SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, an ENT and allergy practice serving patients in Southern California, announced in a blog post that chronic sinusitis is often mistaken for a lingering infection, which can delay proper evaluation and treatment.
In the July 29 blog post, the Burbank- and San Diego-based practice explained that chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammatory condition that develops when swelling narrows sinus drainage pathways, trapping mucus and causing symptoms that can persist for weeks or months.
The practice said symptoms that may require medical evaluation include persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, thick nasal drainage, postnasal drip, reduced sense of smell and sinus-related headaches. It also noted that chronic sinusitis can contribute to poor sleep, fatigue and difficulty concentrating as symptoms continue.
SoCal Breathe Free said chronic sinusitis can result from multiple contributing factors, including seasonal allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, recurring sinus infections and environmental irritants. The practice added that Southern California conditions, including dry air, seasonal pollen and wildfire smoke, can contribute to nasal inflammation for some patients.
The practice recommends seeking medical evaluation when symptoms last longer than several weeks, sinus infections repeatedly return, or reduced sense of smell and disrupted sleep continue despite previous treatment.
The guidance comes from the SoCal Breathe Free practice where Dr. Matt D. Hershcovitch treats sinus and ENT patients, according to his provider biography on the practice’s website. Hershcovitch is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained otolaryngologist and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 15 years of experience and was named a Top Doctor by Los Angeles Magazine in 2024.
