The sinuses are cavities inside the cheekbones, forehead and behind the nasal bridge. These spaces can become inflamed, either due to allergies or infection. When sinuses swell, they cause mucus to drain from them. The swelling of the sinuses also causes pressure to build in the sinus cavities. This pressure leads to facial pain and headaches, two major symptoms of sinus problems.
People who have experienced signs of sinus headache in the past can usually recognize the symptoms. Diagnosis can come from a patient’s description of their symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may order certain tests, such as an MRI or CT.
Over-the-counter medications are often successful in helping people treat sinusitis. Such medicines include antihistamines, pain relievers, antibiotics, and nasal decongestants. Prescription meds are often helpful. At-home treatments for sinus pain include the use of humidifiers and nasal sprays. However, when medicine is used daily over time it can cause other health concerns. It is best to consult a doctor about the best and safest treatments. In the rarest of cases, a physician may recommend surgery to open blocked passages.
1. Forehead Pain
Because the sinus cavities are located behind the nose, forehead and cheekbones, they often cause facial pain when they flare up. However, not everyone with forehead pain has sinusitis. For instance, forehead pain could also be caused by a regular tension headache. One way of knowing that your particular forehead pain is caused by sinusitis is to take note of when the pain is most acutely felt. Sinusitis of the frontal sinuses will cause pain to worsen when a person lies on his or her back.
Sinus headache in the forehead along with nasal discharge is often mistaken for a common cold. While most colds clear up after a week, sinus pressure can last for several weeks. When unsure if forehead pain is caused by sinus trouble, look for additional symptoms of sinusitis, such as an upper toothache, fever and a greenish nasal discharge. Forehead pain from sinusitis can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Consult with a physician if you experience symptoms of a sinus headache lasting longer than one week.
2. Brow Pressure
Along with forehead pain, frontal sinusitis can also cause pressure in the brow. The brow pain worsens when the person leans forward. Sinusitis can be caused by either a virus or bacteria. Treating headache and brow pain caused by sinusitis often involves understanding the cause of the pain. For instance, viral sinusitis can usually be tolerated by taking decongestants, drinking plenty of fluids and waiting for the virus to run its course. Brow pressure caused by bacteria may require the use of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
3. Check Fullness
In addition to the above symptoms, people often experience cheek fullness when battling a sinus infection. As the name suggests, cheek fullness means swelling around the cheeks. This swelling can make the cheeks feel painful when touched. Cheek pain from sinusitis can usually be treated by applying a warm to the face. Inhaling steam can also help open the sinus cavities and relieve pressure. For instance, some sufferers, boil water over a stove and inhale the steam. Taking a warm shower and inhaling deeply when the shower gets steamy could also help.
4. Stuffy Nose
Because a stuffy nose is a symptom of a cold, many people assume they have only a cold when they have sinusitis. The term used to describe the stuffy nose resulting from cold and/or sinusitis is called rhinitis. With rhinitis, a person usually has a clogged nose and sometimes pressure around the nose, the forehead and the eyes. A stuffy nose due to sinusitis usually produces a thick discharge from the nose. The discharge is typically greenish or yellow. Ear congestion and pain in the upper teeth are usually present. A foul-tasting drip may leak from the nose.
5. Fatigue
People with sinusitis are often fatigued. This lack of energy is similar to the feeling one has when struggling with a cold or flu. Both acute and chronic sinusitis can cause fatigue. However, chronic sinusitis generally causes more fatigue and malaise. Chronic sinusitis often makes a person so tired that it changes his or her quality of life. Performing daily activities can be difficult. The fatigue makes the person sluggish, and the fatigue is worsened by difficulty sleeping.
6. Ache in Upper Teeth
Another symptom of a sinus infection is pain in the upper teeth. However, some people may not recognize this symptom as indicative of sinusitis. He or she may assume the pain is due to dental problems, such as a tooth infection. One thing to know is that the upper teeth, particularly the ones in the back of the mouth, are near the sinus cavities. When experiencing tooth pain along with the other symptoms mentioned in this article, it is best to be evaluated by a dentist. A dental professional can inform the patient if the pain is caused by dental problems.
7. Thick Discolored Nasal Discharge
The nasal discharge associated with a sinus infection can lead to other symptoms. For instance, the discharge may drip down the back the throat, which is called a post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drips can make the voice sound hoarse. This drip can also cause the throat to become sore or itchy. The discharge generally causes a person to blow his or her nose more frequently. When blown from the nose, the discharge appears green or yellow. At night, the person will often cough, especially when lying down.
8. Decreased Sense of Smell
The loss of the sense of smell is called anosmia. There are many causes for the decreased sense of smell associated with sinusitis. For instance, a clogged nasal cavity due to a cold or upper respiratory tract infection may diminish a person’s sense of smell. Antibiotic treatments for sinusitis can often clear up a person’s anosmia. Over-the-counter drugs can also help relieve symptoms. Consult a physician for advice.
9. Fever
Because a fever is a symptom of so many other conditions, it may go undetected as a symptom of sinusitis. A fever many not always be present in a person with sinusitis. However, fever with sinusitis is possible. A low-grade fever can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, a high fever is cause for an emergency room visit. People with chronic sinusitis who experience multiple fever episodes should also seek medical attention. People with a fever of 102 Fahrenheit or higher require medical care.
