Dealing with sensitive sinuses can be challenging. It seems like everything sets off your allergies, leaving you suffering for weeks. We’re here to tell you that you may not suffer from allergies—it could be chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of your nasal or sinus passages that lasts over 12 weeks at a time. With that, you should see your local ENT for proper treatment if you experience more than three sinusitis episodes in a year. Here are six signs that you could be suffering from chronic sinusitis.
Nasal Inflammation
Your sinuses can become inflamed and remain swollen for over 3 months, even if you get treatment. This inflammation disrupts the normal drainage of mucus, making you feel congested. Inflamed nasal pathways can make breathing difficult and make your sinuses feel sore.
Bacteria, allergens, or a virus can cause frequent inflammation. It’s important to see a specialized doctor if you develop these infections frequently.
Colored Nasal Drainage
A common sign that you could suffer from chronic sinusitis is the color of the nasal discharge. The drainage associated with infection can be blood-tinged, cloudy, brownish-yellow or green, or foul-smelling.
It’s important to blow this drainage out because if it trickles down the throat, it can cause your throat to feel itchy and sore.
Sinus Pressure and Pain
Sinus pressure and pain are prevalent in many ear, nose, and throat disorders. If you experience sinus pressure, you may feel the pain in one or more of the following places:
- On your forehead
- Under your eyes
- Around your nose
- Around your eyes
- In your teeth and jaw
You could also experience a migraine that worsens when you bend down or strain yourself.
Sore Throat and Cough
Your nasal drainage can trickle down your throat and produce a cough, which can irritate your throat. You may feel worse at night because when you lie down, the fluid flows down the back of your throat, worsening the cough and soreness. This can cause your voice to sound hoarse and you might have bad breath.
Frequent Nasal Congestion
Inflamed sinuses can impact your breathing when you suffer from chronic sinusitis. Congested nasal passages make air travel difficult since your sinus pathways are swelled up. This can make breathing through your nose uncomfortable, it may affect your sense of smell and taste, and it could cause snoring.
Reduced Senses
Losing your sense of smell can be extremely frustrating, especially since your sense of smell can affect your ability to taste. A common symptom of chronic sinusitis is loss of smell and taste. You can temporarily regain some of your senses by taking a warm shower, taking your medication, and doing light exercise.
Allergy & ENT Associates guarantees superior healthcare. We provide medical and surgical treatment for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders, like chronic sinusitis. If you believe you suffer from chronic sinusitis, contact us to schedule a consultation regarding our treatments, including balloon sinuplasty surgery.
