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Benzocaine & Sinus Pain

Sinus pain is a headache that affects the face, cheeks, forehead and around the eyes. It usually occurs during a cold or when your nose is congested and filled with mucus. There are several different treatments which can help relieve the symptoms of sinus pain, including the topical analgesic benzocaine.

  1. What Causes Sinus Pain

    • The sinuses are small air cavities that are located in the bones behind the cheeks and produce mucus on a daily basis. Sometimes these cavities become inflamed or infected and cause facial pain and pressure. Some common causes of sinus pain include allergies, infections, smoking , toothaches and even small polyps that can develop in the sinuses.

    What is Benzocaine

    • Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that is often used as a pain reliever. Benzocaine is the medication contained in many over-the-counter ointments such as Orajel and Anbesol, both used for pain in and around the mouth and also for tooth and gum pain.

    How does Benzocaine work

    • Benzocaine works by causing a loss of feeling in the skin and also in the mouth. It does this by numbing the nerves in the area where it is applied, relieving the pain. Benzocaine can be applied to the skin around the mouth, nose and cheeks, which are usually the areas affected by sinus pain. It can also be applied to the gums surrounding a sore tooth.

    Side Effects of Benzocaine

    • Some of the more common side effects of benzocaine include itching, redness or inflammation around the area where the ointment was applied, increased sweating or even stinging in the area. More serious side effects include difficulty with breathing, an increased or decreased heart rate, nausea, dizziness, skin rashes, hives or swelling. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using benzocaine immediately and consult your physician.

    Contraindications

    • Benzocaine should not be used if you have open mouth sores or open infected areas on the face. It should also not be used if you have any type of allergic reaction after using the medication, if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. If using benzocaine oral spray, consult a physician first if you suffer from heart disease or lung disease.

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