Facial pain or pressure can interfere with daily tasks such as talking, eating, and brushing your teeth. It’s a relatively common condition that ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain and can be constant or periodic. Conditions involving the ear, nose, or throat may often cause facial pain or pressure.
What causes facial pain and pressure?
Facial pain can result from various conditions that affect the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, sinuses, muscles, and nerves. Common causes of facial pain or pressure treated by ENT specialists include:
Sinusitis: Inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses is one of the most common causes of facial pain and pressure. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow, leading to infection. This causes pain and pressure in the face, particularly around the nose, eyes, and cheeks.
Nasal polyps: These are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. Enlarged polyps can block the sinuses, leading to pressure and discomfort.
Deviated septum: The nasal septum is the wall between the nostrils. When it’s significantly off-center or crooked, it can contribute to difficulty breathing, chronic sinusitis, and facial pain or pressure.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
Diagnosing the Cause of Facial Pain/Pressure
Identifying the underlying cause of your facial pain or pressure is essential for treatment. One of our ENT specialists will first conduct a physical exam. Commonly, a nasal endoscopy using a fiber optic endoscope is performed in the office to look inside your nasal passages.
Other diagnostic tools our specialists use include:
Imaging evaluation: Your physician may order a CT or MRI scan to get a detailed view of your sinuses and nasal passages. These can help identify blockages, polyps, or other structural issues.
Allergy testing: If your doctor suspects allergies are contributing to your symptoms, they may conduct allergy tests to identify specific triggers.
Treating Facial Pain/Pressure
After diagnosing the cause of your facial pain or pressure, your physician will recommend a treatment plan that addresses the specific condition.
Treatment options include:
Medications: If a bacterial infection is causing the pain, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Decongestants relieve nasal congestion and pressure, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation. You can manage discomfort with pain relievers. Your doctor may prescribe other medications if trigeminal neuralgia is causing your facial pain.
Surgery: Chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to medication may require endoscopic sinus surgery. Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum, and surgery may also be necessary to remove large nasal polyps.
How To Alleviate and Prevent Facial Pain/Pressure at Home
At-home remedies for facial pain or pressure often help minimize discomfort and may prevent the pain from recurring. These include:
- Using a saline solution to help flush the sinuses
- Applying warm compresses to provide relief from facial pain and pressure
- Using a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist
- Avoiding known allergens or irritants to prevent flare-ups
- Using a HEPA filter to remove allergens and pollutants from the air
- Quitting smoking can improve overall sinus health
- Staying hydrated helps keep mucus thin and flowing
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
It’s important to note that facial pain and pressure can have many causes, and an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent facial pain or pressure, consult an ENT specialist. They can comprehensively evaluate and develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific condition and symptoms. Remember, early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent chronic issues from developing.