It is one of the most embarrassing medical conditions one can experience. It’s bad breath, and it’s more common than you may think. Bad breath (or halitosis) is caused by bacteria in the mouth, which can have a variety of causes. Everyone knows that dental hygiene is important in the prevention of bad breath, but there may be another culprit – your sinuses. Post nasal drip, whether caused by allergies or sinusitis can often lead to bad breath.
How are post nasal drip and bad breath connected? What is the cause of these conditions themselves, and why would one cause the other? Here are some answers. In the simplest of terms, post nasal drip refers to what we call a runny nose. The sinuses always produce mucus to keep the nose and other areas of the nasal cavities moist; this helps with breathing and traps allergens, dirt, and other harmful elements as one of the filters before they get to the lungs. The reason then that post nasal drip causes bad breath is that the mucus is collecting and trapping germs and bacteria, and then this lingers in the mouth and throat, causing bad breath. Chronic sinusitis sufferers are far more likely to experience these symptoms.
The obvious solution to curing sinus breath is to tackle the individual cause, whatever it is. This could range from antibiotics for sinusitis to avoiding allergy triggers to even sinus surgery in regard to blocked nasal passages. If surgery is not necessary, other options for controlling bad breath – whether due to your sinuses or not – include brushing your teeth and your tongue at least twice a day, visiting your dentist every six months to prevent conditions that encourage bad breath and avoiding products with tobacco in them, such as cigarettes. Using mouthwash specifically designed to kill germs may also help reduce bad breath, although regular mouthwashes may only produce temporary results. Bad breath doesn’t have to be a part of your life, give our office a call for an evaluation.
Many people who suffer from chronic sinus conditions claim that they can practically predict what the weather will be like in the coming days when they have a sinus attack. While this may sound farfetched to those with healthy sinuses, science can lend credence to this theory.
Spring often brings frequent changes in weather, resulting in fluctuations of barometric pressure (the pressure the atmosphere exerts on the earth’s surface). Some people only feel the barometric pressure changes when flying, or diving. Some of us feel every day weather changes; whether it’s in our bones, our joints, sinuses or in headaches. These changes in atmospheric pressure can especially aggravate those who suffer from sinusitis. If you suffer from this condition, you usually have clogged or more highly congested sinus cavities. Sudden drops in barometric pressure (as is common with approaching storms) will result in the swelling of the lining of your nasal passages; you will get what is known as a “sinus headache.” Since the purpose of the sinus cavities is to keep the head “light,” the feeling of having them clogged is often described as having a heavy head. This leads to increased fatigue and may lead to migraine headaches.
The good news is that there are treatments out there that can alleviate the pressure. The most common treatment is antihistamines; however there are several natural remedies that can also be effective.
- You may find relief from teas or facial steams. This is the first quick line of action against sinus pressure. Place a few drops of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Thyme, rosemary, tea tree or Spearmint Essential Oil into a bowl of boiled water. Sit with your head over the bowl – a towel draped over your head to catch the scent. Breathe in the aroma and it will help to alleviate pressure/swelling in your sinus cavities.
- Watch your local weather forecasts. When you see the big ‘L’ or the big ‘H’ pressure systems or fronts coming in – be prepared. If you know it may be coming you’ll be more likely to handle the pain and pressure.
- Herbal teas can give your immune system a boost. Try a cup or two or three a day of ginger and mint or chamomile, Echinacea, calendula and lemon or any tea that suits you.
For personalized guidance, give our office a call. We’ll help you get through the spring weather changes pressure-free.
You know exercise is good for you. From boosting your mood to improving your immune system, there are countless benefits to a regular exercise routine. While working out may help fend off viruses, even the most dedicated gym goer will come down with a cold at some point. Take extra caution when training with anything worse than a minor cold because it can escalate into more serious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract and lungs.
