Sinus Pain and Pressure

The 'air pockets' or cavities inside the bones of the face and skull are known as sinuses. The primary function of sinuses is to produce mucus, which is passed into the nose to clear off the dust particles, bacteria and other pollutants that are accumulated. The mucus, with all the pollutants, then reaches the throat where it is swallowed and discarded by the acid in the stomach.

Symptoms

• Sinus headache
• Sinus pain and pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area or on one side of the head
• Cough and fever
• Bad breath
• Nasal congestion with thick nasal secretion

Sinusitis results from cold, flu or allergy, which leads to inflammation or infection of the sinus air cavities. This condition is characterized by swelling of the nasal membrane and increased mucus production resulting in blockage of the nasal path. When there is no proper flow of mucus and air, abnormal pressure is exerted, which results in increased mucus accumulation in the sinuses. Sinus pain and pressure is often experienced depending on which sinuses are involved. Usually, the pain and pressure is felt in the forehead or face, between and behind the eyes and upper teeth or cheeks.

The Eustachian tube may be blocked due to congestion of the nasal passage, resulting in a feeling of blocked ear. Once the nasal passage is blocked, infection sets in. The infection can be identified by yellow-green color of the mucus. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the microorganisms that are responsible for causing acute sinusitis. Along with Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobes (bacteria that thrive without oxygen), these organisms cause chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis lasts for about 2-8 weeks and sometimes even longer resulting in chronic pain.

Most of the sinusitis are not serious and can be treated with medicines. Sinus infection can also extend to the eye or the brain. However, this kind of infection is rare. Furthermore, infection of the sinus can aggravate conditions like bronchitis, chronic cough, and asthma. There are various over the counter medications available for sinus infection treatment. These medications are usually a combination of a painkiller such as acetaminophen and a decongestant or an antihistamine. This combination is effective in; reducing nasal congestion, pain relief, reopening of the nasal passage, reducing the potential of bacterial infection, etc. Other over-the-counter medications include nasal saline sprays, nasal decongestant sprays, decongestant medicine and antihistamines. Prescription-based medicines include, antibiotics and nasal corticosteroids such as beclomethasone, fluticasone, Mometasone,and triamcinolone. For sinusitis that does not respond to medication, endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended by the doctor. Enlarging the sinus opening and balloon rhinoplasty are the other options for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.

Self-Help Techniques

• Drink lot of fluids like hot tea or soup
• Inhale steam at least 3-4 times a day
• Have a balanced diet and exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking
• Use humidifier when you have cold
• Flush out the bacteria by rinsing your throat with salt water
• Apply warm compresses to the nose, cheekbones and eyes
• Avoid eating wheat products and drinking milk.
• Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits
• Include herbs like ginger and turmeric in your diet

People with history of allergies, deformities of the nose, those who are frequently exposed to infections, and smokers are the ones who are susceptible to sinusitis. If the symptoms persist, even after over-the-counter medications and self-help techniques, best would be to consult your doctor for the next course of action.