What Are the Symptoms of a Sinus Calcification?

By Dr. Sagar Rajkuwar, ENT Specialist, Nashik, Maharashtra, India

🌐 www.entspecialistinnashik.com

Sinus problems are extremely common, but some conditions remain under-diagnosed because their symptoms mimic routine sinusitis. One such condition is sinus calcification. Many patients suffer for months or even years without realizing that hardened deposits inside the sinuses may be the real cause of their symptoms.

Sinus calcification can lead to persistent discomfort, recurrent infections, and even complications if left untreated. Understanding its symptoms can help in early diagnosis and timely management.

In this article, we will explore what sinus calcification is, why it occurs, and the common and rare symptoms associated with it.

 

Table of Contents

1. What Is Sinus Calcification?
2. How Does Sinus Calcification Develop?
3. Common Symptoms of Sinus Calcification
4. Less Common Symptoms of Sinus Calcification
5. Symptoms Specific to Fungal Sinus Calcification
6. When Should You Suspect Sinus Calcification?
7. How Is Sinus Calcification Diagnosed?
8. Possible Complications if Untreated
9. Treatment Overview (Brief)
10. Key Takeaway

 

1.What Is Sinus Calcification?

Sinus calcification refers to the abnormal deposition of calcium salts within the paranasal sinuses. These deposits may form due to chronic inflammation, long-standing infection, fungal sinusitis, foreign bodies, or poor sinus drainage.

Calcification may appear in different forms, such as:

• Calcified mucus

• Calcified fungal debris

• Antroliths (sinus stones)

• Calcified polyps or tissue

• Dystrophic calcification following chronic disease

The maxillary sinus is the most commonly affected, followed by the ethmoid and frontal sinuses.

 

2.How Does Sinus Calcification Develop?

Sinus calcification usually develops gradually. Chronic irritation inside the sinus leads to thick mucus and stagnant secretions. Over time, minerals like calcium and phosphate settle in these secretions, forming hard deposits.

Common causes include:

• Chronic sinusitis

• Fungal sinus infection (especially allergic fungal sinusitis)

• Retained foreign bodies (e.g., dental materials)

• Poor sinus ventilation

• Previous sinus surgery

• Trauma or longstanding inflammation

 

3.Common Symptoms of Sinus Calcification

The symptoms of sinus calcification vary depending on its size, location, and associated infection. Many symptoms resemble chronic sinusitis, which is why diagnosis is often delayed.

1. Persistent Facial Pain or Pressure

One of the most common symptoms is ongoing facial pain, usually on one side.

Patients may experience:

• Pressure in the cheeks

• Pain around the eyes

• Heaviness over the forehead

• Pain that worsens on bending forward

This pain often does not fully respond to standard sinus medications.

 

2. Chronic Nasal Congestion

Calcification can block normal sinus drainage, leading to long-term nasal blockage.

Symptoms include:

• Constant feeling of a blocked nose

• One-sided nasal obstruction

• Difficulty breathing through the nose

• Mouth breathing, especially at night

 

3. Recurrent or Non-Healing Sinus Infections

Patients often report repeated episodes of sinus infections that keep coming back despite treatment.

Signs include:

• Frequent need for antibiotics

• Symptoms returning soon after stopping medication

• Infections lasting longer than usual

This happens because calcified material acts as a persistent source of infection.

 

4. Thick or Foul-Smelling Nasal Discharge

Sinus calcification may cause thick, sticky, or purulent nasal discharge.

Key features:

• Yellow or green discharge

• Foul smell from the nose

• Bad taste in the mouth

• Post-nasal drip

A bad odor is particularly suggestive of fungal or long-standing sinus disease.

 

5. Headache That Does Not Improve

Headaches related to sinus calcification are often:

• Dull and pressure-like

• Localized to the forehead, temples, or cheeks

• Worse in the morning

• Triggered by weather changes

Unlike simple sinus headaches, these often persist for months.

 

6. Reduced or Lost Sense of Smell

Calcified sinus contents can interfere with airflow and olfactory function.

Patients may notice:

• Diminished sense of smell (hyposmia)

• Complete loss of smell (anosmia)

• Reduced taste sensation

This symptom is more common when calcification is associated with polyps or chronic inflammation.

 

4.Less Common Symptoms of Sinus Calcification

1. Tooth Pain or Jaw Discomfort

Because the roots of upper teeth lie close to the maxillary sinus, calcification can cause:

• Upper molar toothache

• Jaw heaviness

• Pain mistaken for dental problems

Many patients visit dentists before the sinus cause is identified.

 

2. Facial Swelling or Tenderness

In advanced cases, inflammation around the sinus may cause:

• Mild cheek swelling

• Tenderness over sinus areas

• Warmth or redness (rare)

This may indicate secondary infection or complications.

 

3. Nasal Bleeding (Rare)

Occasionally, hard calcified material may irritate the sinus lining, leading to:

• Recurrent minor nosebleeds

• Blood-stained nasal discharge

This is more common when sharp or irregular calcifications are present.

 

4. Ear Symptoms

Blocked sinuses can affect middle ear ventilation.

Symptoms may include:

• Ear fullness

• Mild hearing difficulty

• Recurrent ear infections

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

 

5.Symptoms Specific to Fungal Sinus Calcification

In fungal sinusitis, calcifications are often seen on CT scans and produce more severe symptoms.

These may include:

• Strong foul smell from nose

• Thick, clay-like nasal discharge

• One-sided facial pain

• Dark or black nasal debris

• Poor response to antibiotics

Fungal sinus calcification requires prompt ENT evaluation.

 

6.When Should You Suspect Sinus Calcification?

You should consider sinus calcification if:

• Sinus symptoms persist beyond 12 weeks

• Medications provide only temporary relief

• Symptoms are predominantly one-sided

• There is recurrent infection or foul smell

• Dental treatment does not relieve facial pain

 

7.How Is Sinus Calcification Diagnosed?

Symptoms alone are not enough. Diagnosis usually requires imaging.

CT Scan of the Paranasal Sinuses

• Gold standard test

• Shows dense, bright calcified areas

• Helps identify location and extent

Nasal Endoscopy

• Direct visualization of nasal cavity

• May reveal thick secretions or fungal debris

 

8.Possible Complications if Untreated

If sinus calcification is ignored, it may lead to:

• Chronic sinus disease

• Repeated infections

• Spread of infection to orbit or brain (rare)

• Persistent facial pain

• Reduced quality of life

 

9.Treatment Overview (Brief)

Treatment depends on severity:

• Medications for infection and inflammation

• Saline nasal irrigation

• Endoscopic sinus surgery to remove calcified material

• Treatment of underlying fungal infection if present

Early intervention usually leads to excellent outcomes.

 

10.Key Takeaway

Sinus calcification is an often-overlooked cause of chronic, stubborn sinus symptoms. While it shares features with routine sinusitis, key warning signs include persistent one-sided symptoms, foul-smelling discharge, facial pain, and poor response to medication.

If sinus problems are affecting your daily life despite treatment, evaluation by an ENT specialist and a CT scan can help identify sinus calcification and guide proper management.

 

Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult an ENT specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

 

📞 ENT Consultation & Surgery

Dr. Sagar Rajkuwar (MS-ENT)
Prabha ENT Clinic, Ambad, Nashik
📱 7387590194 | 9892596635
🌐 www.entspecialistinnashik.com

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