You know the stuffy feeling when sinus pressure in your face is so intense that you can’t think straight. It could be a sinus infection. But what if you're unable to feel anything? Can sinusitis cause facial numbness?
Sinusitis is associated with signs and symptoms, including a runny nose, facial pain or pressure, and a change in the sense of taste or smell. Facial numbness is another less common symptom. However, facial numbness could be a sign of other more serious conditions. So it is best to discuss facial numbness with a doctor.
How do you know what is causing facial numbness? And when should you schedule an online doctor appointment? Here is what you need to know when it comes to talking to a doctor about sinusitis.
Sinusitis is one of the most common health complaints leading to doctor visits. Sinusitis is an irritation or infection in the sinuses. Sinuses are hollow passageways behind the cheekbones and around the eyes. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. They produce mucus to keep nasal passages moist.
Sometimes sinus passageways become blocked. Bacteria, viruses, and allergic responses cause swelling or inflammation in the passages. These are frequent causes of sinusitis.
Individuals with sinusitis may have different symptoms. Sinus problems can be chronic, meaning they last over a longer time, or acute, meaning sudden onset with short duration.
Some commonly reported signs of acute sinusitis lasting less than four weeks are:
Signs that are frequently seen with chronic sinusitis that last 12 weeks or more include:
Sinusitis, whether recently starting or bothering you for a while, can be diagnosed by a history and examination with a doctor.
You should never ignore facial numbness. It is important to report new or worsening feelings of tingling or no sensation at all to your doctor for evaluation.
Altered sensation in the face could be complications such as:
A doctor can evaluate possible reasons for the symptoms and help develop a plan for diagnosis and treatment.
Yes! An online doctor consultation may be a great option. Feelings of facial tingling or numbness can be urgent. But sometimes it is difficult or costly to see a doctor right away. Booking a virtual physician appointment is a way to get fast and convenient care.
A recent article published by the Open Forum Infectious Diseases found virtual care for sinusitis was associated with better diagnosis and treatment than in-person primary care visits.
Virtual physicians may be able to diagnose and treat this condition without making a trip. Sinusitis symptoms can make driving difficult. An online doctor appointment can feel like a house call. You get personalized care in the privacy of your home without the inconvenience of traffic, waiting rooms, and commute time.
Signs and symptoms can be bothersome. Yet, left untreated, it can progress into worse problems. Book an appointment with a virtual physician online today.
My Virtual Physician offers board-certified physicians who are now accepting new patients in many states. Click "BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW" to book an appointment with convenient evening and weekend hours. Or let us know if you have questions about your symptoms. We are standing by to help.
References
Johnson, K., Dumkow, L., Burns, K., Yee, M., & Egwuatu, N. Comparison of Diagnosis and Prescribing Practices Between Virtual Visits and Office Visits for Adults Diagnosed With Sinusitis Within a Primary Care Network, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 6 (9), 2019. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofz393
Wyler, B., Mallon, W. Sinusitis Update. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, 37, (1), 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2018.09.007
Ziegler, A., Patadia, M. & Stankiewicz, J. Neurological Complications of Acute and Chronic Sinusitis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 18, (5), 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-018-0816-8
