Can Chronic Sinusitis Cause Jaw And Face Pain?

Posted on Mon, 13 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can chronic Sinusitis cause, jaw and face pain? My neck has also been increasingly tighter. I have also had a harder time breathing, and some (sometimes bad, most of the time just a little) pain in the middle of my back between my shoulder blades. My mouth has also been getting more painful, on the sides of my tongue, almost tingling. Just curious if this is all related to my sinusitis? They do seem to be getting worse and medicines are not helping. I have a CT scan in 3 days, but I don't know how much more of this I can handle.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, the Sinus CT is important.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query,

1. Yes, all these symptoms may be the result of chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, post nasal drip and acid reflux.

2. A Sinus CT is the gold standard investigation which will help answer all these questions.

3. Since you also have a hard time breathing at times, get a pre and post decongestion Sinus CT. Request the technician to use 5-8 drops of OTC 0.1% Xylometazoline (such as Otrivin) nasal drops in each nostril, wait for at least 15 minutes and then re-scan. The voltage settings of the CT scan machine may be reduced to decrease the radiation exposure. Comparison of the images will help identify the source of the nasal obstruction. (Do not use these drops for more than 2 weeks).

4. Upload the images here for further treatment options.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (20 hours later)

Thank you,

I also forgot to mention that for the past couple of years every time I go to the doctor they tell me I have fluid in my ears. I have tinnitus which has also been getting worse. Could this also be related to my Sinus issues?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer: XXXXXXX Tympanometry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes, it is common to have fluid build-up in the middle ear due to eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to sinusitis.

2. The condition is known as Serous Otitis Media (SOM).

3. A Tympanogram (Impedance Audiogram) is simple test to detect the middle ear pressures and fluid build-up in the middle ear.

4. This usually responds to treatment along with the sinusitis. Long standing fluid tends to thicken leading to a 'Glue Ear', which may require a myringotomy with grommet (ventilation tube) insertion.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 days later)

Another question about Chronic Sinusitis. My muscles seem to be getting weaker. My left arm and leg especially. I've checked by blood pressure and heart rate and they are fine. Could this also be related to Sinuses? I have also had very bad cramps in both legs.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get a Neurologist's opinion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Chronic sinusitis acts as a focus of infection and may cause similar symptoms.

2. However, muscle weakness, especially one sided must be checked by a Neurologist.

3. The leg cramps problem, points to a metabolic issue usually related to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 days later)

I have also had what looks like blisters (3 of them) form under my tongue. They have been there for about 3 weeks now and don't seem to be changing in size. The are right on the ridge between the bottom of my mouth and the tongue. I am still waiting on results from my CT scan, but concerned about these bumps in my mouth.I got the results back from CT Scan. Showed no signs of sinus blockage, but show I have TMJ. It's hard to get any answers from the local doctors. Just curious as to how this could be causing my back between my shoulder blades to hurt and still curious about the sores under my tongue.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get these conditions treated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. It is good to hear that your Sinus CT is within normal limits.

2. TMJ can be treated by a Prosthodontist who may refer you to a Maxillofacial Surgeon.

3. The apthous ulcers under your tongue are a sign of acid reflux, indigestion and stress. So is the pain in the back related to esophagitis secondary to acid reflux.

4. These problems re related indirectly as part of a generalized condition such as a nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalance or fibromyalgia.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar