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Could it be Chronic Sinusitis? Take the test to find out Back Diseases of the sinuses What are the sinuses? Sinuses are air-filled cavities covered by a mucosal layer and located 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, which is an important function that protects your lungs. Sinus cavities may also contribute to voice resonance and can absorb energy to protect the brain from trauma. Acute or chronic sinusitis? Sinus diseases can be split into two categories: acute (rapid onset) or chronic (over a long period of time). Acute sinusitis is the most common form, and is characterized by a short infection or inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa, which resolves quickly after 1-2 weeks. On the other hand, chronic sinusitis symptoms last for more than 12 weeks. Types of chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis (also called chronic rhinosinusitis) is a broad diagnosis that includes different disease subtypes, further classified based on the presence of nasal polyps: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) Causes of chronic sinusitis Although not fully understood, chronic rhinosinusitis is usually caused by a combination of different factors that contribute to the development of the disease. It occurs due to a malfunctional interaction between individual patient characteristics (including genes) and environmental factors. Chronic sinusitis can arise due to: Respiratory infection Immune system disorders Allergic reaction to airborne antigens or to substances produced by certain bacteria and fungi Inhalation of small particles like cigarette smoke or pollutants Genetics What are nasal polyps? Causes, symptoms, and treatments Learn more Additional FAQs Difference between chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis? Is chronic sinusitis inherited? Can chronic sinusitis be cured? 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. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps runs in families but also chronic 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 emphasizes the additional and important role of non-hereditary, environmental factors. In general, this is a chronic disease that cannot easily be cured, however patients sometimes have long periods of well-controlled disease. The treatment aims primarily to control patient’s symptoms. Other goals are to reduce mucosal inflammation, to establish sinus drainage of secretions and to reduce sudden worsening of symptoms. Usually the disease becomes less severe after 60 years of age. 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. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps runs in families but also chronic 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 emphasizes the additional and important role of non-hereditary, environmental factors. In general, this is a chronic disease that cannot easily be cured, however patients sometimes have long periods of well-controlled disease. The treatment aims primarily to control patient’s symptoms. Other goals are to reduce mucosal inflammation, to establish sinus drainage of secretions and to reduce sudden worsening of symptoms. Usually the disease becomes less severe after 60 years of age. Related articles and video’s  No related articles found  Show more articles Summary Diseases of the sinuses What are the sinuses Acute or chronic sinusitis? Types of chronic sinusitis Causes of chronic sinusitis Additional FAQs Difference between chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis? Is chronic sinusitis inherited? Can chronic sinusitis be cured? FAQs The FAQs are designed to cover more in-depth questions, particularly interesting if your condition is long-standing. If you have any questions that remain unanswered after going through this portal and FAQs,  don’t hesitate to contact our Team at contact@euforea.eu. Please note that we can’t take any personal questions. About CRS What is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)? Inflammation is the body’s reaction to things like germs and irritants such as foreign objects or chemicals. When inflammation affects the inside lining of the nose and spreads to the sinuses, it’s called rhinosinusitis. Sinuses are the air-filled spaces above the nose. Common symptoms of rhinosinusitis include pain or pressure in the face, changes in the ability to smell, and mucus that drips out of the front part of the nose or into the back of the throat. These symptoms are in addition to the usual symptoms of rhinitis, like a stuffy/blocked nose and extra mucus in the nose. When the symptoms of rhinosinusitis are present for more than 12 weeks, it is considered CRS. CRS can present with or without nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths in the nose and/or sinuses that can cause symptoms and interfere with your daily life. To date, it remains unclear why some patients with CRS develop nasal polyps and others do not. The form of CRS with nasal polyps is also referred to as nasal polyp syndrome. Is CRS inherited? CRS with nasal polyps runs in families but also CRS 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 emphasizes the additional and important role of non-hereditary, environmental factors. Why do I have sinuses? Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of your face and skull that are covered with a thin moist layer of mucus. The nose and sinuses fulfil an important role in filtering, heating and moistening the air that we breathe through the nose. This is important to