Sinus Pain

You feel congested. There is pressure in the area of the forehead, cheeks, and eyes, and you have a throbbing pain in the head – all classic symptoms of a sinus headache, also known as sinusitis. In fact, sinus pain is one of the most common symptoms of sinusitis. The sinuses are small cavities located in the facial bones. There is one just behind the nose, then there are two large ones on either side of the nasal cavity, then there a string of small ones running just behind the bridge of the nose, and there are two large ones behind and above the inner area of the eyebrows. These are lined inside with the same type of membrane that forms the lining within the nose, and there are small openings that connect them to the nostrils.

The sinuses produce mucus, which gets into the nose, the purpose of which is to wash off the bacteria, particles of dust, and so on that collect there. This mucus then is swallowed along with the polluting matter it carries with it, which are destroyed by the acid in the stomach. This is a natural function of the body, which generally occurs without us noticing it.

The sinus pain of sinusitis occurs when the sinuses get inflamed, which could be due to viral or bacterial infections, or even because of non-infectious reasons. Sinus pain that accompanies sinusitis is very common, with about 1 person in 10 being affected by it, which includes children as well as adults.

What are the Causes of Sinusitis and Sinus Pain?

Sinusitis and the accompanying sinus pain usually develops after a protracted bout of flu or cold, or due to an allergy, which results in the increase in the production of mucus along with the swelling of the membranes in the sinus. In fact, they swell to the extent of blocking the passages leading to the sinus cavities, thus preventing the free flow of mucus and air, resulting in the buildup of abnormal pressure within the sinuses. This in turn creates the symptoms of pressure and sinus pain in the face or forehead, behind or between the eyes, or in the upper teeth or in the cheeks, according to the sinuses affected.

As mucus continues to build up within the sinuses, it leads to viral or bacterial infection. When a cold lasts for over a week, the mucus often becomes yellowish green in color and develops a foul odor or bad taste, which is symptomatic of a bacterial infection taking over. When this occurs, it results in severe sinus pain and pressure. An acute attack of sinusitis usually lasts about a couple of weeks. However, sometimes the bacteria are not killed at once by antibiotic treatment, with the infection carrying on for months. When this happens it is known as chronic sinusitis. Sometimes sinusitis and sinus pain may be caused die to upper teeth infections that extend into the sinuses.

How can Sinusitis and Sinus Pain be Treated?

Anybody who has sinus pains should consult their doctor in order to determine the exact cause. When the doctor diagnoses the sinus pain to be caused by sinusitis, he/she will usually treat it with a course of antibiotics, although additional treatment may be required for severe cases. For example, chronic sinusitis, particularly if polyps develop, may need surgical intervention.

How can Sinus Problems and Sinus Pain be Prevented?

If you suffer from allergic reactions, you need to consult a specialist in order to find the cause, which usually are pet dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen. Sinus problems and sinus pain can be prevented if avoid these allergens, as far as you can, along with using an air purifier indoors, and a facial mask outdoors.

• If you have nasal congestion, take steps to reduce it. For example, nasal irrigation is an effective way to loosen mucus and lessen congestion.
• Try minimizing being exposed to infection. Avoid people if you know they have infections, but if that is not possible, use sanitary habits when you are in their proximity, like washing of hands and avoiding sharing eating utensils, napkins, and towels.
• If you are a smoker, you need to quit the habit, as nicotine and tobacco smoke, along with other air pollutants impairs the body’s ability to fight infections, along with irritating the air passages.
• Also proper humidity should be maintained. The reason being that mucus gets thicker, thus having a greater propensity of blocking the sinus passages, in low-humidity conditions. One way this can be countered is to use a humidifier.
• Plus, increase your resistance to infections by incorporating a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet.