Sinusitis, which is a bacterial or viral infection or allergic reaction in the sinuses, can cause a sensation of cheek and orbital pain. Dry eye syndrome, injury, infection, or disease can cause cheek and orbital pain.
The most common symptom of sinusitis is redness. More commonly, there’s a burning sensation in the corners of the mouth, followed by pressure in the lower jaw.
The most common cause of sinusitis that can be treated with oral antibiotics is a bacterial infection or infection of the sinus membranes. Sinusitis caused by viral infections or allergic reactions can be treated by topical antibiotics or over-the-counter medicines.
How common is sinusitis in children and teens?
Over a decade ago, it was thought that about 1 in 1000 people had sinusitis. However, in a 2009 survey, Sinuses & Ophthalmology at University of Chicago found that about 1 in 500 children and teens suffer from sinusitis, or between 25 and 50 percent of the country’s population between ages 7 and 19.
When someone gets sinusitis, there may be a number of causes, like allergy, viral infections, bacterial or viral infections, or an allergy to a drug used to treat sinusitis.
The symptoms of sinusitis vary by cause, but if it’s pain or itching in the back of the mouth with a light burning sensation, it is sometimes called sinusitis and it may also affect the corners of the mouth.
How much does sinusitis cost?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an adult treatment for sinusitis costs between $2,000 and $6,000 per month. The cost varies with the severity of the condition and number of episodes.
If you are an adult, you could also have other medical conditions, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or a condition that affects the digestive system, such as pancreatitis. An adult who has a condition that will cause them to have a lot of episodes in their life, such as cancer or diabetes, could also be more prone to having infections and sinusitis.
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can check for sinusitis in a person to determine its severity. The doctor may check a person’s sinus to determine whether there is a blockage of the sinus. It may also be necessary to look to see whether there is an opening in the sinus to see if the infection has entered or if there is some type of swelling or inflammation in the sinus.
Depending on the severity, the provider may also need to examine the throat and nasal passages to find a infection and take samples of the sinus. The sample may be examined under the tongue to see if it contains bacteria, or examined under the chin to see if the bacteria causes irritation to the nasal passages.
How will I pay for my sinusitis care?
If it is diagnosed, most sinusitis treatment costs are paid by insurance. The treatment usually covers the doctor’s visits, and the doctor usually spends time with the patient to determine a course of treatment that best suits the cause of the infection. If you are uninsured, you should contact your local primary care physician and see if you can find a plan that covers sinusitis. A variety of plans cover different types of sinus infections.
You can also contact your local hospital directly if you are uninsured and need urgent treatment of sinusitis.
Do you have questions? Please contact the Healthcare Provider Information Network to get an online directory of healthcare providers and providers who offer referrals.
