Sinus pain can be a frustrating and recurring issue, leaving many people wondering why their discomfort seems to ebb and flow. Understanding the potential causes and triggers behind this intermittent pain can help you find relief and know when to seek medical attention. Sinus pain is typically a result of inflammation or pressure within the sinus cavities. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why sinus pain may come and go.

For same-day sinus pain treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and never requires appointments. Just walk in at your convenience!

What Is Sinus Pain?

Sinus pain is a result of a condition referred to as sinusitis– this happens when the sinuses in your head and nose swell up. It will block your mucus from properly draining and, as such, gives you a lot of trouble while breathing, and the bridge of the nose, face, and eyes hurts. Sinus pain can be acute and chronic and chronic sinus pain is any persistent and recurrent pain that can last for up to 3 months.

Why Does Sinus Pain Become Chronic?

1. Exposure To Allergens

Allergens like pollen and mold increase mucus production which overwhelms the sinus and causes it to swell. So it is no surprise that continuous exposure to them will keep on bringing back the sinus pain. By getting rid of the source of those allergies, you can prevent them from causing another infection.

2. Excessive Inflammation of The Sinuses

The sinuses are quite big and their purpose is to drain mucus through the nasal passages and the throat. When these nasal passages become inflamed, they stop the mucus from draining and begin to create pressure in the sinus behind the nose and cheekbones, creating a lot of pain. Due to the excessive inflammation, it creates a thick backlog of mucus that might remain trapped and become difficult to drain, and this creates chronic sinus pain.

3. Anatomical Issues Such as Deviated Septums

Sometimes the reason why your sinus pain remains or comes back is simply because of your anatomy. Some people are born with what is called a deviated septum while others gain it through accidents. These deviated septums offset the nasal passages by a few degrees which can severely affect their mucus draining capabilities, damaging the sinus and resulting in recurrent sinus pain.

4. Inaccurate Diagnosis

To be able to fight a chronic symptom effectively, you must get a proper diagnosis to know what you are dealing with and how to go about it. Every time you feel that an infection has lasted more than a couple of weeks and the pain that you are experiencing is persistent, consult a physician. You may be treating the symptom incorrectly because of a lack of appropriate diagnosis. Anatomical problems can also be behind your persistent sinus pain instead of allergens or the common cold.

5. Previous Injuries and Obstructions.

Fractures to the nose and previous injuries can also lead to sinus pain. Some injuries can result in a deviated septum especially when they don’t heal correctly while some leave scar tissue that is very vulnerable to infection. Sometimes a person might develop what is called nasal polyps which are non-cancerous soft obstructions that make sinus draining challenging.

Treatment For Chronic Sinus Pain

If you want to treat chronic sinus pain, do the following:

• Remove all allergens and keep your house clean and safe from mold.
• Use steam inhaling to help thin out the mucus lining and make draining easier.
• Drink lots of hot fluids with lemon, honey, and spices in them.
• Take a hot shower to flush out all the allergens and irritants that might have settled on your face.
• Eat and exercise regularly to boost your immunity.

Get Walk-In Sinus Pain Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange

Sinus pain that comes and goes is often linked to factors like allergies, infections, or environmental changes. By identifying your triggers and managing symptoms with home care or medical treatment, you can find relief and reduce the frequency of these episodes. If your sinus pain persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to come visit us at AFC Urgent Care West Orange for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan. Visit us any day of the week for quality care! Our center is conveniently located at 464 Eagle Rock Avenue Suite C in West Orange, NJ. No appointments are required, just walk-in! We accept most major insurances and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about the services we provide, please give us a call at (973) 669-5900.