Ashford Clinic Blog
“Why does my Face Hurt?” A Guide to Facial Sinus Pain
Pain from sinus pressure doesn’t always present itself in the sinuses alone - the pain and discomfort can also appear in the areas of the face surrounding the sinuses. So, if you are experiencing pressure or an aching feeling in your brow, cheeks, or forehead, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a sinus headache. The pain is usually worse if you’re leaning forward, as that puts more pressure on your sinuses. You might even feel pain in your teeth - this is because of the proximity of your jaw to your sinus cavities.
So how should you go about treating the pain? Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can all be helpful for relieving sinus pressure. However, sinus pain that includes a fever could be a sign of a sinus infection. If it is a sinus infection, otherwise known as sinusitis, you’ll need to see your doctor. They can determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial. If it’s bacterial, you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection.
It is worth noting that sometimes sinus headaches can come with an achy feeling, but that doesn’t mean that you’re running a fever. So if you’re feeling tired and achy, it’s a good idea to check your temperature but you might not have one.
Another possibility is that you’re actually suffering from a migraine. If you are experiencing facial and sinus pain without congestion, then migraine is the likely culprit. Other symptoms typically accompanying a migraine are sensitivity to light and sound and nausea.
If you are experiencing these types of headaches at least 14 days out of the month, or if over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, it’s time to see a doctor. An ENT can help determine the cause of your facial pain, and come up with a treatment plan suited to your needs. Sinus pain doesn’t need to interfere with your day-to-day life, but if it does we’re here to help.
