Sinus blockage can have a variety of environmental, anatomical, and genetic causes, but the main culprit is swelling of the nasal passages produced by the common cold or allergies. More serious sinusitis can result from structural problems such as a deviated septum—a crook in the partition that separates the right from left nasal cavities—or…

Sinus infection symptoms include painful pressure as the main symptom. Depending on which sinus is affected, the pain may be in the forehead (frontal sinusitis), over the cheek or in the upper jaw and teeth (maxillary sinusitis), behind the eyes (ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis), or at the top of the head (sphenoid sinusitis).

Acute sinusitis refers to a viral infection lasting 7 to 10 days. A bacterial infection can last up to 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is when the symptoms continue for 12 weeks or more. The inflammation can last for months, and even years. Several factors can agitate chronic sinusitis: common colds or viral infections, a compromised immune system…

Chronic rhinosinusitis affects about 11% of U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition can necessitate treatment over a span of years, typically involving antibiotics. Repeated cycles of inflammation and repair thicken sinus tissues, much like calloused skin. Surgery may resolve the issue, but…

Bad breath, fever, lethargy, loss of smell or taste, ear pressure are also symptoms. Sinus infection symptoms follow a different path than colds. Most cases begin as a common cold, and symptoms usually go away in 7 to 10 days.

In rare situations, chronic sinusitis can cause symptoms that need immediate medical attention. These occur when a bacterial infection develops in the sinuses and spreads to other parts of your body. If you experience loss of vision, confusion, or dizziness along with sinusitis symptoms, call your primary care provider right away.

Sick sinus syndrome is an umbrella term that covers three heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias): sinus bradycardia, which causes a slow heart rate; tachycardias, which cause fast heart rates often followed by a very slow heart rate. Types of tachycardias include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter/tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia.

For more information on sinusitis and its treatments, visit Harvard Health, Harvard Health Sinusitis, and USF Health News Care Blog.