The Many Symptoms of Sinus Pain Beyond “Stuffy Nose”

For individuals who have never experienced true facial sinus pain, it is a common misconception that this condition involves little more than a stuffy nose. However, there is much more going on in the body when a sinus infection is present. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can take a tremendous amount of energy and functioning capacity out of a person because of how widespread the symptoms are. This article will address the various symptoms that a person who has pain in their sinuses may be affected with. In addition to a stuffy nose, sinusitis is commonly accompanied by pain in the ears, facial swellings, headaches, and other afflictions.

Sinus Headaches

Pain in the sinuses is certainly not confined to just the nose and often extends to sinus headache as well. This pain of the sinuses can extend to generalized pain in the forehead, cheeks, jaws, and even teeth.¹ These types of headaches tend to be the absolute worst in the morning because fluids have been collecting and settling in the head all throughout the night. The pain also usually gets worse when bending forward.³

Nasal Discharge

Not only is it common for the nose to be stuffed up with a sinus infection, but excess nasal discharge is also possible. This discharge is often green, yellow, and cloudy due to the infection. It is also possible for the discharge to skip the nasal passage altogether and go straight to the throat, which can cause coughing and a sore throat. These are additional symptoms that are addressed below.²

Ear Pressure

Excess pressure in the ears and earaches are also a common complaint among sinus pain sufferers. Ear pain is typically caused by pressure that is put on the surrounding tissues and nerves. For ear pressure relief, many sinus pain sufferers turn to general pain relief medications or ear drops.

Pain and Swelling in the Face

A painful swollen-feeling face is another common symptom of a sinus infection. Because of all the inflammation occurring in the various parts of the head, the face often takes on a swollen appearance in the cheeks and eye regions.

Coughing

Coughing is a symptom of sinus infection as well, especially when mucous drains from the sinus to the back of the throat. This type of cough can be very persistent and long-lasting. It is also typically the worst when lying down to fall asleep and first thing in the morning. It may help to sleep with the head slightly elevated to reduce the amount of drainage and therefore reduce the risk of coughing.³

Sore Throat

Another sinus infection symptom that we’ll mention here is a sore throat, which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Nasal drip has a tendency to leave the throat feeling aching and raw. If a sinus infection lasts a week or longer, the throat can become increasingly sore and the voice to even become hoarse.³

Teeth Pain

It might seem easy to dismiss pain in the teeth as a dental issue. But this is actually a common symptom of sinusitis. The teeth pain associated with a sinus infection typically occurs in the upper teeth or in one cheek. Individuals with this condition may also experience a decreased sense of smell.³

References for The Many Symptoms of Sinus Pain Beyond “Stuffy Nose”