When you have chronic sinusitis, your sinus or nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up, causing blockage or congestion. This common condition is also called chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis can make it difficult for you to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face may feel swollen, and you may have throbbing facial pain or a headache.

Symptoms for chronic sinusitis are almost the same as with an acute sinus infection. But symptoms for chronic sinusitis last longer and are more persistent and recurring.

You're at increased risk of getting chronic or recurrent sinusitis if you have:

• A nasal passage abnormality, such as a deviated nasal septum, or nasal polyps

• Aspirin sensitivity that causes respiratory symptoms

• A medical condition such as cystic fibrosis or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

• An immune system disorder such as HIV/AIDS or cystic fibrosis

• Hay fever or another allergic condition that affects your sinuses

• Asthma — about one in 5 people with chronic sinusitis have asthma

• Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke

If you would like to prevent getting a chronic sinus infection, you can:

• Avoid those with upper respiratory infections. Minimize contact with people who have colds. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before your meals.

• Carefully manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control.

• Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.

• Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure the humidifier stays clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning.

If you are diagnosed to have a chronic sinus infection, these self-help steps can help relieve your symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest. This will help your body fight infections and speed recovery.

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or juice. This will help dilute mucous secretions and promote drainage. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can be dehydrating. Drinking alcohol can also worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.

• Steam your sinus cavities. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the steam from a bowl of hot water. Keep the steam directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help ease pain and help mucus drain.

• Apply warm compresses to your face. Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks and eyes to ease facial pain.

• Rinse out your nasal passages. Use a specially designed squeeze bottle, bulb syringe or neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages. This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses.

• Sleep with your head elevated. This will help your sinuses drain, reducing congestion