About Sinus Pressure

If you've ever suffered the pain of sinus pressure, you know how overwhelming it can be. It can affect your forehead, teeth or your entire face. Where it hits simply depends on which sinus cavity is affected. Figuring out the cause of sinus pressure is the first step in understanding how to treat and prevent sinus pressure in the future.

Symptoms

Sinus pressure is often described as feeling like one's head is going to explode. Some people may also experience headaches, particularly on the forehead just above the eyes. Other people with sinus pressure may experience tenderness on the face around the eyes and nose, and they may even have pain described as a toothache.

Causes

Sinus pressure occurs when mucus builds up in the sinus cavities behind the face. This often happens during the course of a cold or allergy attack, when the nasal and sinus areas are producing extra mucus. A blockage of the holes in the sinus cavities from inflammation or a foreign object can also cause sinus pressure. If bacteria has been introduced into a sinus cavity, an infection can occur.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may need to perform some tests to determine the cause of your sinus pressure in order to prescribe the proper treatment. These tests will probably include a physical examination and may include a culture test on your nasal mucus to see if there is an infection. In cases where sinus pressure recurs often or cannot be resolved by standard treatments, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat problems, known as an ENT specialist. The ENT specialist may suggest a CT scan (computed tomography scan) or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in order to accurately diagnose the cause of sinus pressure.

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending upon the type of sinus pressure a person is experiencing. If it is due to infection, he will most likely be prescribed oral antibiotics. If it is caused by a cold or allergic reaction, there are several home remedies to help alleviate the pressure. These include applying cold and hot compresses to the face around the sinus area; drinking lots of fluids to ensure mucus stays thin and can drain; or using over-the-counter medications such antihistamines or nasal sprays to reduce the amount of mucus in the sinus and nasal cavities.

Prevention

If you are prone to sinus pressure regularly, there are some measures you can take to prevent it when you are experiencing a cold or allergies. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids to prevent mucus from becoming thick, which makes it more likely to create sinus pressure. Taking decongestants or antihistamines at the first sign of a cold may also help prevent sinus pressure from building. Always consult your doctor before taking any medications, particularly if you are currently on prescribed medications or have an ongoing medical condition.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic, Acute Sinusitis