Sinus Pressure

Sinus pressure refers to the pressure and pain that results from the sinus cavities becoming inflamed, infected, blocked and filled with mucus.

There are four pairs of sinus cavities in the facial part of the skull. They are the maxillary (located below the eyes), frontal (located above the eyes) ethmoid (located between the eyes) and sphenoid sinuses (located between the eyes but further above and behind the ethmoid sinuses).

The sinus cavities have a few functions namely; they lighten the skull, add resonance to voice and they act as filters to trap dust and organisms from the inhaled air.

The sinuses produce mucus that cleans and moistens the membranes of the nose and throat. Each sinus has an opening into the nose that allows for free exchange of mucus and air. When sinus cavities become inflamed and the ostium narrow or become completely blocked; mucus gets trapped in the cavities. The accumulated mucus causes a pressure build up within the sinus cavity which we sense as SINUS PRESSURE. Sometime the openings from the sinuses into the nasal passage become blocked causing a vacuum within the sinus cavity. This negative pressure that develops causes the membranes to "pull away" from their underlying structure resulting in pain and the pressure sensation we term as SINUS PRESSURE.

Sinus pressure is a symptom of Sinusitis and a Sinus infection. Sinus pressure may feel like tightness and pain behind the eyes and in the ears. It may present itself as relentless pounding in your head and face. Sometimes it may present itself as dental pain.

Causes of Sinus Pressure

Each sinus cavity has an opening (ostium) which opens into the nasal passages for free exchange of air and mucus.

When the ostium is blocked it prevents mucus flow, which causes the sinuses to become filled with mucus. Thus leading to sinus pressure. This mucus can become infected by bacteria within the mucus, multiplying. This furthers exacerbates the sinus pressure.

There are several possible causes of sinus membrane swelling and blockage. These include -

- Sinus infection  

One of the most common causes of sinus pressure is a sinus infection. A sinus infection can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungi. The bacteria, virus or fungi irritates the mucus membranes. This irritation causes the sinuses to swell, subsequently resulting in the blockage of air, sinus infection and pus, which can cause sinus pressure.

- Colds and Flu

Colds, viral and bacterial infections can cause the sinus membranes to swell which in turn causes sinus pressure.

- Allergens (mold, pollen, animal dander and dust)

Along with a sinus infection, an allergic reaction can lead to sinus membrane irritation, swelling and sinus pressure. This inflammation can in turn lead to an infection.

Allergens that can irritate the sinuses include:

• Mold
• Pollen
• Pet dander (animal hair/fur)
• Dust
• Air pollution

- Air trapped in an obstructed sinus

If air is trapped along with other secretions, it may exert pressure on the sinus wall. This pressure results in intense pain called a "sinus attack".

How to get relief from Sinus Pressure

There are many ways to relieve sinus pressure (inhalers, steam and nasal sprays), but most of them only offer temporary relief which may in turn worsen the pressure.

For your convenience, SinusWars' natural homeopathic remedies offer a solution which is often permanent, that allows your body to break down the mucus and relieve the pressure quite effectively. It also helps your body control the flow of mucus and drain infected and unwanted mucus.

Click here to view our remedies

Below are links to other sinus topics that might be of interest:

• The causes of Sinus Problems
• What is sinus?
• Sinus Headaches