Pressure/pain in nose & upper teeth

Dear Fellow Allergy/Sinus Sufferers: I empathize. Here are some suggestions that have helped me:
1) Try irrigating your sinus to see if that helps. Keeping bacteria down if you are prone to sinus infections will help to prevent one sometimes. You don't do this every day....only if you have a flare up or it can dry you out. I personally like the Neilmed Sinus rinse with the squeeze bottle. If you use the saline packet included, I recommend only using 1/8 packet if you are already irritated, other wise it will burn like the dickens!
2) Try Afrin Spray (Decongestant) for 3 days and COME OFF if its sinus pressure & stuffiness/ or you are getting a sinus infection. If you have high blood pressure, ask doctor before doing this. After using, blow your nose. Try a hot shower and let the hot water beat on your face. Use a heat pack on your face to help relieve pressure such as the sinus Bed Buddy.
3) A sinus infection DOES NOT always show up when an ENT scopes your nose. Sometimes it is hard for an ENT doctor to think outside the box if they can't see infection. Usually an antibiotic and steroid taper is needed for me to get complete relief when I have an infection. Sinus headaches cause migraines with me. You do not always blow out green thick mucous or blood when you have a sinus infection. You can have a dry sinus infection which causes more pain and worse headache. With that said, sometimes it is not an infection, just sinus pressure which can cause facial tenderness, teeth to hurt & headache.
4) TMJ and teeth grinding can cause teeth sensivity, headache and jaw pain and can mimic a sinus infection. I chipped my front tooth from grinding my front teeth and night. My teeth showed no wear from grinding my teeth. Mouthguard from the dentist helped. All of your teeth do not always become sensitive with teeth grinding or bruxism.
5) I have horrible allergies with allergic & non allergic rhinitis. I did allergy shots - they didn't help. I have sinus issues and had sinus surgery years ago due to chronic sinus infections and narrow sinuses. It helped greatly, but, it isn't a cure all nor did it eliminate all of my headaches. I do have a lot less infections and can breathe better. I am grateful.
6) Be careful using things like Azelastine (prescription spray) too often which is an antihistamine as you can dry your sinuses out too much. Same thing if you take an antihistamine by mouth like Zyrtec. I think this can cause your nose to hurt if it gets too dry.
7) Use a cool mist humidifer in your bedroom.
8) I use Alkalol saline nasal spray (Not daily - just whenever I'm really flared up), Cromlyn spray or AYR saline spray...over the counter. I was told by my first ENT that you have to switch the steroid nasal sprays as your body gets use to them. Examples: Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, etc.
9) This is my own opinion and was also told this by my old ENT....a little vaseline a little ways up the nose with a q-tip and then wipe excess with kleenex helps with dryness. Ask your doctor about this before trying. You DO NOT do it every day. If you have the nosebleed in the dry winter months, this can help.
10) Pay attention as to if you are clenching your jaw and teeth during the day. This can cause facial and tooth pain. I was doing that and didn't realize it.
11) When washing your face, are you cheekbones, forehead tender? When you lean over do you feel a lot of pressure in your face and headache pain? With me that is a sign of a sinus flare or infection coming on.
12) When the enamel starts wearing down on your teeth, this can cause teeth sensitivity. Not all of your teeth will necessarily be sensitive either. Try a toothpaste like Sensodyne or Proenamel. Steer clear of strong mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this can make your teeth more sensitive.
13) Sometimes you can get fluid in your ear which can cause pain and it sounds like you are in a barrel. This can go along with sinus.
14) Do not blow your nose too hard.
15) Drinking water thins out mucous. Also, something like Guaifenesin helps thin out thick mucous. This is over the counter. Mucinex is Guaifenesin. The Mucinex D is Guafenesin with a Decongestant. If you have high blood pressure steer clear from taking a Decongestant as it can raise blood pressure.
16) Vicks puts out a plug in that is wonderful in your bedroom at night. Vicks also puts out a steam inhaler that you put your face in and a Vicks insert is put in the base. You put your face into the plastic part and the steam helps open up your head. I love mine and use it when I get really stuffy or have a sinus infection. Also, Vicks puts out tablets you can put in the shower floor and when you take a shower the steam opens up your head.
17) Vitamin C to keep your immune system built up.
18) Last but not least, I have long COVID and I have a lot of thick mucousy saliva that I have not been able to remedy nor get a diagnosis on. I get choked on this sometimes at night. I clear my throat a lot. Going to long Covid clinic soon.

Sorry for the length. I hope some of these help in some way. It has been trial and error for me for years. I can tell that I do not have as severe issues as some of you have listed. I am so sorry you are battling this. I know it's frustrating & painful. Blessings, Hugs & Prayers.....

@covidstinks2023

Thank you for all of the details-

Do you feel that your sinuses became dry after your sinus surgery?

Dear Fellow Allergy/Sinus Sufferers: I empathize. Here are some suggestions that have helped me:
1) Try irrigating your sinus to see if that helps. Keeping bacteria down if you are prone to sinus infections will help to prevent one sometimes. You don't do this every day....only if you have a flare up or it can dry you out. I personally like the Neilmed Sinus rinse with the squeeze bottle. If you use the saline packet included, I recommend only using 1/8 packet if you are already irritated, other wise it will burn like the dickens!
2) Try Afrin Spray (Decongestant) for 3 days and COME OFF if its sinus pressure & stuffiness/ or you are getting a sinus infection. If you have high blood pressure, ask doctor before doing this. After using, blow your nose. Try a hot shower and let the hot water beat on your face. Use a heat pack on your face to help relieve pressure such as the sinus Bed Buddy.
3) A sinus infection DOES NOT always show up when an ENT scopes your nose. Sometimes it is hard for an ENT doctor to think outside the box if they can't see infection. Usually an antibiotic and steroid taper is needed for me to get complete relief when I have an infection. Sinus headaches cause migraines with me. You do not always blow out green thick mucous or blood when you have a sinus infection. You can have a dry sinus infection which causes more pain and worse headache. With that said, sometimes it is not an infection, just sinus pressure which can cause facial tenderness, teeth to hurt & headache.
4) TMJ and teeth grinding can cause teeth sensivity, headache and jaw pain and can mimic a sinus infection. I chipped my front tooth from grinding my front teeth and night. My teeth showed no wear from grinding my teeth. Mouthguard from the dentist helped. All of your teeth do not always become sensitive with teeth grinding or bruxism.
5) I have horrible allergies with allergic & non allergic rhinitis. I did allergy shots - they didn't help. I have sinus issues and had sinus surgery years ago due to chronic sinus infections and narrow sinuses. It helped greatly, but, it isn't a cure all nor did it eliminate all of my headaches. I do have a lot less infections and can breathe better. I am grateful.
6) Be careful using things like Azelastine (prescription spray) too often which is an antihistamine as you can dry your sinuses out too much. Same thing if you take an antihistamine by mouth like Zyrtec. I think this can cause your nose to hurt if it gets too dry.
7) Use a cool mist humidifer in your bedroom.
8) I use Alkalol saline nasal spray (Not daily - just whenever I'm really flared up), Cromlyn spray or AYR saline spray...over the counter. I was told by my first ENT that you have to switch the steroid nasal sprays as your body gets use to them. Examples: Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, etc.
9) This is my own opinion and was also told this by my old ENT....a little vaseline a little ways up the nose with a q-tip and then wipe excess with kleenex helps with dryness. Ask your doctor about this before trying. You DO NOT do it every day. If you have the nosebleed in the dry winter months, this can help.
10) Pay attention as to if you are clenching your jaw and teeth during the day. This can cause facial and tooth pain. I was doing that and didn't realize it.
11) When washing your face, are you cheekbones, forehead tender? When you lean over do you feel a lot of pressure in your face and headache pain? With me that is a sign of a sinus flare or infection coming on.
12) When the enamel starts wearing down on your teeth, this can cause teeth sensitivity. Not all of your teeth will necessarily be sensitive either. Try a toothpaste like Sensodyne or Proenamel. Steer clear of strong mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this can make your teeth more sensitive.
13) Sometimes you can get fluid in your ear which can cause pain and it sounds like you are in a barrel. This can go along with sinus.
14) Do not blow your nose too hard.
15) Drinking water thins out mucous. Also, something like Guaifenesin helps thin out thick mucous. This is over the counter. Mucinex is Guaifenesin. The Mucinex D is Guafenesin with a Decongestant. If you have high blood pressure steer clear from taking a Decongestant as it can raise blood pressure.
16) Vicks puts out a plug in that is wonderful in your bedroom at night. Vicks also puts out a steam inhaler that you put your face in and a Vicks insert is put in the base. You put your face into the plastic part and the steam helps open up your head. I love mine and use it when I get really stuffy or have a sinus infection. Also, Vicks puts out tablets you can put in the shower floor and when you take a shower the steam opens up your head.
17) Vitamin C to keep your immune system built up.
18) Last but not least, I have long COVID and I have a lot of thick mucousy saliva that I have not been able to remedy nor get a diagnosis on. I get choked on this sometimes at night. I clear my throat a lot. Going to long Covid clinic soon.

Sorry for the length. I hope some of these help in some way. It has been trial and error for me for years. I can tell that I do not have as severe issues as some of you have listed. I am so sorry you are battling this. I know it's frustrating & painful. Blessings, Hugs & Prayers.....

It was so long ago....back in the '90's that I honestly can't remember. Sorry. Blessings & Hugs....

@covidstinks2023

I ask because many people whom had sinus surgery- especially back in the 80s-90s develop symptoms afterwards that are brushed off as “just allergies or dryness”.

This was before the internet, and the evolution of the outdated sinus surgeries in general.

Many ENTs now a days won’t touch the sinuses at all due to the complexities and the recurring and new onset of issues for people down the road.

I see this board and I see that some people whom say they got this type surgery back then, recommend it for others.

There is only a very small percentage of people who would ever need or benefit from any type of nasal/sinus surgery.

As you said in your long post-sinus surgery is not a cure all. Which it truly isn’t. And most people can manage symptoms with proper medical therapy.

For people with allergies. Sinus surgery is a big risk.

Many of the symptoms you list are what people suffer after these surgeries whom
never really had those issues before.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis, Dry sinuses, tooth pain and Migraine. Those are not always symptoms that occur naturally especially post sinus surgery

Hello,

I have been dealing with extreme nose & upper teeth pain the past 1.5 years. The pain is constant and effects my everyday life. It started 2-3 weeks before I tested positive for Covid so I am not sure if this is related to Covid or a separate issue. At first I thought it was sinus related so I went to ENT. They checked my nose & did a CT scan and didn't see any signs of sinusitis but because I had a deviated septum and other structural issues they decided to do surgery. I had relief for 6 weeks post surgery but then the pain came back. The ENT doctors do not believe this is sinus related. When I went to Neurology they ruled about Trigeminal Neuralgia and other neuro issues because my pain is usually bilateral. I have been to the dentist, a TMJ specialist, rheumatologist I have done several nerve blocks, taken steroids, antibiotics, acupuncture, ayurvedic meds, pain clinic, everything you can think of. I am a patient at Mayo and when I visited MN as a long covid patient I did get some suggestions but those aren't working either. Is there anyone that relates to my issues?

