Two Months After COVID: Ongoing Pressure in Upper Jaw – Is it Silent Sinusitis?
I’m a 35-year-old male, standing at 5’11” and weighing 175 pounds. Generally, I maintain a healthy lifestyle; I exercise regularly and follow a nutritious diet. To date, I have not been prescribed any medications and do not have any pre-existing health issues. Here’s my situation, and I could use some guidance: I contracted COVID-19 in early December, which persisted for about a week with typical symptoms such as a fever reaching 101°F and muscle aches. After a week, I tested negative and felt a significant improvement. However, about a week later, I awoke to discomfort in my left incisor. This sensation escalated into throbbing pain radiating through the left side of my upper jaw and occasionally descending to my lower jaw. It wasn’t sharp, but rather a persistent throb that intensified when bending down or during flights. Upon visiting my doctor, I was informed that my symptoms were likely indicative of sinusitis, particularly given my recent COVID-19 infection. Interestingly, I didn’t have notable mucus or nasal discharge—just an inexplicable pressure in my mouth. The physician prescribed amoxicillin, and within a few days, I experienced about a 90% reduction in pain. I completed the 7-day course of antibiotics, and for a week, I felt nearly back to normal. However, after an outing snowboarding at an elevation of 12,000 feet, I noticed the discomfort returning—not as severely as before, but with a persistent pressure affecting my teeth. I typically find relief from combining Sudafed, Zyrtec, and ibuprofen, although today has been less effective. Recently, I began refinishing my kitchen counter, a butcher block, which involved extensive sanding and staining, and although I wore a mask, the pressure re-emerged, disrupting my sleep that night. The pressure often shifts around my mouth, and I’ve found flossing, along with both cold and warm water, to provide some comfort. While I don’t feel as bad as I did during the peak of my sinus issues, this persistent pressure in my lower sinus region is unusual compared to classic sinus infection symptoms. It’s been a month since this discomfort started, two months since my COVID infection, and I’m eager for relief. Reports indicate that COVID can lead to some lingering symptoms like this, and now I’m left wondering if more antibiotics are necessary. Is this duration for sinusitis recovery typical? I'm reaching out for any insights or suggestions that might help me navigate this situation or clarify if my assumptions are misguided.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 8:00:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through quite a lot with your health since contracting COVID-19, and it's understandable to seek clarity and relief from your ongoing discomfort. The pressure you're experiencing in your upper jaw could indeed be related to sinus issues, especially after a recent respiratory infection.
Key Points:
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Ongoing Symptoms: The pressure you're feeling may be a result of lingering sinus inflammation or irritation following COVID-19. While your initial antibiotic treatment significantly reduced your pain, ongoing symptoms after activities like snowboarding or exposure to dust may indicate a sensitivity in your sinuses rather than a straightforward infection.
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COVID and Sinus Symptoms: It’s noted that some individuals experience prolonged or unusual symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, including sinus-related issues.
Explanation:
Sinusitis, particularly after a viral infection like COVID-19, can sometimes cause discomfort even when typical signs (like mucus) are minimal. Your feeling of pressure, especially when changing altitude or experiencing environmental irritants (like dust and fumes from sanding), may indicate that your sinuses are still sensitive and inflamed.
Next Steps:
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Continue Symptomatic Relief: Since you find that Sudafed (a decongestant), Zyrtec (an antihistamine), and ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory) provide some relief, consider sticking with them but monitor how effective they are over a week.
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Nasal Irrigation: Adding saline nasal rinses or a neti pot could help by keeping your nasal passages clear and reducing pressure. This method is often effective for sinus issues after infections and can aid in hydration of the sinuses.
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Avoid Irritants: If you've noticed that your woodworking activities aggravate your symptoms, it might be helpful to minimize exposure to dust and fumes. Continue to use a mask and consider using an air purifier in your workspace.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a brief diary of your symptoms, noting when they worsen and any associated activities, which can help in understanding triggers as well as in future discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Consultation Timeframe: If symptoms persist or worsen significantly, particularly if you experience fever, facial swelling, or severe pain, it might be worth revisiting your doctor. Discuss the possibility of a referral to an ENT specialist, who can evaluate for any other causes or conditions that may require specific treatment.
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Lifestyle Measures: Stay well-hydrated and consider using a humidifier in your living space to help ease nasal congestion.
Take things one step at a time, and remember that recovery from post-viral symptoms can fluctuate. If you have any concerns or new symptoms arise, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
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