Assessment of a patient suspected to have sinusitis begins with a careful examination of the nose. Sinusitis is responsible for 11 million physician office visits each year. Sinusitis rates are relatively high in the midwest and south compared to the northeast and western regions of the United States. There are other medical conditions which could cause your husband's symptoms. Viral upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or flu can cause a runny nose, fever, and headache.
Nasal allergies can cause runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and itching, watering eyes.
Cluster headaches can cause facial pain and a runny nose. Vasomotor rhinitis can cause congestion and a runny nose, especially around mealtime. Though uncommon, nasal or sinus tumors can cause nasal obstruction, runny nose, and headache or facial pain.