SE Valley Times

People who feel facial pain and sinus pressure may be displaying one of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, according to the Merck Manual.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that people with chronic rhinosinusitis have a higher burden of facial discomfort than control participants across several pain measures.

“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses. This is important to note (because) as inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for sinuses to function optimally," Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at the Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told the SE Valley Times. "Over time, chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect the quality of life."

Ruiloba explained that a relatively minor procedure known as balloon sinuplasty may be used to alleviate these symptoms.

"Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an advanced technique (a balloon) to treat sinuses," she said. "This is an appropriate intervention for sinuses that are no longer functioning optimally. This procedure, on average, takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which conveniently can be done in the office. Overall, a great procedure to help improve quality of life by giving you an opportunity to breathe your best."

The NCBI study also found that the pain and pressure associated with sinus infection increase the likelihood of a potential stroke by 34%, according to the journal PLOS ONE.

Other sinusitis symptoms include yellow or green nasal discharge, stuffy nose, bad breath, coughing up mucus -- especially at night -- and occasional fever and chills.

People who are experiencing these symptoms and are considering seeing a specialist should take this quiz for more information.