Sinus Problems and Head Pain
As a 33-year-old woman, I've recently been dealing with severe pressure in my sinuses and facial area, along with a persistent dull ache. This has been quite atypical for me. Approximately six weeks ago, I also began experiencing nausea and a strange sort of dizziness resembling motion sickness, particularly when I was on the move. After seeking help at an urgent care facility, I was diagnosed with rhinitis, and it was noted that my right ear exhibited slight bulging. Though I didn't have a stuffy nose, post-nasal drip was present. The medical staff prescribed me naproxen and Flonase, leading to an alleviation of my symptoms within a week. However, after a couple of weeks, the discomfort returned, prompting me to consult my ear, nose, and throat specialist. He recommended Augmentin, which brought some relief for about five days, yet the symptoms resurfaced. While the dizziness was less intense than before, the pressure symptoms would shift around my forehead, nose, temples, and cheeks. Following this, my ENT prescribed a tapering dose of methylprednisolone, which provided some improvement, but I didn't achieve complete relief from my symptoms. I typically feel most comfortable while asleep, just after waking, or when I am lying down. Having just completed the steroid regimen yesterday, I now find that all the symptoms have returned with vigor; I am experiencing pressure and pain in my forehead, a sensation at the crown of my head, and an overall unsettling feeling. Given that I've never faced anything quite like this in the past, I find myself increasingly worried about my health.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 1:10:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort with your sinus issues and associated symptoms, which can be distressing, especially since this is not typical for you. Persistent sinus pressure, facial pain, nausea, and dizziness may indicate an ongoing underlying issue that needs to be addressed more thoroughly.
Explanation: Your symptoms point to a possible case of chronic sinusitis or another form of sinus-related dysfunction. You mentioned past treatments including Flonase (a nasal steroid) and antibiotics like Augmentin, which suggest that your healthcare providers have aimed to reduce inflammation and address any potential infection. The recurrence of symptoms after discontinuing steroids indicates that inflammation may still be a significant factor.
Feeling most comfortable when lying down could suggest changes in pressure or drainage from your sinuses. Dizziness and nausea are concerning, and while they can occasionally accompany sinus issues, they could also indicate a possible vestibular component or other factors at play.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep track of your symptoms in detail, noting when they worsen or improve, as well as any triggers (like weather changes, activities, or specific foods). This can help identify patterns or potential causes.
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Hydration and Humidity: Increase your fluid intake and consider using a humidifier at home. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus secretions, and humidity can alleviate some pressure and discomfort.
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Nasal Irrigation: Try saline nasal rinses or sprays to keep your nasal passages moist and clear out mucus. This can be particularly helpful in managing sinus pressure.
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Follow-Up with ENT: Given that your symptoms have returned strongly after the steroid taper and that initial treatments have provided only temporary relief, I recommend reaching back out to your ENT specialist. Share your detailed symptom diary, as this can help in reassessing the severity and deciding on possible diagnostic tests, like a CT scan, or exploring further treatment options (like a different medication or a potential referral to an allergist if allergies are suspected).
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Avoid Known Irritants: Limit exposure to smoke, strong perfumes, and other irritants that can exacerbate sinus problems.
It’s understandable to feel worried about your health, but focusing on these action steps and working closely with your healthcare team can help you find the right path toward relief. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification on any aspect!
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