Dear Fellow Allergy/Sinus Sufferers: I empathize. Here are some suggestions that have helped me:
1) Try irrigating your sinus to see if that helps. Keeping bacteria down if you are prone to sinus infections will help to prevent one sometimes. You don't do this every day....only if you have a flare up or it can dry you out. I personally like the Neilmed Sinus rinse with the squeeze bottle. If you use the saline packet included, I recommend only using 1/8 packet if you are already irritated, other wise it will burn like the dickens!
2) Try Afrin Spray (Decongestant) for 3 days and COME OFF if its sinus pressure & stuffiness/ or you are getting a sinus infection. If you have high blood pressure, ask doctor before doing this. After using, blow your nose. Try a hot shower and let the hot water beat on your face. Use a heat pack on your face to help relieve pressure such as the sinus Bed Buddy.
3) A sinus infection DOES NOT always show up when an ENT scopes your nose. Sometimes it is hard for an ENT doctor to think outside the box if they can't see infection. Usually an antibiotic and steroid taper is needed for me to get complete relief when I have an infection. Sinus headaches cause migraines with me. You do not always blow out green thick mucous or blood when you have a sinus infection. You can have a dry sinus infection which causes more pain and worse headache. With that said, sometimes it is not an infection, just sinus pressure which can cause facial tenderness, teeth to hurt & headache.
4) TMJ and teeth grinding can cause teeth sensivity, headache and jaw pain and can mimic a sinus infection. I chipped my front tooth from grinding my front teeth and night. My teeth showed no wear from grinding my teeth. Mouthguard from the dentist helped. All of your teeth do not always become sensitive with teeth grinding or bruxism.
5) I have horrible allergies with allergic & non allergic rhinitis. I did allergy shots - they didn't help. I have sinus issues and had sinus surgery years ago due to chronic sinus infections and narrow sinuses. It helped greatly, but, it isn't a cure all nor did it eliminate all of my headaches. I do have a lot less infections and can breathe better. I am grateful.
6) Be careful using things like Azelastine (prescription spray) too often which is an antihistamine as you can dry your sinuses out too much. Same thing if you take an antihistamine by mouth like Zyrtec. I think this can cause your nose to hurt if it gets too dry.
7) Use a cool mist humidifer in your bedroom.
8) I use Alkalol saline nasal spray (Not daily - just whenever I'm really flared up), Cromlyn spray or AYR saline spray...over the counter. I was told by my first ENT that you have to switch the steroid nasal sprays as your body gets use to them. Examples: Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, etc.
9) This is my own opinion and was also told this by my old ENT....a little vaseline a little ways up the nose with a q-tip and then wipe excess with kleenex helps with dryness. Ask your doctor about this before trying. You DO NOT do it every day. If you have the nosebleed in the dry winter months, this can help.
10) Pay attention as to if you are clenching your jaw and teeth during the day. This can cause facial and tooth pain. I was doing that and didn't realize it.
11) When washing your face, are you cheekbones, forehead tender? When you lean over do you feel a lot of pressure in your face and headache pain? With me that is a sign of a sinus flare or infection coming on.
12) When the enamel starts wearing down on your teeth, this can cause teeth sensitivity. Not all of your teeth will necessarily be sensitive either. Try a toothpaste like Sensodyne or Proenamel. Steer clear of strong mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this can make your teeth more sensitive.
13) Sometimes you can get fluid in your ear which can cause pain and it sounds like you are in a barrel. This can go along with sinus.
14) Do not blow your nose too hard.
15) Drinking water thins out mucous. Also, something like Guaifenesin helps thin out thick mucous. This is over the counter. Mucinex is Guaifenesin. The Mucinex D is Guafenesin with a Decongestant. If you have high blood pressure steer clear from taking a Decongestant as it can raise blood pressure.
16) Vicks puts out a plug in that is wonderful in your bedroom at night. Vicks also puts out a steam inhaler that you put your face in and a Vicks insert is put in the base. You put your face into the plastic part and the steam helps open up your head. I love mine and use it when I get really stuffy or have a sinus infection. Also, Vicks puts out tablets you can put in the shower floor and when you take a shower the steam opens up your head.
17) Vitamin C to keep your immune system built up.
18) Last but not least, I have long COVID and I have a lot of thick mucousy saliva that I have not been able to remedy nor get a diagnosis on. I get choked on this sometimes at night. I clear my throat a lot. Going to long Covid clinic soon.

Sorry for the length. I hope some of these help in some way. It has been trial and error for me for years. I can tell that I do not have as severe issues as some of you have listed. I am so sorry you are battling this. I know it's frustrating & painful. Blessings, Hugs & Prayers.....

Great details. I came here to find out if nasonex or nasocort is better for inflamed turbinates. I know that flonase irritates after a time. I never thought to take a break from the nasal steroids - my doctor said to try it for 3 months.
What I think may be helpful for those who do nasal washing is to put a dash of Alkalol in the neti pot. It makes the saline solution so gentle. I make sure not to nasal wash at the end of the day - I need some mucus to build up for going to sleep.
There is a lot you can do for long Covid, and I would start with a nebulizer. I got a cheap one on Amazon when I got covid & it immediately stopped lung involvement. It's good to be able to add medication to the liquid, like colloidal silver, diluted iodine, or hydrogen peroxide, and my cheapo one stopped working with this, so I went back to a dash of diluted iodine. (I've since bought a higher end one to have on hand in case I ever get sick again. Next time I'm using undiluted Hypochlorous acid. It is totally non-irritating.) You can do a search on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/147033287399335 for ways to use it besides sterile saline. The best tip I read was to put the directing nozzle at your nose to inhale, rather than covering nose & mouth. Depending on the day, there is discussion of innoculatiosn, but there is tons of info on treatment. Definitely narrow your search to symptoms, because searching on Long Covid would be endless. People are very helpful on this site, and there is input from a lot of healthcare workers.