Question: Why do I have a constant pressure from top to bottom of my nose? Also difficulty breathing sometimes with mouth closed. I also think that there is odor from my sinus. Is this one of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
Answer:
Thanks for your question. While it is impossible to say for sure from your description, it is quite likely that you have a sinus infection. Sinuses are spaces around the nose that make mucous and drain into the nose. If the sinus openings get blocked, the mucous cannot drain and one tends to get a secondary bacterial infection. This can feel like a pressure sensation. The swelling of the lining of the nose makes it difficult to breathe freely through the nasal passageways. Bacteria growing in the closed environment of the blocked sinuses can make pus which will have a bad odor.
These are 3 of the cardinal signs of a sinus infection.
This is the section from our website www.nysinuscenter.com that describes the symptoms of a chronic sinus infection:
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Sinusitis usually causes nasal stuffiness and a feeling of pressure or pain in the face and head. It often causes a thick discolored nasal discharge, cough, even severe asthma, loss of ability to taste and smell, pain in the upper teeth, bad breath, a generalized feeling of fatigue and feeling sick. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, a doctor’s evaluation can help determine the underlying cause. Contact us today for an appointment.
I would suggest you have a medical evaluation by a sinus specialist either here at the sinus center or near you if you’re not in the NY area.
I hope this clears things up.
Robert Pincus MD
C0-Director NY Sinus Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Constant pressure in the nose often occurs due to sinus infection or sinusitis, where the sinus openings become blocked causing mucus buildup and swelling. This blockage creates pressure that can be felt throughout the nose, sometimes accompanied by difficulty breathing through the nasal passages.
Difficulty breathing through the nose with the mouth closed is usually caused by swelling and inflammation of the nasal lining due to sinus infection or chronic sinusitis. This swelling narrows the nasal airways, making it harder to breathe freely through the nose alone.
Yes, a bad odor or foul smell coming from the sinus area can be a symptom of chronic sinusitis. This occurs when bacteria grow in the blocked sinuses, producing pus and bad-smelling secretions that create an unpleasant odor.
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include nasal stuffiness, facial pressure or pain, thick discolored nasal discharge, cough, severe asthma, loss of taste and smell, pain in the upper teeth, bad breath, fatigue, and a general feeling of sickness. These symptoms warrant a medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
You should see a doctor if you experience persistent symptoms such as nasal pressure, difficulty breathing through the nose, foul-smelling sinus discharge, or any other signs of sinus infection or chronic sinusitis. A specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Yes, sinus infections can cause symptoms beyond the nose, such as pain in the upper teeth, cough, severe asthma, and a generalized feeling of fatigue or sickness. This is because the sinuses are connected to other parts of the respiratory system and can affect overall wellbeing.
