Causes
of Sinus Pain
You don't have a cold or allergy–you have a sinus condition. What does
that mean?
An ear, nose, and throat specialist will determine if your sinus pain results
from:
Allergic rhinitis: This condition is an inflammatory nasal response, most
commonly to inhalant allergens. Symptoms include sneezing and itchy eyes, nose,
and palate. Allergic rhinitis can induce sufficient inflammation to obstruct
the openings to the sinuses. Consequently, the sinuses become infected and
a bacterial sinus infection occurs.
Infectious sinusitis: When chronic, this bacterial disease produces nasal secretions
that are yellow and green and contain bacteria. Patients may feel pain and
pressure in the involved sinuses and may be ill with fever, malaise, and other
symptoms. The classic symptoms of this condition are nasal obstruction, congestion,
facial pain, and post-nasal drip.
Septal deviation: A nose that is not properly aligned may result in an airway
obstruction, thereby causing sinus problems. Standard surgical or medical treatments
for sinusitis will not aid in treating sinus pain resulting from this condition.
Other causes of sinus pain include:
Vasomotor rhinitis: This disorder is caused by stress or a psychological disorder,
manifesting as congestion, obstruction, sinus pain, and nasal secretion. Unlike
other sinus disorders, this condition “comes and goes,” presenting
itself episodically with stress.
Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are a consequence of inflammation that results from
a wide range of sinus disorders. Treatment should entail addressing the root
causes of the polyps as well as excising the growths.
Fungal sinusitis: An allergic response to fungi can result in chronic sinusitis.
This condition affects approximately seven percent of those suffering from
chronic sinusitis.
HIV illness: Those diagnosed as HIV-positive will often have thick nasal secretions,
which become increasingly sticky as the disease progresses. This often presents
as chronic sinusitis.
Aging rhinitis: As one ages, the nasal mucus loses its water content and becomes
increasingly thick and sticky. Patients complain of post-nasal drip, cough,
and hoarseness; the condition is best treated with nasal irrigation and increased
hydration.
Tumors: The presence of tumors in the sinuses is relatively uncommon. They
are discovered with a nasal obstruction, often with heavy nosebleeds.
If you have further questions about Causes of Sinus Pain, please feel free
to contact our office.
Snoring - Sleep
Apnea & Snoring
Smell and
Taste
Sinusitis
in Children
Nose Bleeds
Stuffy Nose
The Flu
The Common Colds
Septoplasty
Post
Nasal Drip
Over-the-counter
Medicine
Causes of
Sinus Pain
Your Sinuses
- Questions & Answers
