PHX Reporter

Even the most talented athletes can be brought down by sinus infections, which can affect their performance and disrupt their ability to compete. 

Pro golfer Bubba Watson was almost prevented from competing in the 2016 Masters by complications from a sinus infection, a report from the Golf Channel said. He was also hampered by a back injury that nearly kept him out the same tournament. He was quoted as saying the course energized him.

What Watson experienced was acute rhinosinusitis. A report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) said that this ailment brings a sudden onset of symptoms, including sinus headache and nasal inflammation that lasts less than four weeks, followed by a full recovery. Sinusitis and its symptoms cause an estimated 73 million days of lost or restricted activity per year.

There are four classifications for sinusitis, the NCBI report said. They include acute rhinosinusitis (described above), subacute rhinosinusitis (continuation of the acute version but lasting less than 12 weeks) and chronic rhinosinusitis (symptoms of acute lasting 12 weeks or longer). Recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (which is defined as four or more episodes of acute rhinosinusitis that each last at least seven days) is a separate classification of its own and should be treated accordingly.

When dealing with sinus problems, early intervention and treatment are key, a report from the Cleveland Clinic said. Sinus inflammation can cause long-term damage such as nasal polyps; which can lead to headaches, loss of smell or taste, a constant stuffy or runny nose, nosebleeds, pain or pressure felt in the face or top teeth, postnasal drip and snoring.

"I see a lot of patients that come in and complain of almost like a brain fog or just not feeling as sharp. They're perfectly functional. They're going to work. They go into school, they're doing fine, but they're really just running at 80%, 85% and just don't feel their full self." Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center told the PHX Reporter.

Watson said he felt 80% healthy after bed rest and a visit from a sinus inflammation specialist.

Sinus infections can put a great deal of pressure on the body's immune system, a report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said. If you have more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a 12-month period or develop chronic sinusitis, it could be a signal that your immune system is under stress.

Please take this self-assessment if you think you may be experiencing sinus issues.