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Have you ever felt under pressure?
Not the “under pressure” that probably first came to mind, but the feeling of pressure in the face and head?
Sinus Pressure
There is a pressure that can be felt on the cheeks, by the nose, on the forehead, and behind the eyes; this pressure is often caused by the sinuses. These symptoms can be extremely annoying and painful. It can feel like a tightness in the face or have a similar feeling to migraines and headaches. To determine if it is a headache or a possible sinus infection, it is important to understand how the sinuses can make us feel this way.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are usually caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Other factors that can cause sinus infections or contribute to sinusitis. Some of these include, tooth infections, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and allergies. When the sinuses are obstructed or have an infection, they are unable to drain properly and have the potential to fill up. When the sinuses fill up or close off, it causes feelings of pressure and or pain in the face and head (where sinuses are located.)
Home Remedies
There are some at-home-remedies and over the counter medication that people can try to lessen these symptoms, but none are a guaranteed fix. People who experience facial pressure can try eating spicy foods, take a hot bath, facial steaming, nasal rinses or lavages, and using decongestants. This often helps clear the sinuses and relieve the pressure. If the severity stays the same or does not improve by much, it is important to take the next step and see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
When to See a Specialist
A specialist will be able to help a person understand why you are feeling pressure in the face and head. An ENT doctor can look in the sinuses or take images (such as CT scans) that show if it is a sinus problem and, if so, specifically where the problem is located. From there, the doctor may suggest antibiotics, or they may suggest a more long-term fix for the issue. Some non-surgical procedures that exist, such as Balloon Sinuplasty, that can help eliminate sinus problems. This specific procedure can be done in-office and have little to no downtime.
Breathe Better Now
If you’ve ever felt under pressure, we are going to be the ones to dare you to change your way of caring about yourselves. Listening to your body and noting any unusual symptoms is the first step to taking care of yourself. After trying over the counter medications and at-home-remedies and not getting relief, visit a specialist. Some ear, nose, and throat doctors choose to focus their practice on one thing as opposed to the others (like Dr. Nalbone, who focuses primarily on the nose and sinuses.) Finding an ENT who specializes in a specific problem area can expand options for treatment and provide more in-depth care and information. Take the steps to feel better now, and book your appointment with Dr. Nalbone.
No pressure.
