Causes And Treatments Of Pressure Behind Your Eye
Pressure behind the eye can be an uncomfortable and worrisome situation. However, eye pressure is a common side effect of many conditions and is usually very easy to treat.
Several conditions can result in pressure behind the eye, so proper diagnosis is essential to seeking the appropriate course of treatment.
Heres a list of the most common causes for pressure behind the eyes, symptoms, and treatments.
Chemical And Environmental Irritants
Many chemicals and products for cleaning, home repair, and more can irritate your nasal passages and sinuses. This can cause you to have dry sinuses, sore throat, dry nose, nosebleeds, or other symptoms similar to allergies. Some chemicals and products that can irritate your sinuses include:
- household cleaning products
- industrial irritants
- paint or varnish fumes
There are many ways you can treat dry sinuses at home to alleviate discomfort caused by seasonal allergies, irritation from chemicals, or drying from medications or dry air. To get relief, you can:
- place a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep the air from getting too dry
- stop taking drying medications, such as antihistamines
- drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- get some fresh air if the air in your house is stale or stagnant
- remove as many allergens and irritants from your environment as possible
- irrigate your sinuses with sterile saline using a neti pot or similar product
- use nasal spray to hydrate and lubricate your nasal passages and sinuses
- take a hot shower and inhale the steam
In some cases, your doctor might need to recommend treatment for your dry sinuses. Make an appointment with your doctor if you:
- have an autoimmune disorder like Sjögren syndrome
- are taking prescription medication that causes dry sinuses
- think you might have a sinus infection
Your doctor may:
Talk To A Doctor About The Pressure Behind Your Eye
While the cause for the pressure behind your eye may be a mild illness, there are a range of serious illnesses that could be the underlying cause. If those conditions are left untreated, they could lead to a life-threatening situation.
If your eye pressure doesnt disappear with home remedies or over-the-counter pain medication, its best to see a doctor. Luckily, you dont even have to leave your house to consult with a qualified physician. Just book an appointment online.
At Carefree MD, we have doctors on call for you 24/7. You can talk to a doctor online today about headaches, sinus conditions, allergies, and a number of other issues.
All you have to do is sign up for Carefree MD. Once youre a member, you can get unlimited access to a virtual doctor to help you with your medical needs. Learn more!
The Carefree Dental MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree MD Card is not insurance and Carefree MD is not an insurance provider.
Recommended Reading: When Is A Cold A Sinus Infection
When To See A Doctor
Sinus infections and neck pain are both common conditions. Sinus infections impact about 31 million people in the United States. About 80 percent of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.
Because these conditions are so common, it may be difficult to know when to see a doctor for your discomfort.
Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice
Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.
If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.
Recommended Reading: How Can A Doctor Diagnose A Sinus Infection
How Sinuses Affect The Eyes
Our faces are full of individual parts that make a whole, and, much like a puzzle, they are all connected to each other in one way or another. Some may notice if they feel a sinus infection, an earache or even a sore throat that it is often accompanied by a symptom in another part of the facial region. One of the main culprits for feeling this way is the sinuses. The sinuses are located all throughout the face in the cheeks, near the ear, behind the eye, and in the forehead and nose. Problems in the sinuses can cause facial pressure, feeling of fluid or fullness in the ears, and even eye pain.
Since sinuses are located behind the eye and near the inner corners of the eyes it is possible that eyes can be affected by infections in the sinuses. When the sinuses get infected and full, the body naturally tries to flush the infection and get it out of the sinuses. Along with this, the proper flow of mucus is blocked, causing feelings of pressure and pain where the sinuses are found. The pressure behind the eyes is a good indication of a sinus infection. In some cases, an infection of the sinus can spread to the eye.
What Is The Trigeminal Nerve And Where It Is Located
Trigeminal nerves are the largest sensory nerves in the brain that detects almost all the headache and toothache at the same time. Located within the head, the trigeminal nerve is mainly responsible for passing on sensations from your face to your brain. The trigeminal nerve also controls the muscles meant for chewing. Because of this connection, a toothache can give you a headache. Other reactions to a toothache like a jaw tightening and muscle clenching can also cause headaches.
