The Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Department of Otorhinolaryngology

Chronic Sinusitis


Chronic sinusitis (or chronic rhinosinusitis, as it is now more formally known) is a condition of chronic inflammation of the linings of the nose and sinuses. Common symptoms include congestion, nasal obstruction, drainage, facial fullness — all of which may last for months or years. Numerous factors may play a role in this disease process. Medical treatment is often successful, but if not, surgery is an option. Advances in surgery over the past 10-15 years seem to have improved the outcomes from surgery.

The evaluation of chronic nasal complaints typically includes nasal endoscopy, an office procedure, during which an ENT doctor can examine the nasal passages with a small camera. CT scans are also used for diagnosis confirmation and surgical planning.