Chronic Sinus Pain: Relief is Possible

Stop Suffering From Severe Sinus Pain and Pressure

Are you suffering from a stuffy nose you can’t get rid of? Do you have a cold that keeps coming back? If so, you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis. Other symptoms of Chronic Sinus Pain include:

• Persistent sneezing, sniffling, coughing
• Restless nights
• Daytime fatigue
• Nasal drip or congestion
• Headache around the eyes or nose
• Achy facial pressure

What is Sinus Pressure and Pain?

Our sinus cavity is the hollow space behind our eyes and nose. It helps us by assisting in airflow and allowing us to breathe easier. Problems start to occur when our sinus cavity openings become swollen.  When the swelling occurs it can lead to stuffiness, congestion, and the disruption of airflow. Swelling also causes bacteria to become trapped and this leads to pain and infection. 

Several factors can cause nasal passage irritation and bring on sinus pressure symptoms:

• Environmental irritants – Airborne pollutants such as those that cause allergies can trigger mucus build-up and sinus pressure.
  
• A sinus infection – Sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection, could be a cause of your sinus pressure and pain. If you think you may have a sinus infection, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• The common cold – Not every cold is the same but sometimes symptoms include mucus build-up, which can mean sinus pressure and pain.

There are different types of sinuses, each of which can cause different sinus pain symptoms:

• Frontal - Frontal sinuses cause forehead pain and headaches
  
• Ethmoid - Ethmoid sinuses cause pain between the eyes and across the nose.
  
• Maxillary - Maxillary sinuses cause pain in the cheeks, upper jaw or teeth.
  
• Sphenoid - Sphenoid sinuses cause pain behind the eyes, on the top of the scalp, or along the back of the head.
  
  

How to Reduce Sinus Inflammation, Pain, and Pressure

Whether your sinus symptoms are caused by a cold or bacterial infection, here's how you can relieve them:

• Try a saline nose spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest a plain saline spray. Saline mist will ease sinus swelling and help break up the mucus that's clogging your nose. You can use it up to six times a day without worrying about side effects. You can also make your own saline nasal spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how, and be sure that the water you use is distilled or has been boiled, not straight from a tap.
• Use a humidifier. Stuffy sinuses respond well to moist air. Using a humidifier, especially when you sleep at night, will help keep your sinuses open and relieve the pressure. You can also try sitting in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower or inhaling the steam from a pan of hot (not boiling) water for faster relief.
• Apply a warm compress. Ease swelling and throbbing with a warm, wet washcloth across your forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
• Use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nose spray. These ease congestion and provide relief, especially early in a cold. You can get them as a nasal spray, liquid, or pill. If you use a decongestant nasal spray, don't use it for more than 3 days. If you use it for longer, it can make your stuffiness worse, not better.
• Take OTC pain relievers. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can relieve sinus pain. But never give a child or teenager aspirin for pain. It can be dangerous.

You may find a moment of success using sinus pressure medicine or decongestants. However, this typically will not last long term when it comes to fighting sinusitis. Sinus sufferers know all too well the difficulties of facing symptoms that won’t go away. The reality can seem like there is no end in sight.

However, the truth is that relief is possible.  While some remedies may provide relief, the effects are only temporary. Finding lasting relief means getting to the root of the issue. That’s what we do best at Cumberland Valley ENT. 

When to see your doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a fever, nasal discharge, congestion, or facial pain that lasts longer than ten days or keeps coming back. A fever is not a typical symptom of either chronic or acute sinusitis, but it is possible. You could have an underlying condition that is causing your chronic infections, in which case you may need special treatment. Schedule an appointment with a Cumberland Valley ENT doctor if:

• You've had sinusitis several times, and the condition doesn't respond to treatment
• You have sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days
• Your symptoms don't improve after you see your doctor

See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection:

• Fever
• Swelling or redness around your eyes
• Severe headache
• Forehead swelling
• Confusion
• Double vision or other vision changes
• Stiff neck

Sinusitis and Sinus Pain Relief with Balloon Sinuplasty

Severe chronic sinus pain sufferers will endure recurrent pain several times throughout the year. Chronic sinus sufferers become fed up and frustrated by the cycle of feeling sick, calling into work, missing school, or leisure time with family and friends.

Each patient may have a unique set of symptoms depending on their specific situation and other medical conditions such as allergies, cold/flu, or other infections. Sinusitis is a serious medical condition that can interrupt your life and negatively impact your overall health. Severe sinus infection complications are possible. Therefore, it is important to see a qualified medical professional in order to determine the exact cause and the best treatment for your specific symptoms.

At Cumberland Valley ENT we can help you take back the life you deserve by helping you to get rid of your persistent sinus issues. Consult one of our skilled ENT professionals to learn more about our sinus treatment options. One of our options is a convenient, in-office procedure called balloon sinuplasty.

Exceptional Adult and Pediatric ENT Care for Maryland Patients

Our team of skilled sinus care specialists can diagnose and treat the source of chronic sinus pain. Our knowledgeable staff will develop a personalized treatment plan to match each patient’s needs. Chambersburg, Frederick, Martinsburg, and Winchester sinus patients can find relief in Hagerstown.