Sinuses are pouches of air pockets which extend from the interior of the nose into the facial and cranial bones. The sinuses function as part of the nasal system, which is responsible for mucus production. When the sinuses are irritated, more mucus is produced than normal, which can result in the development of inflammation and infection. These issues cause sinus pain.
Sinusitis
Sinus pain that erupts due to inflammation or infection is referred to as sinusitis. Many suffer from this condition, due to having a cold or influenza. Allergy attacks can also result in sinusitis. When the sinuses are inflamed or infected, they become swollen, causing the tiny opening to be blocked. Air flow is impeded, which causes mucus to back up into the sinuses. This produces painful pressure in the facial area.
Sinus Headache
Sinus infections can also cause pain by producing a sinus headache, which is also a result of swollen and inflamed sinuses. A second type of sinus headache can arise due to the pressure produced in the sinuses while you are in descent on an airplane. This type of sinus headache can be aggravated by the presence of colds or allergies. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate a sinus headache from a vascular one. Vascular headaches tend to disappear more quickly, while sinusitis causes headaches can continue for days or weeks until you get treatment.
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely than others to suffer from sinus pain. If you are an allergy sufferer, for example, you may experience swelling of the sinus area often, which leads to sinus pain. People who interact often with large populations, such as teachers and nurses, are more likely to have sinus problems than those who do not come into contact with many others. Smokers have sinus pain more often than the general population due to the nicotine and other chemicals present in cigarettes and due to the irritation from tobacco smoke itself. Another population likely to have sinus issues and pain are those who have a deformity of the nose which can inhibit nasal drainage.
Medical Intervention
If your sinuses are causing you an inordinate amount of pain, if you have a fever or if you have chronic sinusitis, you need to see a doctor. The physician will question you regarding your symptoms and history of sinus pain and examine your nose, throat and ears. She may take an x-ray of your sinuses. If the doctor finds an infection, she may treat it with antibiotics. Chronic sinus issues may be treated surgically, as may deformities of the nose.
Home Care
When suffering from a cold that includes nasal issues, use warm water to flush your sinuses. Put a few drops of the water into each nostril and then blow to clear the nasal passages. You can also use commercial nose drops, if you prefer. If you have chronic sinusitis or sinus headache pain, use a humidifier to provide a moist home environment. You can often alleviate sinus pain with acetaminophen or antihistamines. Another aid to relieving sinus pain is to place a cold compress over your sinus area for 20 to 30 minutes.
