What Are the Causes of Intense Sinus Pain without Congestion?

The skull has four pairs of sinuses. The frontal sit by the top of the eye. The ethmoidal sit by the upper nose. The maxillary sit behind the cheek. The sphenoidal sit deep in the skull behind the eyes and nose.

Types

• Sinus pain develops from a number of different conditions. Common culprits are: tumors, polyps, concha bullosa and sinusitis.

Tumors and Polyps

• When cells continue to multiply where they aren't needed, a tumor or polyp is created. Symptoms caused by tumors and polyps vary but range from mild to intense. Larger-sized tumors tend to produce more complications and pain.

Concha Bullosa

• According to Peter J. Casano, MD, a sinus and nasal specialist, a concha bullosa is: "When a normally thin plate of bone, the middle turbinate, develops a bubble or small sinus inside...it causes the middle turbinate to be larger than it is supposed to be." The enlarged tissue causes pressure and pain, often between the eyes.

Sinusitis

• Sinusitis frequently exhibits congestion and drainage. However, if the upper sinuses become blocked or closed off, they can cause severe pain due to the pressure and trapped mucus. There is no feeling of congestion in these cases, due to the lower sinuses being unaffected.

Warning

• There are some serious, potentially fatal sinus conditions. Consult a medical professional to determine what is causing your sinus pain.