5 Symptoms That Could Mean You Are Suffering From Sinusitis

If you've ever experienced a sinus headache, you know how much it affects your day. However, suppose you've had other symptoms along with the headache, such as congestion or fatigue. In that case, you may have a condition called sinusitis.

Dr. Philip T. Ho and the Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center team are ready to help you get over sinusitis with various lifestyle changes and treatments. Dr. Ho is an experienced ear, nose, and throat specialist who provides you with a quick diagnosis and compassionate care for sinus pain.

What is sinusitis?

Your sinuses are pockets filled with air near your nose. Their primary function is to make mucus, which helps clean dirt, bacteria, and other harmful particles out of the air you breathe.

Sometimes, though, your sinuses become inflamed, resulting in a condition known as sinusitis. The lining in your sinuses swells, causing various uncomfortable symptoms. There are four main types of sinusitis including:

• Acute
• Subacute
• Chronic
• Recurrent

Acute sinusitis usually lasts for less than four weeks with the proper treatment from Dr. Ho. Subacute symptoms, on the other hand, last up to eight weeks and may not resolve immediately with treatment.

If you have chronic sinusitis, your symptoms continue due to repeated infections that don't go away with treatment. You may have symptoms for eight weeks or more with chronic sinusitis.

Understanding the symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis has a multitude of symptoms that vary in severity. You may notice your symptoms after a bout of allergies or a cold. Five of the telltale signs that you have sinusitis include:

1. Bad breath

One of the hallmark signs of sinusitis is bad breath, sometimes accompanied by loss of smell. You may have sinusitis if you notice bad breath along with symptoms like facial pain or congestion.

2. Facial pain

Sinusitis causes pain in several areas of your face, especially around your eyes. You might also have swelling around your eyes and pain in your teeth.

3. Post-nasal drip

Post-nasal drip happens when mucus from your sinuses drips into your throat. You may also have a sore throat.

4. Congestion

Sinusitis often causes congestion and also leads to discolored nasal discharge. The discharge can be yellow or green. It is usually thick, but it can be clear and runny.

5. Fever

You might have a low-grade fever when you have sinusitis as your body attempts to fight off the inflammation. You can break your fever with over-the-counter acetaminophen in most cases.

When to see a specialist 

Sinusitis typically resolves on its own or with treatment from Dr. Ho and our team. However, some circumstances should alert you to seek help sooner rather than later.

You should consult Dr. Ho right away if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms:

• A high fever
• Symptoms continue after antibiotics
• You have symptoms longer than ten days
• Severe headache unrelieved by medications
• Any vision changes
• Stiffness in your neck

These symptoms may be signs of a more significant issue that Dr. Ho needs to treat immediately. You should also make an appointment if your sinusitis symptoms don't resolve with home care or expert treatment.

Call the Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center team today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho for your sinusitis symptoms. You can also send the team a message online.