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Sinus pain occurs when the sinuses and the nasal passages become blocked and inflamed. Inflammation is a sign that the sinuses are infected. The most common causes of sinus inflammation, or sinusitis, are allergies, a virus or a bacterial invasion of the sinus cavities.
Sinus infections can cause pressure and pain where the sinus cavities are located. Infections concentrated in the sinus cavities above, between and behind the eyes usually cause headaches and fever, while inflamed sinuses along the cheekbones can cause face pain. All sinus cavities are connected to the nasal passages, which can cause pain in the nose and throat, coughing and mucus secretions. -
So, how does sinus inflammation and infection occur? Sinuses are coated with a mucus layer containing cells covered with cilia, or tiny hairs. When you breathe, you sometimes inhale allergens, bacteria, germs and other pollutants that get stuck to the mucus. The job of the cilia is to push the mucus along down the throat, taking the harmful bugs with it. The mucus, along with the germs, bacteria, viruses and other irritants, is then swallowed and travels down to the stomach.
Sometimes, however, the bacteria, fungi and viruses do not get pushed out by the cilia. They may be overwhelmed by the amount of bacteria, or mucus production may be low due to a different, unrelated illness. When this happens, the bacteria, viruses, fungi and other irritants travel up to the sinus cavities, where they multiply and irritate the lining of the sinus passages, eventually causing infection and pain. In addition, viruses that begin in the respiratory tract can travel up to the sinus passages and infect them. As the lining becomes inflamed, it also becomes very thick, producing more mucus and sometimes blocking the passages, causing pressure and that "stuffed up" feeling. - Treatment consists of two tactics: fighting the infection and soothing the pain. There are medications you can take that will fight the infection, such as antibiotics like amoxicillin. You can also take an over-the-counter decongestant to unblock the nasal passages. Decongestants break up the mucus, so it can flow more effectively. If you think you have a serious sinus infection, consult a doctor.
