CAN CHRONIC SINUSITIS BE CURED?

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Vo Thanh Quang, an ENT specialist at Hanoi French Hospital, the ability to control the condition depends on several factors, including its underlying cause, the severity of inflammation, and when the patient is examined and evaluated.

Chronic sinusitis can have multiple underlying causes

Chronic sinusitis does not have a single cause. Persistent inflammation may be associated with allergic rhinitis, infection, environmental factors, or abnormalities in the structure and function of the nose and sinuses.

• In people with allergies, inflammation of the nasal lining may persist and recur, affecting the normal function of the nose and sinuses. For these patients, effective control of the underlying allergic condition is an important part of treatment.
• In other cases, factors such as infection or anatomical abnormalities can affect the ventilation and drainage of the sinuses, creating conditions that allow inflammation to persist or recur.

Therefore, even when two people are both diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, their underlying causes, severity, and treatment approaches may be different. Identifying the underlying cause is an important first step in determining the most appropriate treatment.

Why is early evaluation important?

One factor that can affect treatment is the severity of the condition at the time of evaluation.

Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, facial pain, or pressure may come and go. When symptoms improve, many people assume that the condition has resolved and do not seek further evaluation or follow-up.

However, if inflammation persists or recurs over many years, changes in the nasal lining and sinus system may become more pronounced. Once the condition has progressed for a long time, managing it may become more complex.

By contrast, when patients are examined and evaluated early, doctors can identify the underlying cause, assess the severity of the condition, and determine the factors contributing to persistent inflammation. This allows an appropriate treatment plan to be developed before the condition becomes more persistent or progresses further.

Can chronic sinusitis be cured?

Chronic sinusitis generally requires a longer and more complex treatment process than acute sinusitis. However, chronic does not mean untreatable.

Depending on the individual case, doctors may recommend medical treatment, management of related conditions, or surgical intervention when indicated. The goals are to control inflammation, improve nasal and sinus function, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

The key is to undergo a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause and severity of the condition, rather than simply treating the symptoms each time they return.

Dr. Vo Thanh Quang is an ENT specialist at Hanoi French Hospital, with more than 40 years of experience in ENT surgery at leading specialized hospitals in Vietnam.

After completing his Master’s degree at Hanoi Medical University, Associate Professor, Dr. Vo Thanh Quang pursued advanced training at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, France, and the University of North Carolina (UNC), USA. With extensive training and clinical experience, he specializes in the medical and surgical management of ENT conditions, with particular expertise in throat and laryngeal disorders, audiology, balance disorders, sinonasal diseases, and ENT head and neck cancer.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vo Thanh Quang or other specialists at HFH, please contact HOTLINE 024.35771100, send us a message via the Hanoi French Hospital Fanpage, or via WhatsApp: +84 903 497 078.