Understanding Sinus Problems

You don’t often think about your sinuses until there’s a problem. One day you realize you can’t smell dinner cooking. Or you find you often have headaches or problems breathing through your nose.

Symptoms of sinus problems

Sinus problems can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Your nose may run nonstop. You might have trouble sleeping at night. You may even lose your sense of smell. Other symptoms are:

  • Nasal congestion

  • Fullness in ears

  • Green, yellow, or bloody drainage from the nose

  • Drainage in your throat

  • Bad breath

  • Trouble tasting food

  • Frequent headaches

  • Face pain or pressure

  • Cough

When sinuses are blocked

Front view of sinuses with polyps, mucus buildup, deviated septum and swollen lining.

If something blocks the passages in the nose or sinuses, mucus can’t drain. The sinuses may then become infected.

  • Colds cause the lining of the nose and sinuses to swell and make extra mucus. A buildup of mucus can lead to a more serious infection.

  • Allergies irritate turbinates and other tissues. This causes swelling, which can cause a blockage. Over time, this irritation can also lead to sacs of swollen tissue (polyps).

  • Polyps may form in both the sinuses and nose. Polyps can grow large enough to clog nasal passages and block drainage.

  • A crooked (deviated) septum may block nasal passages. This is sometimes because of an injury.

Online Medical Reviewer: Ashutosh Kacker MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2021
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