Sinus is one of the most common problems that are seen in the United States. Sinus can be caused due to various reasons which may include common cold, flu or other infection, allergies, conditions that hinder drainage, such as polyps or swollen nearby glands, swimming in contaminated water, violent sneezing or nose blowing, or smoking or breathing other people's smoke. But when the usual complaint is of a stuffy nose, it may mean that the sinuses are congested.
Generally speaking, the sinuses are air spaces behind the facial bones. Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinuses, which are mucous membrane, becomes infected or inflamed. Moreover, the passageways among the sinuses and nose are very narrow. And that is why the swelling of the lining causes it to produce too much mucus. This excess mucus fills up the sinuses and may block the passageways, which in turn leads to pressure changes inside the sinuses that can be painful. In case of the sinus congestion the trapped mucus may also become infected.
General symptoms of sinus congestion include a stuffy nose, gradual buildup of pressure in the sinuses, and fever. Sinus congestion causes discomfort and pain and the location of pain depends on which sinuses are facing congestion. Generally, the pain may be around cheeks and upper teeth, over the eyes, or over the eyebrows and usually, the pain may be worse when bending the head forward.
