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Sinus pain is any pain that is associated with a condition affecting the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis or sinus infection can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms that often produce pain. Because it is often hard to distinguish sinus pain from other types of pain, acute or otherwise, it is important to first know the characteristics of the types of pain commonly associated with sinusitis. Types • If you are suffering from viral infections – cold, for example – you are most likely experiencing a type of pain similar with that of the 'squeezing pressure' you feel when there are changes in elevation such as when you are on an airplane. • If the pain is localized in the head and is associated with nasal congestion, you are most likely suffering from a 'sinus headache'. • If the pain is similar to a mild pressure that throbs from within your facial structures, specifically from the nasal region, it is most likely caused by nasal congestion. • Acute sinus pain that affects only one side of your face is also possible. This pain usually radiates from a bad upper tooth and is often related to maxillary sinus pain. • Intermittent pain that occurs over a period of several months is typically identified with chronic sinusitis. This type is called 'flare up'. • Other types of sinus pain are mostly related to chronic bacterial, fungal and viral sinusitis. The culprits are often identified as allergic fungal sinusitis, polyps, tumors, cancers, anatomic abnormalities like deviated nasal septum, and concha bullosa. Any of these types of sinus pain can radiate from the locations of the paranasal sinuses. Thus, the areas between the eyes, over the eyes, the upper teeth, both sides of the nose, in the back of the head and the nose, and rarely in the ears, are the most common areas where sinus pain can be experienced. If you are experiencing any of these, it is a good idea to have your symptoms checked by a family doctor, although it is always better to go directly to a specialist. Your physician will then recommend you to undergo a series of examinations and tests to rule out any possibility that the pain does not root from the paranasal sinuses or any condition that affect these structures. When other causes are present, your physician will direct you to other specialists. Although very rare, some patients of sinus pain may have other concerns such as TMJ syndrome or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome and headaches of uncertain origin. If your symptoms are related to these conditions, you may be recommended to consult a dentist or neurologist. Treatments Depending on the cause, the severity of the pain, and your history of treatment, rounds of antibiotics, antifungal medications, antihistamine medications, pain relievers, topical steroids, nasal sprays, and other sinusitis treatments may be prescribed. Primarily for sinus-related pain, pain relievers or pain killers along with self-help regimens may be given. It is rare for physicians to recommend surgical intervention. They will first exhaust all possible means of treatment before you are sent to a surgeon for endoscopic sinus surgery or functional endoscopic sinus surgery. For more information, please visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/
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