Would this be sinus trouble even if I'm not blocked up/snotty?!
Question: This has been going on for about two years and I've seen various doctors about this, but they are all quite non-plussed. I'm going to make another appointment today, but would love opinions/reassurance about what might be wrong as I tend to come up with worse case scenarios and, weirdly, the worse I tend to think it is the less likely I am to go and see the doctor.
Anyway. Symptons are:
- pain/pressure in my cheeks, cheekbones and jaw - not very severe but always there to a greater or lesser extent.
- swollen glands in my neck
- when it gets worse my jaws/teeth ache.
- it seems to get worse in Winter, particularly in very cold dry weather or when I'm in very smoky places.
To me this all sounds very sinussy but whenever I look it up it always mentions blocked nose/snottiness and I just don't get that at all.
Any thought?
Answers: This has been going on for about two years and I've seen various doctors about this, but they are all quite non-plussed. I'm going to make another appointment today, but would love opinions/reassurance about what might be wrong as I tend to come up with worse case scenarios and, weirdly, the worse I tend to think it is the less likely I am to go and see the doctor.
Anyway. Symptons are:
- pain/pressure in my cheeks, cheekbones and jaw - not very severe but always there to a greater or lesser extent.
- swollen glands in my neck
- when it gets worse my jaws/teeth ache.
- it seems to get worse in Winter, particularly in very cold dry weather or when I'm in very smoky places.
To me this all sounds very sinussy but whenever I look it up it always mentions blocked nose/snottiness and I just don't get that at all.
Any thought?
Go see an allergist. You may have allergies that have developed even if you were never allergic to anything before (happened to me). I had a year where it seemed like I got bronchitus every time the wind changed. I finally went to an allergist and was shocked to learn I needed allergy meds! Been fine ever since. You may have an allergy that is making your glands swell or something, or causing your sinuses to get filled with pressure.
The other thing this could totally be is TMJ. It's caused by having an incorrect bite, or also caused by clenching and grinding your teeth in your sleep (something you may not even be aware of). ALL of the symptoms you are describing are exactly what it feels like except the cold weather & smoky places part. The glands in your neck swell when there's so much pressure and pain in that area, bc everything's irritated, and the jaw and cheek pain are totally trademarks of TMJ.
You also need to change doctors from the sound of it!
I hope you figure it out and get it fixed!
I'd ask for a referral to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. Certainly sounds sinussy but you need an expert.
Nasal congestion is not an essential component of sinusitis. Facial pressure and or headache is common and reflects buildup and inadequate drainage of inflammed sinuses which may be further irritated by exposure to cold dry air. Post nasal drip is also very common. The presence of sinus problems can be confirmed by a CT scan of the head.
(unsure of spelling) Google a condition called neuralgia
the condition presents similar symptoms to sinusitus
It sounds like sinusitis, but you need to ask to see a specialist to get diagnosed properly.
I have suffered from sinus trouble for years. Sometimes, only antibiotics can clear it, and only for a short period of time. My GP now has been on regular nasal sprays to kept the sinus' from getting inflamed and infected. Apparently, some people are more prone to this condition than others due to the shape of their skulls, especially nasal cavities. I have inherited my Dad's shape of skull, my brothers haven't, and they don't have any sinus problems.
I would definitely chase your GP to investigate further and don't let them fob you off. Once I got diagnosed, life has become a lot easier for me.
PS
I don't often get a blocked nose/snottiness to have severe sinusitis. The pressure in your face, especially when it travels to your teeth, seems to me a sure sign of sinus trouble.
Hope you get this seen too soon, and feel better.
xx
I had this many years ago - I could still breath ok but I also got the most violent headache I've ever experience that went on for several weeks. My GP prescribed a powder nasal spray called an insuflator (insuflater?) and within 5 seconds of using it the condition disappeared.
sounds like sinusitis..change you doctor or go and see an ent specialist.