Chronic Sinusitis Treatment in DHA, Lahore

Struggling with blocked sinuses, facial pain, or infections that keep coming back? Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema, Lahore’s most trusted ENT specialist, offers expert diagnosis and lasting treatment for chronic sinusitis at CENT, DHA Phase 6 with same-day appointments and all diagnostic tests available in one visit.

Medically Reviewed By

Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema, FCPS Professor of ENT Surgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore. Founder & Chief ENT Surgeon, Center of ENT (CENT). Over 40 years of clinical experience in ENT surgery and diagnostics.

About the Treatment


Chronic sinusitis treatment focuses on clearing blocked sinuses, reducing inflammation, and addressing the underlying cause whether that’s infection, allergies, nasal polyps, or a structural issue like a deviated septum. At CENT, treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis using in-clinic endoscopy and imaging, followed by a step-by-step plan that starts with medical management and moves to minimally invasive or surgical options only when needed.

Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema has treated chronic sinusitis patients from across Lahore including DHA, Iqbal Town, Gulberg, and Johar Town for over four decades, with particular experience managing the sinus flare-ups common during Lahore’s smog season.

What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is long-term inflammation of the sinuses the air-filled spaces behind your nose, cheeks, and forehead lasting 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment attempts. It’s different from a common cold or short-term sinus infection: the lining of the sinuses stays swollen, mucus can’t drain properly, and this creates ongoing congestion, pressure, and repeated infections.

In Lahore, chronic sinusitis is especially common due to high air pollution, seasonal smog, dust exposure, and allergic rhinitis all of which keep the sinus lining irritated and prevent it from healing on its own.

Symptoms

Common signs of chronic sinusitis include:

Thick, discoloured nasal discharge or post-nasal drip

Nasal blockage or congestion lasting weeks

Facial pain, pressure, or swelling around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead

Reduced sense of smell or taste

Persistent cough, worse at night

Headache, particularly around the forehead and eyes

Ear pain or pressure

Fatigue and general feeling of being unwell

Bad breath unrelated to dental causes

Causes

Chronic sinusitis develops when the sinus lining stays inflamed long enough to block normal drainage. Common causes and contributing factors include:

Untreated or recurrent acute sinus infections

Allergic rhinitis

Nasal polyps

Deviated nasal septum or other structural nasal issues

Air pollution, smog, and dust exposure a major factor for patients across Lahore

Weakened immune system

Respiratory infections that don’t fully resolve

Smoking or frequent exposure to smoke

Diagnosis & Tests

An accurate diagnosis is essential before starting treatment, since sinusitis symptoms can overlap with allergies, migraines, or dental issues. At CENT, Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema uses a combination of the following, most available in a single visit:

  • Detailed symptom history and physical examination
  • Nasal endoscopy a thin, flexible camera to directly examine the sinus passages
  • CT scan of the paranasal sinuses for detailed imaging of sinus structure and blockage
  • Allergy testingwhere allergic rhinitis is suspected as an underlying cause

Treatment Options

Medical Management (first-line treatment)

For most patients, chronic sinusitis is managed effectively without surgery:

Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation

Saline nasal irrigation to clear mucus and allergens

Antibiotics, where an active bacterial infection is confirmed

Antihistamines or allergy management, where allergic rhinitis is a contributing cause

Decongestants for short-term symptom relief

Minimally Invasive / In-Clinic Procedures

For patients who don’t respond fully to medication, in-clinic procedures such as balloon sinuplasty may be considered to gently open blocked sinus passages without cutting tissue.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

For patients with structural blockages, nasal polyps, or sinusitis that hasn’t responded to medical treatment, FESS is a minimally invasive surgical option. Using an endoscope, Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema removes obstructions and widens the sinus openings to restore normal drainage without external incisions.

