Sinus Pain and Pressure

Sinus Pain and Pressure services offered in Hollywood, FL

Sinus pain and pressure can cause aching or fullness around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or nose. At the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida in Hollywood, Florida, Craig Shapiro, DO, evaluates persistent facial pain and pressure, determining whether the sinuses are responsible. While sinus inflammation is a common cause, similar symptoms can also develop from headaches, dental problems, and other conditions. Call the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida or use the online booking feature to schedule an ENT evaluation today.

Sinus Pain and Pressure Q & A

What causes sinus pain and pressure?

The sinuses are air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and skull. Their lining can become swollen or inflamed, interfering with normal mucus drainage and creating pressure within the sinus cavities.

Common causes include:

Viral respiratory infections
Acute or chronic sinusitis
Allergies
Nasal polyps
A deviated nasal septum
Enlarged or swollen nasal tissues
Other structural problems that interfere with sinus drainage

Some people experience facial pressure without having sinus disease. Migraine and other headache disorders can cause pain around the forehead, eyes, or cheeks that may feel very similar to sinus pressure.

What symptoms suggest a sinus problem?

Sinus-related pain often occurs alongside other nasal symptoms rather than appearing on its own. You may experience:

Nasal congestion
Thick nasal drainage
Postnasal drip
Reduced sense of smell
Facial tenderness
Pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
Headache
Ear pressure or fullness

Acute sinusitis can cause fever, fatigue, and worsening symptoms following a cold. Chronic sinusitis typically lasts 12 weeks or longer and may cause ongoing congestion, drainage, facial pressure, and reduced smell rather than severe pain.

Seek prompt medical attention for severe facial swelling, swelling around the eye, vision changes, severe headache, neurological symptoms, or rapidly worsening illness.

How does an ENT specialist find the cause of facial pressure?

Dr. Shapiro reviews your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and whether they occur with congestion, drainage, allergies, or recurrent infections. He can also examine the nasal passages for swelling, polyps, structural narrowing, or other abnormalities.

Nasal endoscopy provides a more detailed view of the nasal cavity and sinus drainage areas. In some cases, CT imaging can help identify chronic inflammation, blocked sinus openings, or anatomical problems.

How is sinus pain and pressure treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Saline nasal rinses and corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in many cases. Allergy treatment may be appropriate when allergens contribute to swelling and congestion.

Antibiotics are sometimes used for bacterial sinus infections, but they don’t treat viral infections and aren’t necessary for every episode of sinusitis. Persistent symptoms caused by chronic sinus disease, polyps, or structural blockage may require additional ENT treatment, such as sinus surgery.

If sinus pain or facial pressure keeps returning or doesn’t improve, contact the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida to schedule an evaluation. Call the office or book an appointment online today.