If you suspect you have acute sinusitis, you probably have a lot of headaches and difficulties breathing out of your nose. Sinus symptoms can be challenging to deal with. Many factors can cause sinus flare-ups, but some are more common than others. Knowing the root cause of your sinusitis can be helpful in selecting the appropriate treatment. Read on to learn about the most common causes of sinus pain and sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
First, you’ll need to know if what you’re experiencing is indeed chronic sinusitis. Some symptoms mimic those of other conditions, such as a cold or the flu. Sinus pain, however, is often unique and pretty distinguishable. Here are some of the most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis:
- Inflammation of the nasal passages
- Thick discharge from the nose
- Drainage at the back of the throat
- Pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
- A reduced sense of smell or taste
- Congested nasal passages and difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent headaches or ear pain
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and general aches and pains
As you can see, chronic sinusitis has many frustrating symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing two or more of these symptoms, the chances are high that you have sinusitis.
Common Causes of Chronic Sinusitis
- Nasal polyps: These are tissue growths that build up around the nasal passages and sinus cavities. They cause congestion and difficulty breathing.
- A deviated septum: The wall between your nostrils is your septum. If it’s crooked, it can restrict or block your sinus passages. That will exacerbate the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
- Common allergies: If you have a lot of allergies, the inflammation can block your sinuses, causing sinus pain.
- A respiratory tract infection: If you have a cold or other respiratory tract infection, it will congest your sinuses. That will block your mucus drainage and cause issues.
Prevention and Treatment
Talk to your doctor or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist about treating your sinusitis. There are also lots of ways you can prevent sinus flare-ups at home, including managing your allergies and using a humidifier.
Chronic sinusitis doesn’t have to last forever. Work with your doctor to alleviate symptoms and fight off infections when they do happen.
By now, you should better understand what causes your sinusitis. Anything from a cold to common allergies can interfere with your sinus passages and cause pain. Luckily, there are treatment options available and measures you can take to prevent sinusitis. When you know the most common causes of sinus pain and sinusitis, you can be more prepared to talk to your doctor about treatment.