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinus cavity that affects 37 million Americans each year. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, headache, and facial pressure. With full-blown sinusitis, you rarely feel like exercising. But if you do, use the 72 hour rule: No strenuous cardio for three days. Even without the presence of a fever, some sinus infections, when stressed by exercise, can lead to pneumonia or, in extreme cases, respiratory failure. The sinuses need time to recover, just like a knee or foot. Take the following precautions if exercising with sinusitis:
- Do not weightlift. It is very important that an athlete not participate in weightlifting as the sinus infection is likely to weaken coordination, muscle control, and balance, which could result in a fall or serious injury.
- Drink more water than usual. If you continue to work out with sinusitis, it is easier for the body to become dehydrated, since liquids are being released through the nasal cavities as well as through sweat. You should plan on consuming about twice the amount of water you regularly do in order to help quicken the healing process within the body, and to also prevent dehydration from the sinus infection.
- Do not exercise with chest pressure. Pressure within the chest can make it harder to breathe, which could become a serious situation if you are not getting adequate respiration. If you can’t breathe properly this will put more pressure on the heart to work faster, which could lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Evaluate the severity of your condition to make the final determination as to whether you should be engaging in exercise. If your only symptom is sinus congestion, you should be good to go. If, however, you are exhibiting symptoms of sinusitis, you might be better off skipping the workout and saving it for a day where you feel better. Having trouble determining if you have sinusitis? Give us a call and we’ll get you back into your routine.
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” -Irish Proverb
Feeling tired is a way of life for many Americans. While hectic work and family schedules may contribute to sleeplessness, the true cause of the problem may lie in your nose. Deviated septum is a common condition that can contribute to your sleep issues. Usually, the nasal septum is straight, lying about in the middle of the two nostrils. Occasionally, it may be bent (deviated) because of a birth defect or injury and positioned so that one nostril is much smaller than the other.
Most people have some minor deviation of the septum so that one nostril is tighter than the other. A minor deviation usually causes no symptoms and requires no treatment. However, if severe, a deviation may block one side of the nose and can be a factor in developing sleep apnea. Some other symptoms of a deviated septum include:
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Nasal congestion
- Problems with sinus drainage on the blocked side
- Repeated sinus infections, such as chronic sinusitis
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Pain in your face due to underlying sinus infection
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
- Snoring
The good news is that a deviated septum is highly treatable. Before surgery becomes an option, your doctor will usually see if medications, like a nasal steroid spray, can help with your breathing problems. But if these medications cannot manage your symptoms, you may need to have a surgical procedure called septoplasty to correct your deviated septum. Usually, the septoplasty procedure takes about 60 – 90 minutes and the patient can resume work within 3 – 7 days after surgery. Our doctors can help you get the treatment you need for a good night’s rest. Give us a call to set up an appointment.
If you have a headache, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. When treating a headache, it is important to understand the cause of your pain. Sinus headaches are caused when the sinus ducts connecting to any of the sinus cavities swell up or become blocked. This swelling may be a result of a sinus infection, allergies, or trapped mucus which does not drain. The swelling may then cause pressure in the membrane lining of the nasal passages resulting in a person feeling discomfort and pain.
Sinus headaches and migraines are often confused, as many of the symptoms are the same. Both consist of throbbing or aching pain in one or both sides of the head. Both sinus headaches and migraines can become worse if you bend forward. Both sinus headaches and migraines can have nasal congestion as an additional symptom, along with the headache. However, there are some primary differences between migraines and sinus headaches, in both symptoms and causes. The following signs and symptoms can indicate that sinusitis is the cause of your headache:
- Face is tender to the touch
- Pressure-like pain in one specific area of your face or head (for example, behind your eyes)
- Worse pain in the morning, because mucus has been collecting and draining all night
- Postnasal drip with sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Sudden temperature changes, like going out into the cold from a warm room, worsen the pain
- Yellow or green discharge from your nose
- Mild to moderate fever
- Headache often starts when you have a bad cold or just after
Like sinus headaches, migraines can also feel worse when you bend forward and can be accompanied by nasal congestion. But a migraine is more likely to be made worse by noise or light, and to be accompanied by nausea. Those who have a history of allergies (especially hay fever or asthma), nasal polyps or other sinus issues are more likely to experience sinus headaches. If your head is aching, don’t keep reaching for the aspirin, contact our office.
