However, if youre still smelling it after brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, theres a chance you might have gum disease. Symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, and headaches. while the Could be because of sinusitis or other nose infections. There seem to be a million and one cause for bad breath everything from poor dental hygiene, to gum . You might have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. WHEN I GO OUT INTO BRIGHT SUNLIGHT, ESPECIALLY IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER, I SNEEZE TWICE. Does she have any other symptom or problem? If you happen to have spots of mold in your home, you can take steps to remove the mold yourself. We've been to numerous dentists but it's business as usual; prescriptions, unrelated tests over and over. Most people may only experience an allergic reaction or allergy-like symptoms following mold exposure. how should i treat permanently. This article reviews all you need to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Good morning. Nexplanon vs Depo-Provera Which Is Better? As a result, you smell stuff you dont normally smell.. Touching or inhaling mold spores can cause allergy-like symptoms such as: runny nose and congestion eye irritation sneezing coughing sore throat skin rash headache lung irritation wheezing Mold. If you are concerned about what you smell when you sneeze, dont hesitate to make an appointment with a CEENTA ENT doctor. I smell a mildew smell the first breathe i take after i sneeze. This tendency to grow on flat surfaces is one of the main differences that can exist between mold and mildew. Like taste, smell is a chemical sense. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Hydrogen Peroxide smells like feet, potato skin smells like mold, sneezes tend to smell exactly like mildew & must. This could be a sign of diabetes, so a visit to the doctor is a good idea. But pinpointing a definitive cause depends on what else youre experiencing in addition to your gross-smelling sneezes, Ramakrishnan says. There is an awful smell when i sneeze, why? Moreover, diabetes has no cure but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and stay healthy. Porous materials, such as carpeting, furniture, and ceiling tiles, may have to be thrown out. May be a certain wine etc. Learn how to protect your eyes during the summer with these eye care tips from a CEENTA ophthalmologist. Basic facts about mold and dampness. A sinus infection the explanation many Redditors have offered is a possibility, but Ramakrishnan points out that sneezing isnt one of the classic symptoms of this condition, which include stuffiness, facial pressure, and a constant foul odor. Like taste, smell is a chemical sense. Mouth infections or problems with your teeth can also cause an unpleasant sense of smell. Do Any Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Fungal Infections? Please seek evaluation now. Thank you. Before spiraling down too deep a Reddit wormhole, I consulted an expert Vijay Ramakrishnan, an otolaryngology (the study of conditions of the head and neck) expert about whether a foul-smelling sneeze really does mean youre sick. The next step is to loosen mildew spores with a stiff-bristled scrub brush. A less likely explanation is phantosmia, when you smell something that isnt there, he adds. https://patient.info/news-and-features/what-causes-a-musty-smell-in-the-nose. See your doctor if you suspect you have an infection, because you'll likely need antibiotics to clear it up. Be sure to scrub in a circular motion to clean the area thoroughly. About once a year I also have an intense musky perfume odor after a sneeze. This website is optimized for more recent web browsers. It is stink. via Today. This was thought to be because black mold spores release toxic compounds called mycotoxins. Mold Doesnt Grow on Your Hair But These Fungi May, Glycemic Index: What It Is and How to Use It. To catch gum disease early and keep your mouth healthy, make sure to: ALSO READ: Why do my legs fall asleep on the toilet? Good morning. My better half have this issue. Dampen the sponge with warm water and wipe the affected area. So, what does the smell of your sneeze mean for your health? Tender spasm.Can you find a discrete area of tenderness and muscle prominence that corresponds to your pain?If so,try massage,heat,Advil or Tylenol (acetamin Should be evaluated immediately. Ketones are produced in your liver when you dont have enough insulin in your body to turn sugar into energy. A much less common cause of problems with smelling is partial damage to the nerve involved in smell - the olfactory nerve. If you suspect that you have a sinus infection, visit your primary care doctor for antibiotics to clear up the infection. Amid current COVID-19 social distancing measures, he suggests a telehealth visit to start. I have a very high sense of smell. Kindly suggest way forward please. Other. Is there any relation? Very common in south east us.. Could I be smelling the histamine that they release when they sneeze? You may also need to see a, The glycemic index (GI) is a value used to measure how much a specific food increases your blood sugar levels. Fix water leaks immediately. Persistence. Put simply, mildew is a kind of mold that tends to grow on flat, moist surfaces. Earwax is a normal and an important part of keeping your ears healthy and clean. However, smelly earwax can indicate a problem. This smell could indicate complications from diabetes. Examples of mold-related infections include: You may be at a higher risk of these illnesses if you have conditions such as: In people with asthma, an allergic reaction to mold may trigger an attack. Use cleaning products that kill mold. Scrub the walls and floors with the homemade mildew killer youve concocted, being sure to spongeaway all bleach residue once youve finished the job. I hope this information is useful. But very common. (2017). Indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children in Saskatchewan, Canada. They may need inhalers to manage symptoms. We cannot comment on specific cases over the Internet. Very common in south east us.. Environmental Protection Agency. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). She is a perfectly healthy and physically fit woman. Only certain kinds of mold cause allergies. Moreover, your sneeze could smell like ammonia due to several other kidney issues like kidney cysts, kidney stones, kidney infections, and acute kidney injury. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart. PATIENT EDUCATION & RESOURCES A chronic condition where your blood glucose (sugar) your main source of energy is too high. These include: Having mold in your home wont necessarily make you sick, but it does have the potential to cause certain health issues. Good morning. That's an unusual symptom. Keep your home well ventilated. Why is it that immediately after i sneeze i smell a sweet, sugary flowery smell? You might have fungal sinusitis. Among the most popular: Why does my sneeze smell weird? Being allergic to one type of mold doesn't mean you'll be allergic to another. Sultesz M, et al. its unbearable. This blog is for informational purposes only. However, people with certain health conditions may be at risk of a lung infection or other infections from inhaling certain types of mold. Visit your doctor or healthcare provider for more information if youre exhibiting sweet-smelling sneezes. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Some of the most common molds that cause allergies include alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium. Brush regularly, gargle, and use a tongue scraper. Locate the mildew growth causing the odor. Basic facts about mold and dampness. Its not uncommon for the smell of mildew to emanate from fabrics, such as towels, and from other personal belongings (e.g., sneakers). Rather than using Reddit to self-diagnose and possibly freaking yourself out in the process you can work with a professional to begin the process of piecing together what your smelly sneezes really mean. Most allergic responses to mold involve hay fever-type symptoms that can make you miserable but aren't serious. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose individual cases without seeing the patient in person. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Check your health with a doctor to be on the safe side. In the basement, pack up old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and any other disposables. These expelled particles are typically the source of your sneeze's scent, Dr. Del Signore says. By Bob Vila | Updated Jan 4, 2021 9:47 AM. You might notice symptoms when the weather is damp or when you're in indoor or outdoor spaces that have high concentrations of mold. When we sneeze, the secretions of our nasal mucosa are expelled out. Repair or replace windows that leak or sweat, as moisture may collect on the frame and sill. Receptors in your nose turn messages from smells received into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. Fortunately, your doctor can prescribe medicine that can clear up that infection, which will take care of the smell, too. Dr. Tebbit practices in our Belmont office. If you have concerns, we recommend making an appointment with your doctor. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://www.aafa.org/mold-allergy/. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. A persistent smell hints that mold or mildew (the . Parosmia, which affects how your brain processes smells so that strawberries smell like, say, skunk might also be possible, Ramakrishnan says. This content does not have an Arabic version. If you smell ammonia when you sneeze, you could have a serious issue, such as a liver or kidney problem. HOMEWHY CHOOSE CEENTA?PROVIDERSLOCATIONSSERVICES & CONDITIONS information submitted for this request. This can occur when you're on the keto diet, but it can also be a sign of something more serious, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, Dr. Del Signore explains. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Patients with liver disorders or kidney problems may also smell similar. We are unable to diagnose specific cases over the Internet. These spores can enter your home via: Once mold spores get inside, they can grow in the right conditions. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Very common in south east us.. Read more about mold-exposure complications below. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. If you were looking for a quick fix, there isnt one. After mold exposure, your body will generally detox all on its own but it's essential to get away from the mold and remove it from your home. It smells like Rape fields and Saliva, and inhabits within most human beings. Changes in your sense of smell are rarely life-threatening, but they can have a significant impact on your quality of life. These include: Besides allergens, mold can pose other health risks to susceptible people. i do not smell it when i am actively urinating but if there is some in my underwear (sometimes i sneeze and a little comes out) the smell is so strong i can even smell it before taking my pants down? I've experienced having a aftermath odor way back like the age of 10 or more, when sneezing I smell something different. Mold 101: Effects on human health. I've experienced this problem for the last couple of months and it's really starting to affect my quality of life. Make sure water drains away from your house. Dont leave wet towels or clothes in a pile or sitting in a laundry hamper or washing machine. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs sitting below your ribs and behind your stomach working to filter water and waste out of your blood to make urine. More rarely, mold can cause more serious health issues in some people with certain risk factors. May be your diet or due to the infective pathology going on. There are many possibilities, but a likely one is asthma, which can be induced by a cold (runny nose and sneezing). Chang C, et al. One Redditor likened the odor of their sneezes to metal and chemicals, and another to musk and dead animal. (Lovely.) work in a job where youre more likely to be exposed to mold, such as: maintaining the humidity below 50 percent with a, regularly cleaning damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms. The hormone insulin helps glucose from food get into your cells but when your body doesnt make enough or stops completely glucose stays in your blood unable to reach your cells and starts to build up. If you live in the Charlotte region and would like an appointment with CEENTA, call 704-295-3000. when i sneeze it smells like beef extract what should i do. Multiple types of mold can grow in the same area. Mold is an organism thats part of the fungi family. When you breathe, air flows smoothly in and out of your nose, Ramakrishnan says. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, see your GP. If youve been experiencing weird smelling sneezes regularly, see your doctor, who can perform a proper health assessment and help you determine whats going on. Hay fever, which can also lead to a build-up of mucus and a blocked - along with a runny, itchy - nose, can have the same effect. You may have some liquid in your nose after sneeze. Plain white vinegar is a safe and natural method to remove bad odors from your laundry, including the smell of mildew. Infected mucus starts filling with bacteria that can make it smell terrible. i don't have a cold but when i sneezed the pain was even worse? This is a normal daily occurrence and in most instances is harmless. Getting rid of a mildew smell with bleach: Vinegar, baking soda, and hot water should be sufficient to get the job done, but you can also choose to make a bleach solution. WHY? I can tell by the smell of his t-shirt if he has sneezed and used his shirt to cover his sneeze. A number of factors can make you more likely to develop a mold allergy or worsen your mold allergy symptoms, including: Living in a house with high humidity. If periodontitis becomes advanced, it can lead to bleeding gums, painful chewing, and even tooth loss. When i sneeze smells bad like dead rat. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. We live in Nigeria. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Patients with liver disorders or kidney problems may also smell similar. Mold can grow virtually anywhere if the conditions are right in basements, behind walls in framing, on soap-coated grout and other damp surfaces, in carpet pads, and in the carpet itself. It may also be nothing. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. And when you sneeze, you expel that smelly spit. If you would like to make an appointment at CEENTA, please call 704-295-3000. They may consider tests and possibly a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who can examine the inside of your nose with a small flexible telescope (called an endoscope). I am not sure, but one thing that comes to mind is the possibility of diabetes. Just as an example, people who smoke expel a smoky smell when they sneeze. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. A mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. What does that mean? Some people with tonsillitis have bad breath, but not all. Muscular pain may increase with movement of the muscles involved. What Your Snot Can Tell You About Your Health. (n.d.). Touching or inhaling mold spores can cause allergy-like symptoms such as: Mold exposure is not an emergency for most people. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. A sneeze or sternutation usually occurs from outside irritants like pollen, dirt, smoke, and dust entering the nostrils and tickling the delicate lining. A 2017 study found no proof that black mold exposure causes health problems. thats why they seem disinterested when you tell them, they dont want you to sue One 2017 study found mold in every public building studied, with an average of about 14 instances of mold per building. Cleaning and Restoration. You see warping, cracking, or peeling of whatever material its growing on. I am having a bad pain back pain it is under my right collarbone and is unbearable when i cough, sneeze, or take a deep breath i'm only 13 and am fit? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you live in the Charlotte area and would like to see a CEENTA doctor, please call 704-295-3000. What can I do for managing that? I cannot discribe what the smell like. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Hi. This is so because, sinus problem is the most common cause of smelly sneezes. Yesterday, a student in my classroom sneezed. The Mayo Clinic explains that this condition may surface in the wake of an upper respiratory infection or head injury, and that more serious causes could include Parkinsons disease or temporal lobe seizures. Doc why everytime i sneeze it smells bad ? A foul-smelling sneeze is most likely caused by a sinus infection. Your doctor may offer you skin or blood tests to determine whether you truly have a mold allergy. Why is it that when I sneeze it smells really bad but only sometimes ?? Oluwole O, et al. I smell a mildew smell the first breathe i take after i sneeze. include protected health information. Clean up excess water and use fans to dry the area. A sour sneeze odor can definitely be a sign of tooth-related problems or gum disease, Dr. Del Signore says. The commonest cause is a concentrated urine. The cause: diabetes. Dr. Sadiqa Stelzner and another doctor agree. thanks? can you please assist, i have a foul smell which emanates from my nose after sneezing. (n.d.). Use mold inhibitors in wall paints. This could indicate diabetes or liver and kidney disease. Sometimes a Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause a sweet odor, so can elevated blood sugar without being ketotic. How our secretion smells largely depends upon two factors: She needs to be investigated. But not as bad as fart. Lets examine the types of mold youre most likely to find in your home, the potential effects on your health, and how to get rid of mold. But when you sneeze, you expel air and change up that flow, forcing odorous particles in your nose or throat upward to the olfactory nerve high in the nasal cavity, which transmits information about smell to the brain. She said it just stinks like saliva. Only the aftermath sneeze smell. Thank you. It can emerge alongside the olfactory dysfunction that may follow severe respiratory infection, per the Mayo Clinic. With incredible force, air and mucus are thrust from the nose, releasing thousands of microbes and spreading flu-like illnesses. Good morning. ALSO READ: Can I Exercise After My Wisdom Teeth Were Pulled? He explains that if someone were to visit a clinic reporting a stinky sneeze and no other symptoms, and their nose and mouth looked fine, the doctor would basically pat their back and send them on their way. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. The smell of mildew can literally develop overnight, especially during periods of damp and humid weather. Thank you. Kidney Disease. I usually suffer severe attacks after occurrence of malodorous sneeze?. It can be hard to tell if mold, another condition, or a type of allergy is causing your symptoms. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Registered in England and Wales. You can recognise 'basic' tastes - bitter, sweet, salty, sour and umami (the taste of meaty/savoury substances) - without needing smell, but more complex flavours need both senses to appreciate them fully. Fortunately, you dont need to know the type of mold to get rid of it. Here's What Your Body's Trying to Tell You, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Clean off the bleach and wash any affected fabrics. 2023 CEENTA. This could indicate a sinus infection, which is the most common cause of smelly sneezes. When mold grows inside, it can sometimes be problematic. Please consider these upgrade options: Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners, Botulinum Toxin Injections for Spasmodic Dysphonia, Benign Lesions and Inflammatory Conditions, Cosmetic fillers: Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse and Revance RHA, Toxin Treatment: Botox, Dysport, & Xeomin. privacy practices. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/mold-allergy. If you notice a spot and arent sure if its just an old stain or a splotch of dirt, heres how to tell if it could be a sign of a mold problem: Mold is very common in homes and buildings. So you have to deal with the musky mildew smell that just seems to not go away. The smell can be extremely horrible sometimes. Mildew usually looks white or gray and dry, or even powdery. I dont think its necessarily a bad sign, Ramakrishnan says, just odorants reaching the olfactory nerve that wouldnt have otherwise. Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, but home remedies can. We recommend seeing a doctor if you have any concerns about your health. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Cough and postnasal drip Itchy eyes, nose and throat Watery eyes Dry, scaly skin Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Some bacteria which can cost atrophic rhinitis can cause bad smell also. Clean off the bleach and. Lets back up and start with why you sneeze. We don't know what to do as this is becoming stress for both of us. What the Smell of Your Pimples Can Tell You About Your Skin Health, Itchy Throat? This is a condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids (ketones) due to a lack of insulin. If your sneeze is sweet-smelling like honey, the scent could signify elevated levels of ketones, Dr. Del Signore says. hurts to sneeze. Mold, on the other hand, often is raised and can be green, red, blue, or black. Having indoor humidity higher than 50% can increase mold in your home. If youre successfully able to isolate the mildewed area, that means you can spot-treat it without going through the effort of cleaning the whole room. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. I have pressure in my left cheek and pain in my top left teeth. but I've never Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker. (2015). However, if youve searched high and low but cannot find any obvious mildew growth, cover all your bases by giving the entire space a once-over. THE CULPRIT: Hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust, which is . This can result in symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion. You can smell food through your nose without tasting it but when you're eating, the smells also travel to the back of your nose from the back of your mouth. But it usually smells like cinnamon. Just to let you know because most doctors blame these conditions. We spoke to Anthony G. Del Signore, MD, PharmD, director of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, to learn what various types of sneeze scents could say about your health. Note however that a mask and ventilation are doubly . Focus your attention on surfaces vulnerable to moisture. For details see our conditions. We recommend making another appointment with a local physician. Why does my urine smell very strongly of ammonia? Symptoms of sinusitis include post-nasal drip and bad breath, which, as we know, can affect the way your sneeze smells. When you have a kidney issue, "ammonia is not excreted efficiently, and thus there is a buildup of exhaled ammonia," he explains. Usually, these irritants are allergens (think: pollen or dust), environmental pollutants or germs like viruses. The smell It is a smell we have been acquainted with for generations. Sinusitis causes symptoms such as sinus inflammation and nasal congestion, which can interfere with a person's sense of smell. Sneezes that give off an ammonia aroma or a hint of urine should give you pause. In otherwise healthy people, insulin helps glucose (sugar) enter cells but when the body cannot make insulin, it begins to break down fat as fuel. An arsenal of tools can help you keep your spaces dry and clean and mildew-free: Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Signs and symptoms of asthma include: If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing or other bothersome symptoms that persist, see your doctor. The symptoms are similar to those of other nasal allergies -- sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. 2020; doi: 10.1186/s13223-020-00495-1. Feeling groggy in the rain? While mildew can cause damage to a home, the damage is usually more cosmetic. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. A less likely explanation is phantosmia, when you smell something that isn't there, he adds. Scrubbing the walls and floors isnt necessarily going to cut it, though. Mold is everywhere, and everyone breathes in mold spores. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Exposure to high levels of household mold can trigger mold allergy symptoms. Mold can be removed with: Use a brush to scrub mold off surfaces, making sure you get it all. If your earwax smells, it may be caused by a medical condition or. It is a floral, honey type of smell, but not bad at all. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Review/update the Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? There is a problem with When you inhale tiny, airborne mold spores, your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to fight them. Dont carpet rooms such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. There have been rumors linking black mold exposure to health issues such as memory loss and headaches. Is she taking any medicine? We recommend you make an appointment with you primary care physician or a gastroenterologist. If you dont like the smell of your sneeze, theres a good chance people wont like the smell of your breath, either. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 11 Essential Oils For Post Nasal Drip And Cough. Your sneeze's smell can also mimic the odor of your breath, Dr. Del Signore adds. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. My mother does not have sinus infections, tonsils, diabetes etc. To make an appointment with him or any of our ENT doctors, call 704-295-3000. If this is what your . Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. There may be a leak from a fuel-injection line or a fuel-tank vent hose. Find out how rainy weather can affect your ears, nose, and throat. All rights reserved. After rinsing it off, run it through the washer as you would a normal load of laundry. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. I have noticed that when she sneezes, a very sweet musky smell is emitted. A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Sour No one likes to be told they've got bad breath, but the chances are if you can smell your own sneezes then it's probably an indicator. Scrub the mildewed area with diluted bleach. everybodys sneeze has a slight histamin pollen smell, some more than others if you have allergies. Always my sneeze has a bad smell, i can't even describe that smell.is this normal? Outside, molds are an important part of the ecosystem. We avoid using tertiary references. Accessed Feb. 17, 2021. but if you sneeze a very specific way, every once in awhile you will in fact smell your own histamin. However, certain allergic conditions caused by mold are more severe. A few home maintenance chores can make it harder for mold to grow indoors. While bad breath can be resolved with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, you may still exhibit a sour smell when you sneeze due to gum disease. Seek a professional contractor with experience in safe removal of mold if: Mold spores are everywhere and are part of the world we live in. While its most likely due to the plethora of bacteria living in the ears and sinuses, a sweet-smelling sneeze could be the smell of ketones in the bloodstream, meaning you could have diabetic ketoacidosis. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT Remove impediments to your search. Hello, i have this problem in mouth and nose i smell and taste metal. But they smell bad all the time, not just when you sneeze, Ramakrishnan says. A sinus infection or sinusitis is a condition where the cavities around your nasal passages become inflamed due to stagnant mucus in the nose. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.