Also Check: How To Get Better From Sinus Infection
Causes Of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
, or sinusitis Sinusitis Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection or by an allergy. Some of the most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, tenderness, nasal congestion… read more of the sphenoid or ethmoid sinuses. Because CST is a possible complication, doctors always consider infections in the area around the nose to the rims of the eyes to be serious.
Eye Symptoms Linked To Sinusitis
In addition to eye pain or sinus pain behind the eyes, there are other eye symptoms that may be caused by sinusitis or other sinus issues. These may include:
-
Sinus pressure and eye pain A sinus infection may cause you to feel pain behind your eyes or around the eye area on your face. This may feel like pain in your eyes or a headache behind your eyes.
-
Sinus pressure and eye watering In some cases, a chronic sinus infection can lead to watery eyes . But these symptoms may also be caused by many other conditions. For example, a cold or allergies may cause eye watering and a feeling of stuffiness or pressure. And a cluster headache can similarly cause pressure, watery eyes and stuffy nose.
-
Sinus pressure and swollen eyes A sinus infection can also lead to eyelid swelling and eye puffiness. This can occur when the sinuses between and below your eyes may become inflamed and clogged with mucus. The swelling typically goes away as your sinusitis improves with treatment.
Sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis can also cause blurry vision, vision loss and other problems due to optic nerve damage caused by chronic inflammation, although this is rare.
In some cases, eye symptoms can be a sign of a sinus infection spreading to the eye, or other serious sinus infection complications.
SEE RELATED:Pressure behind the eye
Read Also: Advil Cold And Sinus Gel
Sinus Pressure Points On The Back Of The Head And Neck
There are areas around the neck and base of the skull that present an opportunity to relieve sinus pressure. The pressure points in these areas are located in delicate, cavity-like areas where the neck and skull adjoin. There are two such points.
One of them is the specific point where the neck meets the skull. It is right in the middle of the neck/head, near the base of your hairline.
To find it, place your finger at your hairline and move it either up or down until you find the cavity. By squeezing the point with your thumb for about five minutes, it may help clear sinus pressure.
The other area is found on the neck close to the base of the skull. The points are located at the highest point of the neck, just below the base of the skull.
To find it, place both of your thumbs at the top of your neck point and slowly separate them until you feel the cavities . Access the point by pressing slightly in and up and holding for about five minutes.
Dont Miss: What Medicine Helps A Sinus Infection
How Is Sharp Pain Behind Eye Treated
Simply as causes can vary, so do treatments. They target the specific cause of eye pain.
Conjunctivitis: Antibacterial eyedrops can treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Antihistamines in the form of eyedrops, a tablet, or a syrup can enhance conjunctivitis from allergic reactions.
Corneal abrasions: These heal on their own with time. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drops.
Glaucoma: Youll get eyedrops and maybe tablets to minimize pressure. If they do not work, you might require surgery.
Infected cornea: You may require antiviral or anti-bacterial eyedrops.
Iritis: The doctor will treat this with steroid, antibiotic, or antiviral eyedrops.
Optic neuritis: Its treated with corticosteroids.
Styes: Use warm compresses at home for a couple of days.
The only method to figure out the causes of sharp pain behind eye and to get the right treatment is to see a doctor. Your vision is valuable. Protect it by taking eye pain seriously.
Also Check: Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain Coated Tablets
Read Also: Sinus Pressure In Eyes And Forehead
Treatment Of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
-
Antibiotics by vein
-
Surgery to drain infection
-
Corticosteroids and other supplemental hormones
High doses of antibiotics given by vein are started immediately in people with cavernous sinus thrombosis. The infected nasal sinus may be drained surgically, particularly if the person does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. Corticosteroids are sometimes given if the cranial nerves are affected. Corticosteroids and usually other supplemental hormones are given if there is hypopituitarism.
