When nasal congestion is no longer a small matter
If you frequently experience prolonged nasal congestion or feel uncomfortable on your face, many people easily assume that it is just a common problem such as allergies, colds or fatigue. Because this is a fairly common symptom in modern life, this condition is often underestimated and rarely given due attention.
However, according to Dr. Deepthi Koganti (Arete Hospital, India), persistent nasal congestion is sometimes a sign of Silent Sinus Syndrome (SSS), a silently progressing disease that does not cause obvious pain but can change the sinus structure, causing low eyesight and imbalanced face if not detected early.
How does silent sinus syndrome change the face?
SSS mainly affects the upper maxillary sinus, the empty cavity located right below the eye. When this sinus is chronically blocked, air cannot circulate normally. The amount of air trapped is gradually absorbed by surrounding tissues, creating negative pressure in the sinus.
Over time (which can last for many months or years), the upper maxillary sinus shrinks, causing the base of the eye socket to be lowered, making the eyes on that side look deeper and the face unbalanced.
Dr. Deepthi Koganti said: "This is not a condition that requires patients to be hospitalized for emergency treatment. Most patients hardly feel pain.
Some subtle signs of silent sinus syndrome include:
The eye is deeper on one side
Mild drooling
Feeling heavy on one side of the face
Recognize facial differences when taking photos
Feelings of light, simmering and prolonged pressure
Causes of silent sinus syndrome
The main cause of SSS is prolonged sinus obstruction. This condition may stem from:
Chronic sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Sinus infections recur many times
When the sinus opening is blocked, air cannot enter, creating negative pressure inside. This pressure causes the sinus to gradually collapse without the patient realizing it. Dr. Koganti explained: "This process takes place very slowly, so it does not cause sharp pain, but structural changes still silently accumulate over time.
How does the doctor diagnose silent sinus syndrome?
Diagnosis is usually performed by an ORL specialist, based on signs such as:
Unbalanced face on one side
Prolonged one-sided congestion
Deep or dislocated eyes
Diagnosis is usually confirmed by a CT scan, showing that the upper maxillary sinus is flat and the eye socket floor is lowered.
The good news is that when detected, this syndrome can be completely treated effectively.
Treatment of silent sinus syndrome
The main treatment is functional sinus endoscopy (FESS) – a minimally invasive procedure to reopen blocked sinuses, helping air circulation return to normal.
In cases where the bone under the eye has been significantly deviated, the doctor may prescribe minor reconstructive surgery to restore facial balance and protect vision.
After treatment, patients often notice:
The ability to breathe through the nose on the injured side has been significantly improved.
The face gradually becomes more balanced over time
The information in the article is for reference only, not for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly with your doctor for accurate and appropriate advice to your health condition.
