Sinusitis Concerns: How to Tell if You Have This Chronic Condition

An acute sinus infection usually resolves in a few weeks. If your infection lasts for months or you get repeated infections, you could have a chronic inflammation of one or more sinuses. Recognizing the symptoms of sinusitis allows you to seek treatment and lessen your discomfort.

Discolored Nasal Discharge

When you have an infection of the sinuses, your nasal discharge changes from its typical clear color and thin consistency. Sinusitis often causes nasal mucous to turn yellow or green in color. If you have been blowing your nose a lot, the mucous could be streaked with small amounts of blood. With sinusitis, nasal discharge is often thick. An increase in nasal discharge could lead to a sore throat that lasts for several weeks.

Reduced Nasal Functioning

You might notice that it is difficult for you to breathe through your nose. Your sleep partner might report that you are mouth breathing or snoring at night. Chronic inflammation of the sinuses can also result in a reduced sense of smell. You might notice that your food does not taste the same. This is because a lot of your sense of taste is related to your ability to smell the food.

Facial Pain and Tenderness

Inflamed sinuses may cause you to feel pain when you touch your face, especially under your eyes, around your forehead and around your nose. Professionals, like those at Premier Surgical Associates, know that you might notice that your upper jaw or teeth hurt. This is because the same nerves that service your sinuses also service your upper jaw and teeth. Your ears may feel full and achy because of the increased pressure and fluid in the sinuses. Some of the fluid could drain into your Eustachian tube, resulting in a concurrent ear infection.

Frequent Sinus Infections

Frequent sinus infections are a sign of chronic inflammation of the sinuses. An ear, nose and throat specialist is able to determine whether you have a chronic sinus disorder. Imaging studies such as a CT or MRI scan could find out if you have anatomical issues such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum that increases your risk of chronic sinus problems.

Chronic sinusitis that is left untreated could lead to complications such as worsened asthma or damage to your olfactory or vision nerves. By recognizing the signs of chronic sinus problems, you can visit a doctor for treatment. Antibiotics, surgery to correct anatomical problems and medications to reduce inflammation could help to get rid of this chronic condition.