Also Check: Fastest Way To Beat A Sinus Infection
How To Get Rid Of Bags Under The Eyes From Sinuses
The first thing you need to do to get rid of eye bags from sinuses is to treat the underlying problem, namely the sinus infection. If you have acute sinusitis, your symptoms will usually go away on their own after a couple of weeks. Many home remedies can also help. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand requires medical attention. Your doctor can prescribe you medicine to help you manage the symptoms of the infection. If they donât help, then you might be recommended to get sinus surgery.
When your sinusitis is gone, dark circles and eye bags are likely to disappear as well. However, the skin below the eyes is delicate, and frequent expanding and shrinking can harm it in the long run. Over time, eye bags may become more noticeable and may be difficult to remove by self-care alone. In such cases, eye bag removal surgery also known as blepharoplasty can help you permanently get rid of bags under the eyes.
Don’t Miss: What Helps A Sinus Migraine
How Is An Ear Infection Diagnosed
Your doctor will check for an ear infection by using a small scope with a light to look into your childs ear. They will know if the eardrum is infected if it looks red. Other signs of infection they may see include fluid in the ear or a ruptured eardrumwhich leaves a hole. Your doctor will also look for other symptoms in your child, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, vomiting, and dizziness.
What Causes Sinus Infections And Sinusitis
Causes of Acute Sinus Infections
- Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
- Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes , are involved in chronic sinusitis.
Causes of Chronic Sinus Infections
- Chronic sinus infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, pollutants, and fungal infections, especially people with diseases that weaken the immune system, for example, HIV/AIDS, leukemia and other cancers, and diabetes.
- Medications that are designed to modify the immune system may increase the risk of developing sinus infections.
- Ongoing bad breath unrelated to dental problems
People who have facial pain, headaches, and fever may indicate a sinus infection.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Dont Miss: Best Way To Cure Sinus
You May Like: Alka Seltzer Cold And Sinus Directions
Care Advice For Sinus Congestion
How Can I Tell If I Have A Sinus Infection Cold Or Nasal Allergy
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. A cold can transform into a sinus infection. Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles . Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip . Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.
If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.
Don’t Miss: When Is A Sinus Infection Contagious
What Triggers Sinusitis
The common cold is the leading culprit. The average adult gets two to three colds a year, and the average child gets six to 10. Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and antibiotics are useless for treatment. But cold viruses produce swelling of the nasal tissues, which can sometimes block the sinuses. Colds also change the mucus, preventing it from doing its normal job of clearing viruses and bacteria from the sinuses.
You may get some sinus pressure when you get a cold, but that doesnt mean you have sinusitis or that you need an antibiotic. Only about one cold in 100 leads to sinusitis, and you can make the odds work for you by doing what it takes to keep your sinuses draining . You can also help your cause by blowing your nose gently without pinching it tightly forceful blowing can force bacteria up into your sinuses.
Many other things can block your sinuses and lead to infection. The list includes allergies, cigarette smoke and other irritating fumes, changes in barometric pressure during flying or scuba diving, nasal polyps, and a deviated nasal septum.
Pain In The Quiet Eye
DAVID C. FIORE, MD, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada
ANDREW V. PASTERNAK, MD, Silver Sage Center for Family Medicine, Reno, Nevada
RABAB M. RADWAN, MD, Mercy Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, Redding, California
Am Fam Physician. 2010 Jul 1 82:69-73.
Although eye pain is often accompanied by redness or injection, pain can also occur with a quiet eye. Pain in a quiet eye can be the first sign of a vision-threatening condition, a more benign ophthalmologic condition, or a nonophthalmologic condition. Acute narrow-angle glaucoma is an emergent vision-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment and referral to an ophthalmologist. Although most nonophthalmologic conditions that cause eye pain do not need immediate treatment, giant cell arteritis requires urgent treatment with corticosteroids. Other vascular conditions, such as carotid artery disease, thrombosis of the cavernous sinus, and transient ischemic attack or stroke, rarely cause eye pain but must be considered. Pain may also be referred from the sinuses or from neurologic conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, migraine and cluster headaches, and increased intracranial pressure. The differential diagnosis of eye pain in the quiet eye is extensive, necessitating a systematic and thorough approach.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Read Also: Why Am I Getting Sinus Infections All The Time
Read Also: Can Migraines Cause Sinus Pain