5 Common Causes of Chronic Sinus Pain (and What to Do About It!)

Are you experiencing unexplained pain in your sinuses? Do you have a lot of headaches, common cold, dizziness, or congestion that does not go away? Chronic sinus pain impacts your life in several ways and can rob you of the joy of being out and about in your life.

Chronic sinus pain may seem like an uncommon problem, but it’s actually common. But what is it, and what causes chronic sinus pain?

We want to help. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes of chronic sinus pain and what to do about it.

1. Mucus Build-up 

When the sinuses are not able to drain, the mucus can build up and cause pain. To prevent the buildup of mucus in the sinuses, you need to drink plenty of fluids.

A humidifier can also be helpful and make sure to stay away from irritants such as smoke and pollution. Use a saline nasal spray and take corticosteroids to help clear your sinuses.

2. Polyps

Polyps are a common cause of chronic sinus pain and its remedy is either medication or surgery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help shrink the polyps. Otherwise, they may recommend surgery to remove them.

In some cases, a more serious condition such as cancer may occur. This is why it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Find out more info on this link to know more about the signs that you need to see a reputable rhinologist: https://www.higgins-sinus.com/when-to-see-a-rhinologist-a-sinus-ent-specialist 

3. Environmental Factors

Dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne irritants can trigger sinus pain and inflammation. Allergies to these substances can also cause chronic sinus pain.

Changes in temperature and humidity can also lead to sinus pain. Cold dry air, for example, can cause the sinuses to become irritated and inflamed.

If you have allergies, be sure to avoid your triggers. Take antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. If you live in an area with a lot of airborne pollutants, consider using an air purifier in your home.

If you are also susceptible to sinus pain due to changes in temperature or humidity, try to maintain a consistent environment by using a humidifier.

4. Deviated Septum

One of the most common causes of chronic sinus pain is a deviated septum. This is when the thin, flexible wall that separates the nostrils is bent or crooked. It can happen when the nose is hit, during development in the womb, or from aging.

This can cause an obstruction in the nasal passages which can lead to pain, inflammation, headaches, and a decreased sense of smell. In severe cases, it can even cause difficulty breathing. Surgery is the only way to fix a deviated septum, but it is a highly effective treatment.

5. Infections

Infections can emanate from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even environmental factors. Treatment for infection usually involves antibacterial or antiviral medications.

In some cases, they use corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs as treatment. If the infection develops from a fungus, antifungal medications may be necessary.

Manage Your Chronic Sinus Pain Today

While chronic sinus pain develops from many things, there are some common triggers. These include mucus build-up in the sinuses, environmental irritants, tumors, polyps, and infections.

There are some things you can do to manage sinus pain. You can use your humidifier, avoid trigger foods and drinks, and medication.

If you’re struggling with chronic sinus pain, talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

For more info like this, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!