North Baltimore Journal

Professional golfer Bubba Watson understands what a sinus infection can cost you, after he almost had to opt out of the 2016 Masters.

Before the Masters Tournament in 2016, Watson had some trials and tribulations to overcome that tested his endurance, a report by the Golf Channel said. An injury to his back and a sinus infection with sinus headache both nearly kept him from competing in the tournament. He was quoted as saying the course energized him.

"It certainly can be quite debilitating. The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life," Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Sinus & Allergy Centers said.

The pro golfer experienced 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. 

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.

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.

After resting in bed and being visited by a sinus inflammation specialist, Watson said he felt 80% healthy. 

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.

If you need treatment or diagnosis for a sinus infection or other sinus-related issues, please take this online sinus self-assessment.