NE Dallas News

• Dr. Andrew Ordon of "The Doctors" says sinusitis is a common cause of bad breath.
• Sinusitis can cause other side effects, such as headaches, facial pain and pressure.
• Treating sinusitis can be 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 talk show "The Doctors," a syndicated daily show that features medical advice.

Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers had a few additional symptoms to add to Ordon's list.

"You have patients (experiencing) everything from ulcers to burning tongue syndrome, to dry mouth, to other types of mouth complaints," Trimble told NE Dallas News. "Over time, I began to realize that the people who have persistent issues almost always were the people who were breathing through their mouth at night. So it reminds you that, other than speaking or eating, in general we're supposed to breathe through our nose. For our health, it's very important to breathe normally through the nose."

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. 

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 any cutting, and there is no removal of bones or tissue in the procedure, according to Healthline.

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