Have you had a stuffy or runny nose for quite some time now? Or maybe you’ve lost your sense of smell and have a cough you can’t seem to get rid of? If this is the case, then you may have sinusitis. But don’t worry, it isn’t always a cause for alarm, and you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sinus infections affect 30 million people in the United States each year.
Unsure about whether you have sinusitis? This article might help. It explains the common symptoms of sinusitis and its causes. Keep reading to know more!
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
It can be difficult for you to detect sinusitis as some of its symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. However, keep an eye out for the following symptoms and visit a doctor if they become unbearable.
- Postnasal drainage
- Nasal discharge
- Fever
- Anosmia or loss of smell
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Facial pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead.
- Headache
- Halitosis or bad breath
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, fungus, or bacteria that could inflame your sinuses and make them swell. If you have medical conditions that affect the structure of your nose, they too can aggravate your sinuses. Let’s take a look at the various causes of sinusitis:
- Inflammation
- Dental infection
- A weakened immune system (immunodeficiency)
- Cystic fibrosis that causes excess mucus to build up in your lungs and other mucous membrane linings.
- Nasal polyps filling the nasal cavities and sinuses. Nasal polyps are noncancerous painless growths in your nasal linings.
- Fungal infections or allergy, such as allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Who Is Likely to Have Sinusitis?
While sinusitis is quite a common condition, there are some people who are at a higher risk of getting it frequently.
You’re likely to get diagnosed with recurrent sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis if you frequently have a blocked nose, thick, colored drainage from your nose, postnasal drainage, or have a persistent cough. If you have nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or other structural abnormalities, it too could cause sinusitis. People with immune deficiencies are also at risk of getting sinusitis.
If any of the factors listed above apply to you, talk to your doctor about the preventive measures you can take to avoid sinusitis.
Visit the Sinus Health website for more information on adult sinusitis and its causes. Our goal is to encourage excellent patient care by delivering the right information to them. Get in touch with us if you need help finding a rhinologist. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us online!