PHX Reporter

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population.
• Chronic sinusitis can cause bad breath and mouth breathing, among other symptoms.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis.

According to Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free, one of the more unpleasant symptoms of sinusitis is bad breath, which can occur due to congestion and mouth breathing. 

“Untreated bacterial sinus infections can produce foul-smelling drainage posteriorly from the nose due to rhinorrhea. As this discharge runs down your throat, some can linger, leading to chronic bad breath,” Dr. Stewart told the PHX Reporter. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, physical symptoms of chronic sinusitis can include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath, or fatigue.

People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, which can lead to oral health issues, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing dries up saliva, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth, which can cause cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Regularly breathing through the mouth can also, over time, lead to strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and a higher risk for airway disorders, including asthma.

According to Cleveland Clinic, breathing through the mouth disrupts the regular flow of saliva, which typically plays a role in keeping your mouth clean. Dry mouth, pillow drooling and malocclusion also can occur from mouth breathing.

People experiencing symptoms of sinusitis lasting for more than a week are advised to seek a physician. An ENT specialist might recommend a saline solution or over-the-counter medication, and if those don't help symptoms improve, they might prescribe antibiotics, a corticosteroid spray or even recommend sinus surgery, according to NHS inform.

According to Arizona Breathe Free's website, Dr. John Stewart earned his bachelor's degree in biology with summa cum laude honors from Grand Canyon University. He attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in otorhinolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at Freeman Hospital & Health System in Joplin, Missouri.