Whether it’s being stuck on the subway next to a person with less than stellar hygiene habits, or feeling the pinch of a headache that resulted from someone’s overenthusiastic use of cologne, we’ve all had moments when we’ve cursed our sense of smell. While getting a whiff of a foul smelling odor is never pleasant, your ability to smell may be more important than you think. Anosmia is the loss of the sense of smell. It can be a problem by itself or a symptom of another health problem. It can last a short time, such as when you have a stuffy nose from a cold, or it can be permanent.
There are some medical conditions that cause anosmia or affect the sense of smell. Anosmia can be caused by sinus infections or other infections that affect the nose. This can cause a temporary loss of smell, or in severe cases, can cause permanent damage. Trauma to the head or nose can affect the sense of smell, especially if damage is caused to the frontal lobe, where smells are processed. Dental work can damage olfactory nerves. Use of nasal spray, especially that containing zinc, has been linked to loss of smell. Exposure to other chemicals or irritants such as cigarette smoke can damage the sense of smell. The sense of smell can also decrease and be completely lost as one ages.
The sense of smell is also closely tied to the sense of taste. If you can’t smell the aroma of food, you will likely have trouble tasting food. Anosmia can affect your mood. It can make you feel sad or depressed, because the aromas of food, flowers, and other things add to the joy of life. Lack of a sense of smell also can be dangerous. For example, you wouldn’t be able to smell a gas leak or smoke from a fire.
If your loss of smell and taste is due to congestion or a blocked nose, try waiting a couple of days till this cold has cleared up and your nasal passages are open. The minute one stops smoking, the damage to the nasal passages begins to repair itself, helping treat any loss of smell caused by smoking. If your loss of smell is not due to a cold or infection and has persisted for a long period of time, contact our office and we’ll get you the help you need.
Spring can be a particularly painful time of year for chronic sinus sufferers. Flowers may be blooming and birds may be singing, but your head is pounding and your nose is stuffed. You’re not alone; chronic sinusitis is the most common chronic ailment in the United States. If you have tried and failed conventional medical treatments, you may be considering endoscopic sinus surgery as a treatment option. If just the word “surgery” makes you shudder, fear not. Today’s minimally invasive techniques make recovery easy to handle. Use the following items as your guide to what to expect after sinus surgery:
- Nasal bleeding: It is common to see blood-tinged nasal secretions during the first days after surgery. Keep your head elevated and avoid nose-blowing. It is NOT normal to have heavy amounts of bleeding. If you experience heavy nasal bleeding, contact your physician’s office.
- Fatigue: You will likely feel tired in the first days to weeks following surgery. Remember to take it easy while your body recovers.
- Nasal congestion: While some patients experience improvement in their nasal congestion immediately, others may not notice improvement for several days or weeks.
- Clinic visits after surgery: Follow up visits with your doctor are extremely important. He or she will monitor your recovery and remove any packing (if necessary).
- Return to work: Plan to take some time off for your surgery. Recovery times can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending upon the patient. Expect to be tired, and limit your work demands. Be patient. If you rush your recovery, you may risk slowing the healing process.
While the idea of surgery may be intimidating, consider that an improvement in symptoms of up to 90 percent may be expected following the procedure. Sinus surgery can be an effective treatment for chronic sinusitis when medical treatments, including prolonged courses of antibiotics, have failed. Keep in mind that complete recovery may take several months, and proper post-operative care is the key to success. If you’re tired of chronic sinus symptoms, give our office a call to develop a treatment plan.
Spring is definitely in the air. While you may be enjoying the sunshine and the blooming flowers, you might also be dealing with intensified allergy symptoms. Many Americans turn to over the counter medications to treat common allergy symptoms. As you probably know from a trip to the drugstore, you can choose from dozens of over-the-counter medications that are designed to treat allergies. How do you know which one is right for you? Consider the following factors when determining how to treat your allergy symptoms:
- Allergy type – If you experience allergy symptoms year-round, you have perennial allergies. If you only notice allergy symptoms during the spring or fall, you have seasonal allergies. Medications containing cetirizine (such as Zyrtec) are effective at treating both perennial and seasonal allergies. If you only have seasonal allergies, however, choose medications containing fexofenadine (Allegra) or loratadine (Claritin).
