Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), which can be caused by a sinus infection, is common in fall and winter. | Renate Koppel/Pixabay
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), which can be caused by a sinus infection, is common in fall and winter. | Renate Koppel/Pixabay
- Dr. Andrew Ordon of "The Doctors" says sinusitis commonly causes bad breath.
- Sinusitis may also cause other negative health effects.
- Treating sinusitis can be both simple and low-risk.
During an episode of “The Doctors,” a viewer asked Ordon whether sinusitis could cause bad breath.
"Yes, for sure,” Ordon responded. “The minute that those sinuses get clogged up, you have a buildup of mucus...bacteria grow in there. They cause an odor that spreads not only into the nasal cavities, but down into your mouth. In fact, bad breath is one of the major symptoms of sinusitis.”
Stewart agreed with Ordon’s assessment.
“Untreated bacterial sinus infections can produce foul smelling drainage posteriorly from the nose due to rhinorrhea,” Stewart told the PHX Reporter. “As this discharge runs down your throat, some can linger, leading to chronic bad breath.”
Symptoms of sinusitis often include yellow or green drainage from the nose, pressure or pain in the face, stuffy nose, coughing up mucus, and sometimes, fever and chills, according to the Merck Manual.
Balloon sinuplasty is often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis after other treatments have proven ineffective, according to Healthline. There’s no cutting and no removal of bones or tissue, and complications are minimal.
Ordon has worked as a surgeon for more than 30 years and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards for his role as a co-host of “The Doctors,” according to his website.
Arizona Breathe Free has a free sinus quiz on its website for those who want to learn more about sinusitis and how it can be treated.
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