Risks & Complications

As with any ENT procedure, FESS carries a small risk of bleeding, infection, changes in sense of smell, or (rarely) impact on surrounding structures such as the eye or skull base. These risks are discussed in full during consultation, and Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema’s four decades of surgical experience is reflected in his consistently low complication rates. Medical management and balloon sinuplasty carry minimal risk in comparison.

Treatment Comparison

OptionBest ForRecoveryInvasiveness
Medical ManagementMild–moderate cases, allergy-driven sinusitisNo downtimeNon-invasive
Balloon SinuplastyModerate blockage not responding to medication1–3 daysMinimally invasive
FESS (Surgery)Structural blockage, polyps, severe/recurrent cases1–2 weeksMinimally invasive surgery

Why Choose Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema / CENT

Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema is Founder and Chief ENT Surgeon of CENT, a Fellow of the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS), and Professor of ENT Surgery at King Edward Medical University, Lahore. With over 40 years of experience and five-star patient reviews, he has treated chronic sinusitis in patients from across Lahore including DHA Phase 6, Iqbal Town, and surrounding areas.

  • All diagnostic tests (endoscopy, CT referral, allergy testing) available in one visit
  • Same-day appointments available
  • Face-to-face and video consultations
  • Treatment plans that start conservative and escalate only when necessary
  • Two convenient clinic locations: CENT DHA Phase 6 (main clinic) and CENT Iqbal Town

Consultation & Procedure Fees

Initial consultation fee: 5000 PKR

Diagnostic tests (endoscopy, etc.): To be confirmed from the reception

FESS / procedure cost: To be confirmed from the reception

Exact costs depend on the severity of your condition and the specific tests or procedures required. Your treatment plan and full cost breakdown will be confirmed clearly during your consultation, with no hidden charges.

Pre & Post Procedure Care

Before Your Procedure

Full history review and relevant imaging (CT scan) beforehand

Clear guidance on medications to pause (e.g. blood thinners) before FESS

Fasting instructions if general anaesthesia is required

After Your Procedure

Mild nasal congestion, light bleeding, or discomfort for the first few days is normal

Saline rinses to keep the nasal passages clean and support healing

Avoid strenuous activity, swimming, and blowing your nose forcefully for the recommended period

Follow-up visit to assess healing via endoscopy

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3Mild congestion, light discharge/bleeding, some facial pressure
Days 4–7Congestion easing, saline rinses continue, avoid strenuous activity
Week 2Most patients resume normal daily activities; follow-up endoscopy check
Weeks 3–4Full healing of sinus lining; final assessment of breathing and drainage

Before & After Results

Not typically applicable for chronic sinusitis (no external visible results). Consider replacing with CT scan before/after imaging comparisons or patient testimonial video, if available. Flagging as conditional per our template rule.

Related Treatments

  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Nasal Polyps
  • Deviated Nasal Septum / Septoplasty
  • Nasal Obstruction
  • Sinus Headache
  • Anosmia (Loss of Smell)

Reviews

Book Consultation

Don’t let sinus symptoms keep coming back. Book a consultation with Prof. Dr Khalid Cheema at CENT and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan with all tests available in one visit.

Book Consultation Call Us: 03111552553

FAQ

For many patients, especially where allergies or environmental triggers (like Lahore’s smog) are the main cause, symptoms can be managed long-term with medication and lifestyle changes. Where a structural cause like polyps or a deviated septum is involved, FESS can offer a lasting resolution by correcting the underlying issue.

FESS is performed under anaesthesia, so there’s no pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort and congestion for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with prescribed care.

Allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis share symptoms like congestion and post-nasal drip, but sinusitis often includes facial pain/pressure, thick discharge, and symptoms lasting well beyond a typical allergy flare. An endoscopic exam can confirm the difference quickly.

Yes. Seasonal smog and air pollution are significant irritants for the sinus lining and are a common reason patients in Lahore experience recurrent flare-ups, particularly between October and February.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks, with full internal healing over 3–4 weeks.