6 Signs You Have a Chronic Sinus Infection

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of symptoms when you’re suffering from a sinus infection. While acute sinusitis only lasts for a short while (and is typically brought on by other respiratory ailments, such as the common cold), chronic sinusitis can plague you for an extended period of time. How do you know if you have a chronic sinus infection? Look for a recurrence of these six telling side effects of chronic sinusitis.

1. Sore Throat

Having an achy throat is a classic side effect of chronic sinusitis. It may start as a little itch in the back of your throat, but it can end up becoming a massive nuisance. The itch is caused by the mucus dripping down and inflaming the back of your throat. In a worst-case scenario, you may even end up with a hoarse voice.

2. Coughing

Coughing is another typical side effect of chronic sinusitis, with increased frequency of coughing in the morning when you wake up, and at night when you’re trying to go to sleep. Chronic coughing is also caused by the discharge of sinuses that irritate the back of your throat. When coughing is coupled with a sore throat, the result is a painful cough that causes your chest to ache.

3. Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches differ from regular headaches. Instead of feeling pain in a specific part of the head, a headache caused by chronic sinusitis makes you feel as if your head is a balloon that’s about to burst. This sensation is caused by a buildup of pressure in your sinuses that can cause pain all over your head, such as in your jaw, your ears, and even your cheeks.

4. Sinus Pain

Simply put, the sinus pain of chronic sinusitis feels like a constant dull headache. You may have no immediate pain at any one location, but feel a mild discomfort all over your sinuses instead. This pain can come and go, and its effects are usually worse when you lie down.

5. Nasal Discharge

Constantly blowing your nose is a common symptom and side effect of chronic sinusitis. Discharge is the product of infected sinuses that drain mucus into your nasal passages and can be many different colors, such as green, yellow, or white. Blowing your nose repeatedly can take a toll on your skin in that area, which can become red and irritated due to constant pressure and abrasion.

6. Nasal Congestion

If nasal congestion is the opposite of nasal discharge, what causes chronic nasal congestion? Yet another side effect of chronic sinusitis, chronic nasal and sinus congestion occurs when your inflamed sinuses swell up and restrict the airflow through your nose. This restriction diminishes your ability to smell and causes you to sound “stuffy” to others.

What can you do?

Thankfully, you don’t have to live with a chronic sinus infection forever. Dr. Kaplan at Kaplan Sinus Relief can help to put a stop to annoying sinus infections using Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty reshapes your anatomy to restore proper drainage and can help you to regain control over your breathing and sinus infections. Request a consultation today!