Sinusitis
As I was bothered by what I presumed was toothache I saw my dentist but he found no dental cause for the pain. He mentioned it could be my sinuses but I thought these were situated close to the bridge of the nose. Why would I get tooth pain from sinuses?
Sinusitis is a relatively common problem and can be caused by bacterial and viral infections or can be the result of an allergy. The sinuses are small air-filled cavities in the face that act as resonating chambers for the voice. They are located in pairs lying roughly above the eyebrows (frontal sinuses), along side the bridge of the nose (ethmoidal sinuses), beside the nose under the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses) and in front of the ears (sphenoidal sinuses).
Problems arise when the mucus-producing membranes lining the sinus cavities become inflamed. Normally this mucus drains away into the nasal cavity through tiny channels. When these become blocked, infection, facial pain and nasal stuffiness results.
I still don't understand why I got tooth pain.
The sinuses themselves do not contain sensory nerve endings. As a result, pain from sinuses usually occurs elsewhere. If you are experiencing dental pain, with no obvious dental cause then it's possible you are having a problem with the maxillary sinuses. Infection of these sinuses can cause upper jaw ache, pain along the cheek bones or in the forehead. As your dentist did not find evidence of a dental cause for the pain you should see your doctor for a definite diagnosis.
If it is sinusitis, what treatment is available?
Treatment aims to clear infection if present, promote sinus drainage and relieve symptoms. If an acute bacterial infection is suspected then a course of antibiotics would be the recommended course of action. However, if the infection is chronic in nature, then a longer course of antibiotic treatment will be needed. Should the cause of your sinusitis be allergic then oral decongestants and antihistamine may be recommended.
Decongestants will temporarily relieve nasal symptoms but you should limit their use as long-term use can produce rebound congestion. Self-help measures such as inhaling the steam from warm water to which eucalyptus oil has been added and the use of warm compresses to the face will help relieve symptoms.
In severe cases of chronic sinusitis, surgery involving the removal of the infected sinus tissue and the improvement of mucus drainage may be required.
Marion Kerr