Chronic facial pain, usually described as a dull ache behind the cheeks, eyes and forehead, is a frustrating symptom, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Most facial pain stems from inflammation and mucus buildup in your sinuses—a condition called a sinus infection.
Let’s take a look at a few causes of sinus infection-related facial pain and how you can manage them to find some relief.
Causes of Sinus-Related Facial Pain
A few conditions that can increase your risk of sinus infections and the associated facial pain include:
- Allergies
- Nasal polyps
- Cold or flu
- Asthma
- Bacterial infections
While you can’t prevent all sinus infections, you can minimize their occurrence by managing the conditions contributing to inflammation.
Tips for Minimizing Facial Pain
There are a few home remedies you can use to promote mucus drainage and minimize the pressure of sinus pain:
- Place a warm compress over the cheeks, nose and forehead
- Inhale steam by using a water vaporizer, taking a hot shower or sitting over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head
- Drink plenty of fluids, including water, Daily Boost herbal teas or unsweetened fruit juice
There are also a few medical ways you can manage your symptoms:
- Take pain relievers like aspirin or Tylenol
- Take short-term decongestants (using them for more than a few days can cause rebound congestion)
- Use steroid nasal sprays to decrease swelling
- Take cold and flu or allergy medication
- Take antibiotics to treat bacterial sinus infections
How Do I Treat Recurring Sinus Infections?
If you develop frequent sinus infections, your sinus specialist may recommend one of the following:
- Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to widen the sinus passages. During the procedure, your sinus specialist will guide a small balloon into the nose and expand it to clear the blockage.
- Functional nasal endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). FESS is another minimally invasive procedure. Rather than using a balloon, your specialist will guide an endoscope and small surgical tools through the nostrils to clear blockages.
If you’re dealing with chronic sinus infection-related facial pain, schedule an appointment with Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today. Our specialists can identify the underlying cause of your pain and find the right treatment path.
