Sinusitis refers to an inflammation or infection in the air spaces in your skull called your sinuses, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). Frontal sinuses are located near your eyebrows. Maxillary sinuses are located inside your cheekbones. Sphenoid sinuses are located between your eyes and ethmoid sinuses are located underneath your nose bridge. Acute sinusitis lasts for four weeks or less and chronic ainusitis can last for more than 12 weeks. The NIAID states that 37 million people in the United States suffer from sinusitis.
Common Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion and and drainage of yellow or green mucus from your nose to the back of your throat. Pain and tenderness over your eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead are also common symptoms.
Other Symptoms
The NIAID states that you may also have halitosis (bad breath), anosmia (decreased sense of smell), fever, sore throat and fatigue. Sinusitis sufferers may experience coughing especially at night.
Meningitis
Sinusitis can lead to meningitis (infection of the tissues lining your brain and spinal cord). According to the American Rhinologic Society, a thin layer of bone separates your frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses from your brain cavity. The infection can sneak through the bone layer and attack the fluid and tissue lining your brain. In more serious cases, the virus or bacteria can directly attack your brain and wreak further havoc on your body.
Asthma Flare-ups
According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma flare-ups are another complication of sinusitis. Asthma refers to a condition where your airways become constricted and mucus forms to block the oxygen going into your lungs. Sinusitis triggers your asthma symptoms.
Osteomyelitis
Chronic sinusitis suffers can develop a bone infection called osteomyelitis, according to the American Rhinologic Society. This infection can destroy your bones and allow infection to spread to your brain and eyes.
Eye Problems
The Mayo Clinic states that the sinus infection can spread to your eyes and cause you to have decreased vision. In some instances, the infection can lead to permanent blindness.
Loss of Smell and Taste
Sinusitis may also disable you from your sense of smell and taste. The American Rhinologic Society states that poor airflow to your olfactory nerve (fibrous tissue that controls your sense of smell) can cause these complications.
Blood clots
According to the Mayo Clinic, your sinus infection may make you susceptible to forming blood clots in the veins near your sinuses. This can block the blood going to your brain and cause you to have a stroke.
