What Causes Sinus Pain?

Sinus pain and sinusitis is usually the result of a viral infection causing the mucous membranes lining the inside of the patients nose to become inflamed. This causes blockage, keeping the mucous from draining fluid into the nose and throat. As the fluid drains into the sinuses it cause differing amounts of pain which cause intense pressure. During this time bacteria may grow since drainage is not occurring, which can cause intense pressure and pain.

While the common cold is usually the trigger, there are different causes – such as allergies which may cause frequent and reoccurring sinus infections. Other nasal problems, such as polyps, foreign objects, deviated septum and other conditions may block the nasal passages which in turn cause fluid backup and develop nasal pain or sinusitis. There are also fungal infections which may cause sinusitis, especially in those who have impaired immune systems which tends to be more difficult in treating than bacterial sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis is usually the result of a viral infection which on the average develops rapidly and lasts for four weeks or less, though symptoms may clear up within one week of treatment. This is caused by nasal infections that builds up, which can cause nasal discharge which may contain pus and can lead to acute sinusitis. Long-term sinusitis is usually the result of a bacterial or fungal infection.