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Can Recurrent Sinusitis Lead To TMJ Issues?

Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015

Question: After having a severe sinus infection for several months i developed symptoms of tmj. I have been on several antibiotics and flonase steroids etc. The infection seems to be gone but i have been massaging my left jaw for a few weeks and in the past few days i have developed a large lump of either muscle or fluid on my jaw by my chin - on the left side only. My face is also very swollen but only on the left side. I have to urge to repeatedly pop my ears - they feel full and it also feels like i have fluid in them but an ENT confirmed i dont have fluid. My ENT thinks TMJ. It also feels like i have bubbles in my sinuses. I do feel better when i massage the lump in my jaw but idk what it is. Please advise. Thank you. My theory is that i had a bad infection that led to TMJ but i am out of ideas. Not even sure what doctor to see at this point. I made appintmennt w dentist tmj specialist but havent seen them yet.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Parotitis...acute lymphadenitis...TMJ dysfunction... Eustachian tube dysfun

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

I have gone through the query and understood your problems. I will try my best to help you with this.

1. Unilateral swelling of the face, particular over the jaw could be due to parotitis, acute lymphadenitis and TMJ dysfunction. My strong feeling is, you could be having parotitis. The former, is usually noticed during the episodes of stress and dehydration.

2. Recurrent sinusitis cannot lead to TMJ issues, both are not inter-related.

3. I also suspect that you could be suffering from Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) dysfunction. This is one of the reason making you to pop your ears frequently.

4. Finally, I would suggest you to get a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses and ultrasound of the face and neck done. The above two investigations help us to identify the actual cause of your problem.

5. Meanwhile, you need to continue with steroid and saline nasal spray and do steam inhalation regularly.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (37 minutes later)

Why is it only on the left side? Also i noticed my left tonsil very swollen w bumps on it and tonsil stones coming out. I have been on several antibiotics already and they helped most of my symptoms but i am in a lot of pain. Going to ENT friday

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Parotid duct could be blocked on the left side...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

1. It's noticed only on the left side because, the parotid duct on the affected side could be blocked or the capsule of the TMJ traumatized.

2. The swelling of the tonsils is not associated with the swelling over the jaw. The lymph nodes of the tonsils drain to the area below the ear or to be more precise, the angle of the mandible.

3. Try taking oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. Drink lots of water. Get an ultrasound done, this will throw some light on the probable cause of your problem.

Hope this clarifies your doubts; Revert back to me if you any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (12 hours later)

Thank u! My ent thinks a blocked duct too

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get further evaluations done...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Please get the further evaluations done to rule out any stones in the duct. Get an ultrasound of the face and neck done. Wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E