Sinusitis Explained: Causes, Chronic Symptoms & Surgical Treatment Options

Have you ever had a cold that would not go away? The kind that leaves you with a blocked nose, heaviness in the head, and constant pressure around the face can make even simple tasks feel exhausting.

For some people, this is not just a passing cold — it may be sinusitis.

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection or other triggers. This inflammation can lead to congestion, facial pressure and headaches. In this article, we help you understand sinusitis, its causes and symptoms, and the treatment options available.

Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses — the air-filled cavities around the nose and eyes. A healthy sinus contains air, but when it becomes blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause infection.

• Acute sinusitis: lasts less than 4 weeks, often linked to a cold or respiratory infection
• Subacute sinusitis: lasts 4–12 weeks
• Chronic sinusitis: symptoms last more than 12 weeks
• Recurrent sinusitis: more than 3 sinus infections in a year^[1]

Chronic sinusitis can affect daily life. Common symptoms include:

• nasal congestion or blockage
• thick, discoloured nasal discharge
• post-nasal drip
• facial pressure or discomfort
• reduced sense of smell and taste
• coughing, especially at night
• fatigue

If these symptoms persist or do not improve with standard care, consultation with a doctor is advised.

If sinus symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or return frequently, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

To diagnose sinusitis, doctors may use:

• medical history review
• physical examination
• CT scan (if needed)
• nasal endoscopy (in selected cases)

Early evaluation can help reduce complications and improve treatment outcomes.

Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, improve sinus drainage, and address underlying triggers.

Options may include:

• Medications: nasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation, decongestants, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected
• Allergy management: avoiding allergens, using antihistamines
• Immunotherapy: allergy shots or tablets (as advised by an allergy specialist)
• Surgery: when symptoms do not respond to medical treatment

If chronic sinusitis does not respond to medication, a doctor may recommend surgical intervention. One minimally invasive option is Balloon Sinus Dilation.

What is Balloon Sinus Dilation?

This procedure involves inserting a small flexible balloon catheter into a blocked sinus passage. The balloon is gently inflated to open the pathway, allowing mucus to drain and helping normal sinus function return.

Compared to traditional surgery, it is less invasive and often offers faster recovery in appropriate patients.

Meril’s Mesire™ Balloon Sinus Dilation System is designed to support chronic sinusitis treatment.

Key features include:

• Minimally invasive: no tissue or bone removal, helping preserve natural sinus anatomy
• Quick recovery: many patients can return to routine activities within 24–48 hours (based on clinical advice and individual recovery)^[2]
• Clinically supported approach: helps improve sinus drainage and symptom control in selected cases

Traditional sinus surgery may involve removing tissue or bone to widen sinus openings. While effective, it can be more invasive and may involve a longer recovery.

Balloon sinus dilation offers:

• reduced tissue trauma
• lower post-procedure discomfort in many cases
• faster return to day-to-day activities for suitable patients

Most patients experience:

• mild discomfort
• mild swelling or nasal irritation
• minimal downtime compared to traditional surgery

Follow-up care depends on the patient’s recovery and doctor’s recommendations.

Clinical evidence shows balloon sinus dilation can provide lasting symptom improvement in selected patients and reduce recurrence of sinusitis episodes over time.^[3]

Sinusitis, especially chronic sinusitis, can affect health and quality of life. Understanding causes, recognising symptoms early, and choosing appropriate treatment options can help manage the condition effectively.

Minimally invasive solutions, such as balloon sinus dilation with Mesire™, may offer long-term relief for patients who do not respond well to traditional treatments.