Chronic Sinus Infections

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

Chronic sinusitis is a common, long-lasting inflammation in the sinuses. Chronic sinus infections last longer than 12 weeks or recur more than four times in a year. No matter the cause, the persistent symptoms of chronic sinus infections can significantly interfere with daily life.

Houston’s leading rhinologist and otolaryngologist (ENT), Dr. Arjuna Kuperan, specializes in expertly bringing his patients relief from chronic sinusitis. He has advanced training to treat complex sinus issues and has extensively published on technical surgical techniques including on how to improve smell in chronic sinusitis patients.

If the symptoms of chronic sinusitis are impacting your life, learn more about your treatment options by calling us at Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus at (713) 701-5704 or contact us online.

About Chronic Sinus Infections

Sinus infections happen when the sinuses, the air-filled cavities surrounding the nasal passages, are swollen and inflamed, preventing fluid and mucus from draining properly and blocking airflow. They have many common causes, and combinations of causes, including:

  • Structural blockages: a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or narrow nasal passages physically block passageways
  • Allergies and environmental irritants: yearlong allergies including reactions to pollen, dust mites, and other irritants, such as smoke and air pollution, cause swelling
  • Infections: frequent upper respiratory infections (viral and bacterial) create inflammation that does not have time to heal
  • Health Conditions: asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other immune system disorders increase the likelihood of sinus issues

Chronic Sinus Infection Symptoms

The frustrating symptoms of a chronic sinus infection are similar to those of a cold, but last for more than 12 weeks.

  • A runny nose, with thick discolored mucus
  • Pain and tenderness around the cheeks, nose, or forehead
  • Pressure and a feeling of fullness in the face
  • Nasal congestion and a stuffy nose that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose
  • A post-nasal drip of mucus down the back of the throat
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Headaches
  • Pressure or pain in the ears
  • Reduced sense of smell and taste
  • Aching or pain in the teeth
  • Cough
  • Bad breath
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue and tiredness

Chronic sinus infections see multiple symptoms persist, creating long-lasting discomfort. It is important to understand the cause of your infection to fully address the underlying cause(s) of your chronic sinusitis. The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and improve nasal function. Steroids, antibiotics, allergy treatments, and saline irrigation are common first steps in treating chronic sinus infections. If symptoms continue after these non-invasive options or you have structural blockages, endoscopic sinus surgery may be the best treatment option.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Dr. Kuperan uses advanced endoscopic sinus surgery to treat chronic sinus infections that are caused by structural blockages or are resistant to other treatments. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that clears the blocked sinuses through the nasal passages to alleviate frustrating sinus symptoms. Using a small endoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light, Dr. Kuperan can see the sinus anatomy for optimized treatment. (1) He then uses specialized techniques to open narrow passageways, clear blockages, and remove inflamed tissue and structural obstructions that prevent airflow and proper drainage. The entire procedure is done through the nostrils which minimizes complications, speeds healing, and leaves no visible scars.

Benefits

Endoscopic sinus surgery provides many functional benefits, including:

  • Improves nasal breathing
  • Better sinus draining
  • Relieves facial pressure
  • Improves sense of smell
  • Reduction of severe congestion
  • Removal of nasal polyps and other obstructions
  • Better quality sleep
  • Improves quality of life

Candidates

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be persistent and include nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, thick, discolored drainage, a postnasal drip, headaches, decreased smell and taste, and more. Dr. Kuperan’s Sinus Quiz can help evaluate your symptoms and determine if you have a chronic sinus infection.

If you struggle with a chronic sinus infection for more than 12 weeks or frequent sinus infections throughout the year, sinus surgery may help alleviate your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. During your personal consultation, sinus expert Dr. Kuperan will guide you through your treatment options for long-lasting relief.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation creates the foundation for your customized treatment protocols. During your consultation, award-winning ENT specialist, Dr. Kuperan will conduct an in-depth analysis to fully understand your needs and provide expert guidance on the treatment options that will bring you the most relief.

Your consultation will include a conversation about your symptoms, concerns, medical history, previous treatments, and desired outcomes. Dr. Kuperan will perform a physical examination to better assess your anatomy and chronic sinus issues. He will answer any questions you may have and fully explain the details of your treatment options. Your personal consultation will create a personalized treatment plan that you feel confident in.

