North Baltimore Journal

• Dr. Andrew Ordon of "The Doctors" says sinusitis can definitely cause bad breath.
• Sinusitis may also cause other side effects, such as headaches, facial pain and pressure.
• Treating sinusitis is both simple and low-risk.

On an episode of the talk show "The Doctors," Dr. Andrew Ordon responded to a viewer's question about whether untreated sinusitis can cause bad breath.

"Yes, for sure," Ordon said on the television show. "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."

Ordon has worked as a surgeon for over 30 years. He is a two-time Emmy nominee for his role as cohost of the "The Doctors," which is a daily syndicated talk show that focuses on offering medical advice to viewers.

Dr. James Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers explains the other sinusitis symptoms patients are likely to experience.

"If you're developing polyps, you can lose your sense of smell, which can be permanent," Oberman told North Baltimore Journal. "People who lose their sense of smell lose their sense of taste. In addition, being down from work with sinus infections or sinus headaches, those types things, all those ramifications -- if you addressed them earlier, you'd have people who are thriving and living, not suffering."

According to Merck Manual, sinusitis symptoms include yellow or green drainage from the nose, pressure and pain in the face, a stuffy nose, bad breath, and coughing up mucus during the day and especially at night. Some people may experience fever and chills as well.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and is often recommended for patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis, after they've exhausted other treatment options. The procedure is fairly straightforward, with few complications reported. Balloon sinuplasty doesn't involve cutting, and there is no removal of bones or tissue during the procedure, according to Healthline.

To learn more about sinusitis and balloon sinuplasty, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.