Sinus Pain and Its Causes
Pain and pressure of the sinuses is an incredibly common and frustrating problem. It occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed or backed up with mucus, leading to that pressure and discomfort. Some people even get mild to severe headaches. The thing is, there are a lot of reasons for your sinuses to randomly start acting up, so it can be difficult to pinpoint. Understanding the causes and when to seek medical help will make a big difference, allowing you to get the relief you need.
What’s Behind Your Sinus Pain?
It usually comes about when your sinuses are inflamed or blocked up. This can happen for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is infection (sinusitis), which causes the passageways to swell and trap mucus. When the mucus can’t drain, you get congestion and pressure. Arguably as common as sinusitis, allergies are another major trigger. Allergens like pollen and dust irritate the sinuses and make them swell.
Roughly 80% of South Carolina residents have a deviated septum. This structural issue can fully prevent nasal function in extreme cases. In mild cases, it causes breathing difficulty and congestion, which as we know is trapped mucus. Another structural issue, nasal polyps, is less common but can be another culprit. They’re noncancerous growths inside the nasal passages that contribute to blockage and discomfort.
Will Sinus Pressure Go Away on Its Own?
For most people, sinus pressure or pain are only temporary with basic self-care and rest. Mild symptoms caused by a cold or mild allergies should improve within a week. Here are a few ways you can boost your recovery at home:
- Nasal Rinse: Using saline solution with a nasal spray is another way to flush out mucus for temporary relief.
- Hot Herbal Tea with Ginger: This has two benefits. Certain herbs like ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. Secondly, hot tea gives off steam for you to inhale.
- Extra Pillows at Night: Propping your head up during sleep can keep mucus from pooling, relieving congestion.
- Decongestant Medicine: Pseudoephedrine is an oral over-the-counter medication that has been proven to treat congestion, pressure, and sinusitis. It is only for short-term use, never to exceed two weeks duration, as longer-term use can lead to dependence on it and worse symptoms over time. As with any medicine, you should consult with a trusted doctor before consuming it.
- For longer-term relief, often times a nasal steroid spray, such as Flonase, can be very helpful for ongoing relief. Unlike decongestants, it is not habit forming. Again, as with any medicine, you should consult with a trusted doctor before consuming it.
Of course, not every case is the same. While most patients see improvement in the first week, and even complete recovery, some people experience lasting symptoms. If your symptoms continue for a couple of weeks, it could be an indication of a more serious issue. This generally requires professional attention, such as through The Charleston Sinus Center.
When You Should See an ENT
While many people report sinusitis improving on its own, there are cases where care from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is necessary. This is especially so whenever symptoms are not improving after one week, green/yellow mucus is present, or there is unbearable pain and swelling. These are indicators that a bacterial infection may have started, or another condition that requires medical intervention.
To get started on the path toward recovery, reach out to The Charleston Sinus Center and schedule a consultation with one of our experts. They recognize that every patient is unique and requires full attention. It starts with an examination and a discussion about the best course of action. So, take a step toward conquering your sinusitis by calling 843-863-1188.