening of symptoms. Usually, the disease becomes less severe after 60 years of age.

What is the difference between chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis?

Inflammation of the sinuses is often referred to as sinusitis. However, the term rhinosinusitis is preferred to sinusitis since the inflammation of the sinuses rarely occurs without simultaneous inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Both terms are commonly used interchangeably.

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Does my lifestyle affect chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

Lifestyle factors like smoking, work-related exposure to certain agents (or irritants) and air pollution may affect chronic (rhino)sinusitis. Inhaled pollutants like cigarette smoke cause irritation to the airways and hinder the clearance of secretions from the nose and sinuses. Moreover, cigarette smoke increases the likelihood of getting airway infections, makes it more difficult to breathe through the nose, and reduces the sense of smell. Chronic (rhino)sinusitis is also associated with acid reflux from the stomach, which some patients have without noticing. It is advised to avoid a high intake of coffee, alcohol, or acidic drinks such as sodas or juices. 

Is chronic (rhino)sinusitis caused by bacteria or viruses?

Many patients with chronic(rhino)sinusitis remember a prolonged nose infection caused by a virus or bacteria as the triggering event of their chronic illness. Infections inflame and thicken the sinus membranes and hinder the removal of secretions from the sinuses. This swelling and inflammation sometimes last long after infection. However, inflammation, which is the major cause of chronic (rhino)sinusitis, can also be caused by many other factors acting together at different stages of the disease. Sometimes chronic (rhino)sinusitis is caused by local allergic reactions to certain bacteria and fungi. The inflammation of the sinuses can also be influenced by the presence of nasal polyps or related medical conditions such as asthma, aspirin sensitivity and immune system disorders. In conclusion, bacteria and viruses can play a role both during the initiation and modulation of the disease, but additionally, other environmental and hereditary factors contribute to the disease.

Is chronic (rhino)sinusitis caused by my allergy?

The importance of allergy as a contributing factor to chronic (rhino)sinusitis is not fully understood. Allergic disease is associated with asthma and allergic patients get severe and recurrent chronic (rhino)sinusitis more often. Year-round allergies to for example moulds and dust mites seem to occur more often in patients with chronic (rhino)sinusitis than seasonal allergens such as pollen. Allergy seems to be more important in the Asiatic than the European population for chronic (rhino)sinusitis.

What causes chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

Chronic (rhino)sinusitis is a broad diagnosis that includes different inflammatory diseases, further classified based on the presence of nasal polyps. Although not fully understood, it is usually caused by a combination of different factors that contributes to the development of the disease. In chronic (rhino)sinusitis there is a malfunction interplay between individual patient characteristics (including genes) and several environmental factors. Hypotheses as to causes include immune system disorders, airway disease like asthma, allergies, inhaled pollutants like cigarette smoke, local allergic reaction to substances produced by certain bacteria and fungi and -seldom- anatomical variation in the nose and sinuses.

Have I caused chronic (rhino)sinusitis or nasal polyps myself?

Different factors contribute to the development and severity of chronic (rhino)sinusitis. Although smoking or infections may be associated with the disease, many other factors contribute to chronic(rhino)sinusitis. Lifestyle with excessive intake of alcohol, coffee or soft drinks, as well as stress, can cause stomach acid reflux, and this can in some cases be related to chronic (rhino)sinusitis. Heavy stress and inadequate sleep may also weaken your immune system. In addition, structural abnormalities such as a highly deviated nasal septum may also contribute to the blockage of mucus inside the sinuses and the development of chronic (rhino)sinusitis.

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What are the differences between a prolonged cold and chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

A prolonged cold is caused by a sudden (delete) virus infection and is different from chronic (rhino)sinusitis. Many patients with chronic (rhino)sinusitis remember a nose infection as the first event of their chronic illness. Prolonged colds can result in swollen membranes inside the nose and sinuses with symptoms such as nasal blockage, runny nose, and a reduced sense of smell. However, in the case of chronic (rhino)sinusitis, the symptoms need to be present for at least 12 weeks in a row. In addition, confirmation of sinus disease is required by nasal endoscopy (looking with a camera inside the nose) and/or a CT scan. 

What are the symptoms of chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

Chronic (rhino)sinusitis is characterised by the presence of two or more of the following key symptoms, one of which should be either: nasal blockage (having difficulty breathing through your nose) and/or discoloured and thick discharge from the nose or down into the throat (called post-nasal drip); with or without: facial pain/pressure or reduction of smell. Some patients also experience ear or teeth pain, bad breath, sore throat, irritability, and lack of energy.

What are the clinical signs of chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

When looking into the nose, the doctor may find mucous membranes to be swollen, red and signs of irritation. When examining further inside the nose with endoscopy, the doctor may also find polyps or secretions from sinus openings. When looking into the mouth and throat, the doctor may see discoloured and thick secretions that have come from the back of the nose down into the throat. There may also be clinical signs of complications caused by chronic (rhino)sinusitis, such as swelling and redness around one eye. 

