Heads Up!

What Does It Mean When You Have Pain in Your Face?

Headaches are pretty common – many of us suffer from them, for a variety of reasons. But what if the pain is in your face?

Often, facial pain is related to a headache or it can be due to an injury. But there are other reasons your face may hurt. These include:

MOUTH ISSUES

A toothache, abscess or oral infection can lead to a dull, throbbing pain that spreads from your mouth to your jaw or cheeks. It will be obvious that it’s emanating from your teeth. See your dentist for treatment.

SINUSITIS

These small hollow areas in your cheekbones can become infected, causing pain and pressure around your nose, cheekbones and forehead.

You may also have a sore throat, runny nose and fever. A viral infection brought on by a cold is a common cause of these symptoms. Bacterial infections can also lead to sinusitis, as can seasonal allergies.

Sometimes, people can suffer ongoing issues if they are prone to allergies, or if they have problems with the structure of their nose, nasal cavity and sinuses.

The usual treatment is rest, medication and strategies to clear the sinuses, such as over-the-counter decongestants and nasal drops, or having a steamy bath.

If it’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics may help. In some cases, surgery may be an option to clear the sinuses or correct structural issues.

A DEVIATED SEPTUM