Sinus Pain Without Congestion

Sinuses are air-filled cavities in our skull, which protect the brain and also make the head lighter for the neck to support. They are seamed with a layer of moist tissue known as the mucous membrane which acts as an air filter, preventing dust and germs from entering our body while we breathe.

These cavities are also responsible for the production of mucus and cooling of the air that we breathe in.

There are four different sinus cavities known as frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid, which are located in separate parts of the skull. These cavities are also referred to as paranasal cavities, and any inflammation to these can cause headaches, jaw pain, eye pain, and facial pressure.

Millions of people suffer from sinusitis around the world, and the disease is categorized into four parts, acute sinuses, sub-acute sinuses, chronic sinuses, and recurring sinuses.

- Ostium, which is the opening of the sinus, if blocked, leads to the accumulation of mucus and air in the sinus cavities. The accumulated air and mucus causes pressure and leads to pain, which sometimes, can be unbearable.

Inflammation is one of the most common reasons behind the blockage of the ostium, and this can be brought on by common cold and flu. This swelling causes the mucous membrane to be pulled away from the bones they line, resulting in severe pain.

- Allergies play a vital role in someone getting a sinus problem, and people who are allergic to dust and pollen are susceptible to sinus diseases. Harmful bacteria which flourishes on mucus can also cause sinus pain.

• Fever and viral infection also cause the sinuses to flare up, and in such conditions, severe headaches and fatigue is experienced by people with sinus infection without congestion.

• Lifestyle habits like smoking contributes to the damage of the cilia, leading to sinus infections.
• Cilia are responsible for nasal drainage, and if they are damaged, the accumulated mucus blocks the opening of the sinuses, causing sinus pain.

• Swimming in polluted waters and diving which builds pressure on the nasal cavities are also some of the reasons behind sinus pain without allergies.

• A deviated septum can also lead to sinusitis without nasal discharge, and in most cases, it is due to injury or anatomical anomalies. Some of the sinus infection symptoms are severe headaches, fever, and fatigue.

• There are four sinus cavities, and a blockage of any one of them can lead to chronic sinusitis or acute sinusitis. The frontal sinuses which are located in the forehead, when blocked, can cause severe headaches. The blockage can be due to nasal polyps.

• The maxillary sinuses are located behind the cheekbones, and if there is a problem in them, you will experience sinus pain in the jaw. In this condition, you will also experience tenderness in the cheekbones and will need to have sinusitis antibiotics for pain relief.

• Ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes, and an inflammation in this region can lead to severe pressure on the eyes. Viral infection and cold are some of the conditions, which can lead to the blockage of the ethmoid sinuses.

• Sphenoid sinuses are located behind the eyes, and due to this proximity, you will experience pain behind the nose and eyes if they are blocked. Over-the-counter nasal sprays, steam therapies, and antibiotics are some of the things you could try for sinus pain relief.

It is advisable to visit your physician who might ask you to undergo a CT scan and put you on an antibiotic course.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.