South Indy News

Before The Masters in 2016, pro golfer Bubba Watson had some trials to overcome, testing his endurance; a Golf Channel report said. A back injury and sinus infection with sinus headache both nearly kept him from competing in the prestigious tournament.

What Watson suffered from was acute rhinosinusitis. A report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) said this ailment is marked by the sudden onset of symptoms including sinus headache and nasal inflammation lasting less than four weeks, with a full recovery afterward. In a 12-month period, sinusitis and its symptoms have caused an estimated 73 million days of lost or restricted activity.

"Generally that's treated. If you have this at home and you're not seeking a physician's help, you can take things like pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, saline nasal rinses, nasal steroids, decongestants; and they all tend to help with those kind of symptoms. This has a tendency, unfortunately, in at least 20% of people, to be a chronic situation where you may get better temporarily, but the problem goes on," said Dr. Anthony Sanders of the Indianapolis Sinus Center.

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

There are four classifications for sinusitis, the NCBI report said. Recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, which is defined as four or more episodes of acute rhinosinusitis each lasting at least seven days, is a separate classification of its own and should be treated accordingly.

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.

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.

If you are seeking a diagnosis for sinus infection or other sinus symptoms, please take this online sinus self-assessment to start down the path of treatment.