Preparation

Your customized treatment plan will include recommendations to create a smooth treatment process, improve healing, and optimize results. Specific instructions will vary based on your needs but may include:

  • Completing additional screenings like a nasal endoscopy or sinus CT scan
  • Reviewing and adjusting medications and supplement regimens
  • Evaluating allergies
  • Saline irrigation
  • Nasal steroid treatment
  • Cease use of alcohol and nicotine ahead of treatment
  • Scheduling time off work or school
  • Preparing your recovery space with prescriptions and other needed supplies
  • Arranging trusted transportation home from your procedure

Procedure

Your chronic sinusitis surgery will take place at our warm, state-of-the-art facilities. The outpatient procedure will take place under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout treatment. Dr. Kuperan will precisely guide the small endoscope through the nostril to visualize the nasal and sinus cavities. Since the procedure occurs through the nasal passages there are no external facial incisions so there will be no visible scars.

According to your treatment plan, he will use specialized techniques to open the sinuses for better airflow and improved drainage. He may clear blockages and remove inflamed and obstructive tissues to improve the sinus function. He will carefully review the treatment areas for the best possible outcomes. The surgery generally takes about two hours to complete.

Recovery

Your customized treatment plan will include specific instructions to optimize the healing process for successful results. (2) Your personalized protocols will guide you through the recovery process, and we will closely monitor your progress along the way.

Immediately after surgery, patients experience temporary side effects that will subside over time. There may be swelling, discomfort, pressure, nasal congestion, or the sensation of having a cold. Dr. Kuperan will prescribe medication to ease pain and discomfort.

In the first few days after your procedure, you will avoid strenuous activities and focus on rest. You may have specific instructions regarding using saline rinses to clear out crusting in the nasal passages, keeping your head lifted while resting, and blowing your nose. Typically, you will feel better and can return to light activities and work within a week.

Within two to four weeks, you will see noticeable improvements as pressure resolves and you begin breathing comfortably. Exercise, including cardio, is usually reintroduced after two to three weeks.

As internal swelling fully heals, complete recovery may take up to a month or twelve weeks depending on the severity of the sinusitis and the techniques used.

Results

Patients enjoy a better quality of life after endoscopic sinus surgery as the sinuses heal, swelling decreases, and the full improvements develop over time. (3) The life-changing functional improvements include:

  • Improved breathing and airflow
  • Decreased nasal congestion
  • Reduced facial swelling and pressure
  • Restored sense of smell and taste
  • General reduction of sinus related symptoms
  • Less headaches
  • Reduction of post-nasal drip
  • Better sleep quality

Cost of Chronic Sinus Infections in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

The price of your chronic sinusitis treatment will vary based on your needs and the specific surgical techniques applied. Your comprehensive treatment plan will include a detailed price estimate.

To make improved breathing more accessible to all, our knowledgeable staff will guide you through your payment options. We work with major insurance providers and offer convenient financing options. Our billing team will complete a free insurance check and will use their extensive experience to help obtain necessary insurance authorizations.

To explore all the payment options for your chronic sinusitis treatment, call (713) 701-5704 or contact us online.

FAQ

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is a constant and long-lasting sinus infection. When a sinus infection lasts longer than 12 weeks or you have more than four in one year, it is classified as chronic.

What causes chronic sinusitis?

Many things can prevent fluid and mucus from properly draining from the nasal passages, resulting in chronic sinusitis. Structural and physical blockages, like nasal polyps and a deviated septum, can cause chronic sinusitis. Allergies and other medical conditions, like asthma and immune system issues, can increase swelling in the sinuses. Viral and bacterial infections and exposure to environmental irritants can cause chronic inflammation.

What is the difference between sinusitis and rhinosinusitis?

Typically, both sinusitis and rhinosinusitis happen in conjunction with each other. Sinusitis means there is inflammation in the sinuses (the air-filled cavities surrounding the nose). Rhinosinusitis means there is inflammation in the sinuses and in the nasal passages.

How soon will I see the results of my sinus surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery can bring immediate improvements. Full results will gradually appear with healing over the course of the next few weeks through a few months.

Will I be able to breathe better after endoscopic sinus surgery?

Treating chronic sinusitis with sinus surgery improves airflow and enhances nasal breathing.

References

  1. Maran AG. Endoscopic sinus surgery. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1994;251(6):309-318. doi:10.1007/BF00171536
  2. Mackay IS. Endoscopic sinus surgery. Ann Acad Med Singap. 1991;20(5):690-695. Accessed October 2, 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1781657/
  3. Shehri KA, Sait S, Alamoudi S, Khubrani Y, Bahakim A. Functional Outcomes of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study Using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-16 Questionnaire. Cureus. 2024;16(9):e69322. doi:10.7759/cureus.69322