Sinus problems are a common condition that affect millions of people worldwide. While most people experience occasional sinus infections, constant sinus issues are an ongoing problem that can adversely affect your everyday life. Unfortunately, many people accept their chronic sinus issue as one of those conditions they have to live with, but there are ways to improve and ease the symptoms of chronic sinus issues. This article looks at some of the different causes of sinus problems. If you have an issue with your sinuses, you may need to visit Exhale Sinus and Facial Pain Center for diagnosis and treatment.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are small, non-cancerous tumors that develop on the nasal membrane walls. They get larger over time and sit near the sinus openings in your nose. Many people don’t know they have them until they notice a loss of their sense of smell or a decrease in breathing through the nostrils. Nasal polyps can also cause a stuffy or congested feeling.
Displaced Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage that separates your left and right nostrils. The nasal septum can become displaced over time, causing issues with breathing due to the swelling of the tissue inside your nose. This condition occurs for many different reasons, but it’s often brought on by the common cold or other sinus issues.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of tissues lining your sinuses, which are the air-filled spaces inside your nose. When your sinus passages become blocked or inflamed, mucus builds up in the area and can lead to an infection that causes symptoms like headache, toothache, or facial pain around the cheeks, jaw, or eyes. Sometimes sinusitis can cause congestion that lasts several weeks and is difficult to treat with medications alone.
Otitis Media
Otitis media, also known as middle ear infections, are common among children but can affect people of any age. They usually occur when an infection spreads from the upper respiratory tract into the middle ear located in the skull’s temporal bone. Otitis media makes it difficult to hear and can cause severe pain.
Allergies
Allergies are sometimes to blame for sinus problems. Specific allergens, such as pollen and dust, can be too much for your body to handle and lead to inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages. An allergy may be blamed if you are constantly dealing with nasal congestion, sneezing, or postnasal drip.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory tract infections are similar to the common cold, except bacteria instead of viruses cause them. They usually affect the upper respiratory system, causing congestion, sore throat, cough, and fever symptoms. Conditions such as the flu and pneumonia can also lead to inflammation in your nasal passages. Respiratory tract infections may be accompanied by headaches, nasal congestion, facial pain, and postnasal drip.
In summary, sinus problems affect millions of people across the world. You may experience sinus problems such as allergies and respiratory tract infections. Other common causes of sinus problems include otitis media, sinusitis, displaced nasal septum, and nasal polyps. If you have sinus problems, you need to seek treatment from a sinus specialist.