- Consider side effects – Some allergy medications are known to cause drowsiness and should be avoided if you’ll be driving or operating machinery. These medications include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and brompheniramine (Dimetapp).
- Decongestants – Pick an antihistamine with a decongestant if you have an excess of nasal congestion. Many over-the-counter antihistamines have a combination version that contains the decongestant, pseudoephedrine. These products are usually kept behind the counter in the pharmacy. To purchase, you must present your ID to pharmacy staff and be at least 18 years old
As convenient as over the counter medications can be, it is important to consult with your doctor regarding any possible contraindications, such as prescribed medications or existing conditions. If you need guidance, give our office a call. When allergies get you down, get the spring back in your step by making an informed choice in medication. Happy Spring!
We have all experienced fatigue. Between long work hours and the demands of family, many find themselves exhausted at the end of each day. However, the pace of modern life may not always be to blame. If you are having symptoms such as feeling exhausted after walking two blocks, having chronic sore throats and muscle pain, or feeling heavy and sluggish rather than rested after a night’s sleep, you may be experiencing chronic fatigue.
Chronic fatigue syndrome disrupts work and family life for hundreds of thousands of people. The causes of chronic fatigue remain a mystery, but some research suggests that for many sufferers the answer may be right under, or more accurately inside, their noses. People who suffer from sinusitis often list chronic fatigue as one of their most troubling symptoms, equal to facial pain and a blocked nose. If you have symptoms of chronic fatigue, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have a history of sinusitis?
- Do you feel facial pressure or have frontal headaches?
- Do you have unexplained body pain?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, it may be time to explore sinus treatment. For those who have been living with symptoms of chronic fatigue for years, sinus surgery options may offer much needed relief. Procedures such as balloon sinuplasty are minimally invasive and have a quick recovery period. A study in 2008 showed marked improvement in chronic fatigue patients following sinus surgery. Patients who reported fatigue before surgery said their energy had returned to normal levels an average of one year later. If you’re tired of being tired, we may be able to help. Give our office a call for more information and treatment options.
Athletic competition can not only promote an active lifestyle, but also provide heart-pounding excitement. There are few things as thrilling as hitting a home run, making a three-point shot or catching a touchdown pass. Unfortunately, along with the glory of sports comes the danger. Injuries among athletes are common. Nasal bones are the most frequently fractured facial bones due to their prominence and central location, and are the third most common type of bone fracture in general, after fractures of the wrists and collarbone. Although not usually life-threatening by itself, a fractured nose may lead to difficulty breathing as well as facial disfigurement.
The most common complication of nasal fracture is septal hematoma. A septal hematoma is a bruise or bleeding in the septum — the part of the nose that separates the two nostrils. This is more common in children as their septums are thicker and have a more flexible lining covering the area. While nasal injuries can be difficult to prevent, use the following steps as a guide to proper treatment:
- Do not try to straighten a broken nose
- Apply cold compresses to the nose to reduce swelling. If possible, the patient should hold the compress so that there isn’t too much pressure on the nose
- Have the nasal injury evaluated by a medical professional immediately. Because of the amount of blood and swelling usually associated with a nasal fracture, a physician needs to determine whether or not there is a septal hematoma or other complications.
Historically, severe facial trauma often resulted in cosmetic and functional defects. Advances in maxillofacial surgery have made permanent disfigurement from nasal fractures a thing of the past.
You don’t have to be sidelined by a nasal injury, give us a call to get the help you need. Don’t forget to wear protective headgear while playing contact sports or riding bicycles and skateboards. As Julia Roberts once said, “Your face tells a story, and it shouldn’t be the story about your drive to the doctor’s office.”
