Acute sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Antihistamines are not usually used as they tend to dry up the secretions and make them sticky. It is then hard for the sticky mucus to be cleared from the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses remain infected for long periods of time or reoccurs numerous times during the year. The symptoms are not as intense as acute sinusitis, but the long term effects can be serious.
Any chronic infection can cause general malaise and loss of energy.
A chronic infection in the sinuses can cause bone erosion and numerous problems which can be very serious. Pressure can effect the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. The infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract and cause infections in the lungs. Chronic sinusitis can occur when an acute infection does not completely clear up. It can also be the results of continued exposure to an allergen or irritant.