Sinus trouble can decrease quality of life. The symptoms associated with acute or chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) can interfere with daily activities and sleep. Sinus trouble can be the result of a bacteria, allergy, structural problems in the nasal cavity, fungus or a virus.Treatment of sinus trouble depends on the cause and might include home remedies, nasal sprays or prescription antibiotics, nasal or oral steroid treatment, or surgery. Recognizing when to seek help for signs of sinus trouble can prevent complications that could become serious.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain occurs from pressure that builds in the sinus cavity when excess mucus is produced in the sinuses. When inflammation from allergy or infection, chemical irritants such as smoking, chlorine in a pool or household chemicals cause swelling in the nasal passages, more mucus is produced that in turn prevents the sinus cavities from draining normally. The pressure in the sinuses can result in tooth pain that can make it difficult to chew food. Maxillary sinusitis (cheekbone area) is the most common cause of tooth pain associated with sinus trouble. Typically, tooth pain associated with sinusitis decreases when standing and is worse at night when lying down.
Drainage and Stuffy Nose
Mucus in the sinuses from inflammation causes drainage from the nose and in the back of the throat. Nasal stuffiness occurs from impacted mucus that may be thick. Sore throat might occur and swollen lymph nodes in the neck area from the irritation. Drainage produces a cough and may feel like a "tickle." Chest congestion can develop from a virus or bacteria inhaled from the sinuses. Drainage from the nose and in the back of the throat can be thick yellow or green signaling sinus trouble. Cough is typically worse at night when lying down.
Bad Breath
A sign of sinus trouble is bad breath, also known as halitosis. There may be a foul taste in the mouth from mucus that drains. Bad breath can occur anytime and is not necessarily a sign of sinus problems. Bad breath combined with other symptoms may mean the source of bad breath is from sinus drainage.
Fever
Fever, combined with the other symptoms mentioned, is associated with acute sinusitis. Individuals with structural nose problems, especially deviated septum, are more prone to chronic or recurrent sinusitis. Growths in the sinus cavities, known as nasal polyps, can also contribute to cases of chronic sinus inflammation. Symptoms that persist more than four weeks are considered chronic and should be investigated. Cases of acute sinus inflammation can lead to bacterial sinus infection that requires treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not useful for viral infections that cause sinus trouble.
Facial Pain and Headache
Sinus trouble can cause facial pain and headache. The area around the eyes can be tender to the touch. Pain in the forehead and cheeks can signal sinus infection and inflammation. Stiff neck, worsening symptoms, high fever and swelling around the eyes can be dangerous, meaning you should seek medical treatment. The sinuses are close to the brain, but it is not common for bacteria from sinuses to travel to the eye or brain. Sinus problems that have persisted are more indicative of bacterial infection versus virus or allergy and should be treated with antibiotics.
