Symptoms of Sinus Pressure
Your sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of your face that open into your nose. Inflammation of one or more your sinuses, or sinusitis, usually occurs due to a viral infection. A bacterial infection, allergies, smoking or growths in the nose or sinuses can also lead to sinusitis. Inflammation of the sinus lining causes swelling that might partially or completely block the opening into your nose. Trapped mucus in a blocked sinus leads to increased pressure and an array of possible symptoms.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Facial Discomfort
A blocked sinus can cause facial pressure, pain and tenderness. The location depends on which sinus or sinuses are involved. The maxillary sinuses, which are located in the cheekbones, are most commonly affected by sinusitis. Tenderness and discomfort -- usually in one cheek -- can be a symptom of maxillary sinusitis. With frontal sinusitis, the discomfort is located in the forehead near the eyebrow. Ethmoid sinusitis may cause pain and/or tenderness at the top of the nose between the eyes. Pain behind the eyes also sometimes occurs. Sphenoid sinusitis might cause referred pain felt at the top, front or the back of the head 4.
- A blocked sinus can cause facial pressure, pain and tenderness.
- Ethmoid sinusitis may cause pain and/or tenderness at the top of the nose between the eyes.
Upper Tooth Pain
Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Dangerous Sinus Infection
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Upper tooth pain can be a symptom of maxillary sinusitis and the associated increased pressure and inflammation. The roots of the upper molars abut the bony floor of the maxillary sinus, which is why these teeth may become painful with sinusitis in this location. If the teeth are affected, several teeth on the involved side typically ache and might throb. Leaning forward might worsen the pain. Sinus-related tooth pain goes away when the underlying sinusitis is treated. However, it's best to have your dentist check your teeth to be sure the pain is not related to a dental problem, such as a cavity, abscess or periodontal disease.
- Upper tooth pain can be a symptom of maxillary sinusitis and the associated increased pressure and inflammation.
- If the teeth are affected, several teeth on the involved side typically ache and might throb.
Ear Discomfort
Sinusitis with increased pressure is sometimes associated with ear pressure, fullness and/or popping. These ear symptoms are not directly caused by pressure within the sinus but are rather caused by extension of the inflammation into the nose and eustachian tube, which connects the nasal cavity and middle ear.
Headache
Treatments for a Sinus Toothache
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Although many people think headache is a common symptom of sinusitis, headaches caused by sinusitis are relatively rare. In fact, many people who think they're experiencing sinus headaches are actually suffering from migraines, as explained in an April 2009 review article published in "Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics." The one exception seems to be sphenoid sinusitis, with which headache is the most common symptom 3. The headache is most often felt on the top of the head and is aggravated by head movement, coughing and sneezing. While headache occurs frequently with sphenoid sinusitis, this type of sinusitis accounts for only 1 to 2 percent of all cases of sinusitis. Development of a severe headache with sinusitis might signal development of a complication, such as spread of the infection to nearby structures.
- Although many people think headache is a common symptom of sinusitis, headaches caused by sinusitis are relatively rare.
- The one exception seems to be sphenoid sinusitis, with which headache is the most common symptom 3.
Sinusitis is a common condition that is usually caused by a viral infection. In most people, the condition clears with appropriate treatment. See your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that might signal sinusitis to determine the best treatment plan. Seek medical care right away if you experience any warning signs or symptoms, including:
- Fever or chills
- Redness or swelling of the cheek or eye area
- Impaired vision
- Severe headache
- Drooping or paralysis of one side of the face
- Confusion, agitation or other mental changes
Reviewed and revised by: Tina M. St. John, M.D.
- Sinusitis is a common condition that is usually caused by a viral infection.
- See your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that might signal sinusitis to determine the best treatment plan.
Related Articles
References
- Merck Manual Professional Version: Sinusitis
- Patient Professional Reference: Sinusitis
- Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics: Sinus headaches: Avoiding Over- and Mis-Diagnosis
- Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery:Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Diseases: Report of 39 Cases
- Journal of the American Dental Association: Nonodontogenic Toothaches
- American Rhinologic Society: Headaches and Sinus Disease
- British Dental Journal: Maxillary Sinus Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Little RE, Long CM, Loehrl TA, Poetker DM. Odontogenic sinusitis: A review of the current literature. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018;3(2):110–114. doi:10.1002/lio2.147
- Egan M, Hickner J. Saline irrigation spells relief for sinusitis sufferers. J Fam Pract. 2009;58(1):29–32.
- Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014;4(1):1–14.
- Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36–S42.
- Venekamp RP, Thompson MJ, Hayward G, et al. Systemic corticosteroids for acute sinusitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(3):CD008115. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008115.pub3
Writer Bio
Emily DeSerio has been a freelance writer since November 2009. DeSerio works in the mental health field as a clinical social worker. She began her higher level education at the University of South Florida (USF) with a B.A. in English and went on to complete a Master of Social Work degree at USF as well.