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When I drink alcohol, I have more symptoms. I think I am allergic to it. Is that possible?

Alcohol intolerance is seen in several patients with chronic (rhino)sinusitis. It causes congestion of the nose and sinuses but is not due to an allergic reaction.

Why do I need to stop smoking? I have been smoking for years but my chronic (rhino)sinusitis just started recently.

Smoking is a major factor causing irritation in the lungs, but also in the nose and the nasal sinuses. This is true for all people who smoke, but in patients with chronic (rhino)sinusitis, this irritation can be much more severe. Stop smoking is very important and takes the irritation factor away. Otherwise, medical treatment with nasal sprays or tablets can be useless. 

Do dental problems influence chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

If you have problems with your teeth this can result in an infection of the bone, which is directly in contact with the sinuses right above the teeth. This can result in chronic (rhino)sinusitis (mostly one-sided). It is important to treat the underlying dental problems first.

I think my chronic (rhino)sinusitis started when I got in contact with some water/chemical/ gas at work – is that possible?

Irritation of the nose from some chemical substances, gas or an infection from dirty water with bacteria can trigger an inflammatory reaction inside the nose and sinuses. Sudden infections or irritation caused by chemicals or allergy can result in swollen membranes inside the nose and sinuses that in turn disturbs the removal of secretions. This may over time develop into chronic (rhino)sinusitis. However, chronic (rhino)sinusitis is usually caused by a combination of different factors, and other underlying factors that you were not aware of may have contributed to the development of your chronic (rhino)sinusitis. 

I was very healthy until I worked at a place with poor indoor air quality. Afterwards I got the diagnosis of chronic (rhino)sinusitis. Did that cause my disease?

Poor indoor air climate and allergies to for example mould and dust mites can contribute to irritation and swelling inside the nose and sinuses, and to the formation of polyps. In some cases, this may lead to chronic (rhino)sinusitis if swelling and inadequate removal of secretions from the sinuses continue over time. It is, however, difficult to state that this alone has caused your disease. 

How much does smoking influence my nasal problems?

Inhaled pollutants like cigarette smoke are major causes of irritation to the airways, and it hinders the clearance of mucus from the nose and sinuses. Cigarette smoke, either active smoking or passive exposure, contributes to the development of chronic (rhino)sinusitis. It increases the likelihood of getting airway infections, makes it more difficult to breathe through the nose, and reduces the sense of smell. Active smoking, although at a higher risk, is not a reason not to perform sinus surgery. The impact of the number of cigarettes per day and the time the patient has smoked on the result after surgery is not fully understood.

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I have chronic (rhino)sinusitis and asthma. Why do my common colds take longer and are more frequent than common colds of other people?

We know that the nose, sinuses, and lungs are constantly influencing each other. Therefore, uncontrolled chronic (rhino)sinusitis can worsen complaints of asthma and vice versa. In addition, symptoms can be more severe in patients who have both chronic (rhino)sinusitis and asthma. Regarding common colds, several studies have shown that patients with chronic (rhino)sinusitis and asthma have a reduced immune defence against viral infections. This might explain why these patients have more often common colds, which also last longer.

Can chronic (rhino)sinusitis be the cause for my chronic cough?

A runny nose and nasal secretions dripping into the throat in a patient with chronic (rhino)sinusitis are both symptoms that can lead to chronic coughing. You also should be tested for asthma to confirm or exclude cough-variant asthma.

What is the link between chronic (rhino)sinusitis and asthma?

The upper (nose and sinuses) and lower (lungs) airways are closely related to each other. A high number of patients with asthma suffer from chronic (rhino)sinusitis and the more severe the asthma is, the more common chronic (rhino)sinusitis is, with a prevalence of up to 80% in the most severe cases. Chronic (rhino)sinusitis can be first but also asthma can be first; both diseases need to be treated adequately.

Why is it important to diagnose asthma in a patient with chronic (rhino)sinusitis?

Since there is a high concurrence of asthma and chronic (rhino)sinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma should always be suspected and tested. Treatment of chronic (rhino)sinusitis might be more difficult if asthma co-exists and combined therapy needs to be applied and adapted for both conditions. This is especially true for inhalers and nasal sprays with corticosteroids, but also for tablets or injections with corticosteroids for which there is the risk of overdosing and occurrence of side effects when combining these medications.

Why is it important to diagnose chronic (rhino)sinusitis in an asthma patient?

Undiagnosed and untreated chronic (rhino)sinusitis in patients with asthma can hamper therapeutic effects in the latter leading to more severe symptoms or worsening of symptoms. Well-treated chronic (rhino)sinusitis can lead to better control of asthma and the need for less (strong) medication.

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