Nasal and Sinus Pain

What causes nasal pain?

Nasal pain can be caused by several conditions which create inflammation and infection of the sinuses. This restricts drainage of fluids and mucus which causes painful pressure to build up in the sinus cavities. Other causes of nasal pain are growths in the sinuses called nasal polyps, a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates in the nasal cavity.

Symptoms of Chronic sinusitis

Sinusitis is among the most common conditions Dr. Aminpour treats for nasal congestion. Simple sinusitis such as that caused by a common cold will resolve within a short period of time. When symptoms are recurring and last for several weeks, chronic sinusitis exists. Some of the symptoms of sinusitis are:

• Inability to breathe through the nose
• Yellow or green mucus discharge
• Pressure behind the eyes, forehead and across the cheeks
• Facial swelling
• Headache which becomes more intense when bending over
• Pain in the upper teeth
• Tickle in the back of the throat
• Cough

When these symptoms recur frequently or persist for more than 8 weeks, a chronic condition exists that should be treated by a doctor.

Nasal anatomy is complex

Blocked sinuses are a common cause of nasal pain that radiates out to other areas of the face. This is because the sinuses are a connected system of hollow cavities. There are 8 hollow sinus cavities located in pairs, on the left and right side of the face. They are located behind the cheekbones, in the forehead, between the eyes and behind each eye. This is why a sinus headache is most often acutely felt behind the eyes and in the forehead area.

The function of the sinuses is to produce mucus which moisturizes the air and protects the lungs from dust and pollutants. When anatomy, infected sinus tissues or nasal polyps interfere with this function, nasal pain is the result.

The transition space in each sinus is called the ostium and is a narrow opening which facilitates drainage. If a blockage occurs in this location, mucus builds up creating pain and pressure.

When sinus surgery is needed

Surgery is never the first treatment for chronic sinus pain, however when all other avenues have failed there are surgical options. In some types of surgery, general anesthetic isn’t needed nor is a hospital stay.

Balloon Sinuplasty

Where nasal congestion and pressure is chronic and recurring and has not responded to medication, a procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty is done to remove the blockage and restore proper function.

Dr. Aminpour has performed thousands of nasal procedures, including Balloon Sinuplasty providing great relief to his patients. The procedure can normally be done in the office, under local anesthetic providing almost instant relief as the sinuses begin to drain.

Learn about balloon sinuplasty

Deviated nasal septum

The nasal septum is a thin section of cartilage and bone that divides the two nasal passages. It should be centered to provide for equal air flow, however many people have a deviated, or crooked, septum. A deviated septum can severely restrict airflow and can cause the sinus cavities to become narrow which can block mucus flow. Bacteria in the sinus cavities can then cause infection which can lead to further inflammation of the sinuses.

Restoring equal air flow through a procedure called Septoplasty is a solution to both restoring the ability to freely breathe, and to restoring proper function of the sinuses. Dr. Aminpour is among the leading ENT specialists in the area and has earned a reputation of performing the most meticulous sinus surgery Los Angeles can provide.

Learn about Septoplasty

Nasal Polyps

Chronic inflammation of the nasal tissues can cause the growth of soft polyps. Polyps are usually benign, grow out of mucous membranes attached to the tissue by a stalk.

Small polyps may not cause any symptoms while larger polyps may restrict breathing and lead to frequent sinus infections.

Medication can sometime successfully treat nasal polyps, but often permanent relief from sinus pain is only achieved by surgically removing them. Symptoms of polyps are similar to the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and can include:

• Constant runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Loss of sense of taste and smell
• Headache or pressure over the forehead
• Snoring

Enlarged Turbinates

Turbinates are small ‘shelves’ of tissue located on the walls of the nasal cavity. Their function is to act as a thermostat for the regulation of the temperature and humidity of the air that enters the lungs. As they warm and filter the air, they naturally expand and contract. If the turbinates become inflamed or enlarged nasal blockage occurs.

Medication can sometime control the inflammation and enlargement of turbinates. When dealing with enlarged turbinates caused by a virus, nasal sprays and antihistamines can provide relief.

As we age, the turbinates thicken which then narrows the nasal passage. This can set the stage for nasal pain as can allergies and infections. In those with chronically enlarged turbinates, the only long lasting solution to restoring normal function to the nose may be Turbinate Reduction surgery.

Don’t suffer with chronic nasal pain…

Millions of people suffer the discomfort of nasal congestion, headaches and pressure at some time due to the common cold. People who constantly live their lives with nasal congestion, poor sleep, pain and pressure owe it to themselves to seek the care of a specialist who understands the complex nature of nasal pain.

Dr. Aminpour is proud of the thousands of patients who credit his work as among the best sinus surgery Los Angeles offers. Restoring quality of life to his patients is the prime focus of his ENT practice.