Sinus Pressure and Pain
Sinus pressure occurs when membranes around nasal passages become inflamed or swollen. Sinus congestion and pain can make sufferers uncomfortable, but there are ways to find relief. Read on for tips about how to identify your type of sinus congestion and pain, where you feel it, why you feel it and how to find sinus pain relief.
What Causes Sinus Pain and Pressure?
Your sinuses are air-filled spaces connected to your nasal passages that help humidify air as you breathe in and produce mucus that helps trap bacteria and foreign particles. When nasal passages and their tissues become irritated, mucus can build up instead of draining normally. This build-up causes swelling and often causes pain and pressure in your sinuses. Swollen and inflamed tissues can also cause pressure on nerve endings around your sinuses. This leads to dull or throbbing pain and aches.
Several factors can cause nasal passage irritation and bring on sinus pressure symptoms.
Environmental irritants – Airborne pollutants such as those that cause allergies can trigger mucus build up and sinus pressure.
A sinus infection – Sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection, could be a cause of your sinus pressure and pain. If you think you may have a sinus infection, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
The common cold – Not every cold is the same but sometimes symptoms include mucus build up, which can mean sinus pressure and pain.
Sinus Pain and Pressure Causes
There are different types of sinuses, each of which can cause different sinus pain symptoms. The images below show what causes sinus pressure in different areas of your face, neck and head and can be helpful to pinpoint relief or discuss with your doctor.
Frontal
Frontal sinuses causes forehead pain and headaches.
Ethmoid
Ethmoid sinuses causes pain between the eyes and across the nose.
Maxillary
Maxillary sinuses causes pain in the cheeks, upper jaw or teeth.
Sphenoid
Sphenoid sinuses causes pain behind the eyes, on the top of the scalp or along the back of the head.
How to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain
Now that you know what causes sinus congestion, you can determine how to relieve sinus pain. Here are a few tips and tricks for easing sinus pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Chill Out Your Sinuses
Anything you can do to cool your head can ease sinus pain symptoms. An ice mask, bag of ice or a cold compress can help.
Massage and Relax
Stress often makes your sinus symptoms feel worse. Gently massaging your neck and shoulders, while not linked to your sinuses, can help you relax, giving you relief.
Try SUDAFED® to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain
For a treatment that works to relieve sinus pressure and pain for 12 hours, try SUDAFED® Sinus 12 Hour Pressure + Pain for powerful relief.
Related Articles
Sinus Congestion
What Is Pseudoephedrine?
Explore SUDAFED®’s active ingredient, pseudoephedrine HCl: learn how it works, what it’s used for, why it’s behind-the-counter, warnings, side effects, dosage & more.
Sinus Congestion
Sinus Congestion vs. Head Congestion
When you're congested, it can sometimes be confusing as to what’s causing it. Is it sinus congestion or a cold? Explore the differences between the two so you can get relief quickly.
Sinus Congestion
Causes of Sinus Congestion and Pressure
Swollen nasal passages and mucus build-up are the usual causes of sinus congestion and pressure. Get a better understanding about where the sinus congestion comes from and how to get relief.
Sinus Congestion
Can Allergies Cause Sinus Pressure?
Learn how your allergies can cause sinus congestion and pain, and what steps to take to get allergy and sinus congestion relief.