Nose and head hurt: causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Pain in the nose - every person experiences this symptom from time to time. It happens that pain is associated with injuries or damage to the nasal cavity. As a rule, a person in this case understands what caused the pain. But more often, pain in the nose signals inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, so this symptom cannot be ignored.

What reasons can cause pain in the nose?

The relationship between nose and head pain

The nose is one of the sections of the respiratory system. It consists of several departments interconnected. If diseases occur on the visible part of the nose, they are easy to diagnose. However, nasal pain can be caused by damage to the internal parts that are located inside the skull. To understand why the nose hurts and radiates to the head, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its structure.

The outer nose is the visible part. Its shape is formed by cartilage and several bones, as well as facial muscles. This is the first section into which the inhaled air penetrates, so it is initially purified from small particles and microorganisms.
The nasal cavity is an expansion formed by bones and cartilage. Its posterior part narrows and passes into the nasopharynx.
Paranasal sinuses (paranasal sinuses) are additional cavities that are located on opposite sides of the nasal cavity. There are anterior and posterior sinuses.

All parts of the nose are covered with mucous membrane. It is continuous, contains nerves and vessels, and connects to the epithelial layer of the oropharynx. The nasal mucosa has a distinctive feature - it contains olfactory receptors, with the help of which the nervous system is able to distinguish odors. In addition, it is the first barrier against viruses and bacteria that enter the body with inhaled air and can cause infectious diseases of the respiratory system.

Diseases that cause nasal congestion and discomfort reduce the supply of oxygen to the lower respiratory system. This causes insufficient nutrition of tissues, especially brain cells. Most colds are accompanied by a headache, which occurs due to respiratory failure. In addition, colds are accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane, inflammatory processes, and increased formation of exudate.

How to cure sinusitis, sinusitis and other inflammations?

What you definitely shouldn’t do is diagnose yourself and buy medications without a prescription or doctor’s recommendations. If sinusitis is mild, then the body will quickly cope with the source of the problem and defeat the infection or virus. But if sinusitis has become chronic, special therapy is needed:

medicines that clear the air passages;
antibacterial drugs to eliminate infection;
rinsing the sinuses with antibiotics;
surgical intervention in selected cases;
regular preventive measures.

Of course, it is better to prevent sinusitis from becoming severe. Indeed, in this case, surgical intervention cannot be avoided. Why is this scary?? Just look at the image below, the hand-drawn picture of surgical techniques will give you a chill between your shoulder blades!

What can hurt your nose?

The most common cause of nasal pain is inflammatory reactions . They occur in response to the penetration of pathogenic microflora or mechanical damage. Inflammation can begin in any area, but often spreads to adjacent areas and affects several structures simultaneously. It often begins on the mucous membrane, as this is where the immune system's initial fight against viruses and bacteria occurs. Then the process can spread to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, cartilage tissue, blood vessels and nerves, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx.

Causes of pain in the nose and head

Pain in the nose that radiates to the head is the result of a number of pathological processes. They can be associated with internal or external factors that cause inflammation of the nasal structures or disruption of their anatomical integrity. Based on the exact location of the painful focus, its cause can be assumed. According to the mechanism of development, several main groups of diseases are distinguished:

inflammatory processes - often occur with viral and bacterial diseases, but can also be associated with autoimmune processes and allergic reactions;
injuries - accompanied by mechanical damage to the mucous membrane, skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as cartilage tissue and other structures;
Poor circulation in certain areas of the nose or nasopharynx is a less common cause of nasal pain and is associated with aseptic cell necrosis (death without the participation of pathogenic microflora).

Another classification distinguishes several groups of causes, depending on the location of the main cause of nasal pain. These include:

diseases of the external nose - often represent damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue (furuncle, carbuncle, erysipelas, eczema);
diseases of the inner nose - can affect both the mucous membrane and bone and cartilage tissue, and also occur due to the ingress of foreign objects and injury to internal structures;
diseases of the paranasal sinuses - represent a separate group of diseases that involve infection and inflammation of the mucous membrane;
diseases that can simultaneously affect several structures of the nose - these include both viral and catarrhal rhinitis, as well as more dangerous pathologies (tuberculosis, granulomatosis).

It is important to determine the primary cause of nasal pain in order to select an effective treatment regimen. Doctors at the Clinical Institute of the Brain will make an accurate diagnosis in a short time, based on the results of the examination. Treatment tactics will differ for injuries, infectious diseases, allergic and autoimmune processes.

Rhinitis

One of the most common reasons why the nose and head hurt is rhinitis, or runny nose, inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It is a symptom of most colds caused by viruses and bacteria. Pathogenic microflora penetrates the nasal mucosa, where the main fight of the immune system against infection occurs. The process is accompanied by inflammation, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane, and increased secretion of exudate.

The main symptoms of rhinitis include:

runny nose, nasal congestion – excessive exudation makes breathing difficult;
pain in the nose - more often they are concentrated at the site of inflammation;
headaches - occur due to difficulties with breathing, as well as as a result of deterioration in general well-being;
itching and burning in the nose.

Treatment for rhinitis depends on its cause. If the disease is caused by a viral infection, it is important to strengthen the immune system and provide the patient with bed rest. To make breathing easier, the doctor will select medications in the form of nasal drops or spray. They contain anti-inflammatory and antiviral components, as well as substances that constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of a runny nose.

Sinusitis

Diseases of the paranasal sinuses can occur independently or as a complication of colds. Normally, paranasal sinuses are aseptic formations in which there is no pathogenic microflora. If viruses or bacteria penetrate the mucous membrane of the sinuses, inflammatory processes begin. The danger of the disease is that normally there is no fluid in the sinuses, so draining the exudate is difficult. The cavities can be filled with liquid contents or pus, depending on the cause and type of inflammation.

There are several main types of sinusitis, which develop in different paranasal sinuses:

Sinusitis is inflammation of the maxillary (maxillary) sinuses. They are located to the left and right of the nasal cavity and connect to it. Sinusitis is the most common form of sinusitis, accompanied by pain in the nose, bridge of the nose and head.
Frontitis is inflammation of the frontal sinuses. They are located above the nasal cavity, in the thickness of the frontal bone. They are paired, but connected to each other by a common partition. Frontal sinusitis is diagnosed less frequently than sinusitis, but is also a common type of sinusitis.
Sphenoiditis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinuses, a rare pathology. These sinuses belong to the posterior ones and are located in the thickness of the sphenoid bone. Their lower wall is the upper arch of the inner nose. Despite the fact that sphenoiditis occurs rarely, it is considered a dangerous disease. This is due to the deep location of the sinuses, the difficulty of accessing them and difficult drainage of fluid.
Ethmoiditis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the ethmoid bone. Their number is not constant, in different people it can range from 8 to 10. The sinuses are cells of the ethmoid bone. Ethmoiditis rarely develops as an independent disease; it often accompanies other forms of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

A lingering runny nose, pain in the head and bridge of the nose, behind the eyes often indicates the onset of sinusitis. Other inflammatory diseases of the sinuses are diagnosed less frequently. It is useful to know about one characteristic symptom of sinusitis, with which the disease can be recognized even at home. To do this, you need to bend over sharply and lower your head to the ground. If at the same time acute pain begins in the nose and head, in the forehead and bridge of the nose, inflammation of the maxillary sinus can be assumed.

Treatment of sinusitis is prescribed individually. The most common method is nasal rinsing combined with a course of antibiotics. These drugs destroy bacterial microflora, thereby eliminating the symptoms of purulent inflammation. However, in acute forms of sinusitis, drainage of the maxillary sinuses may be necessary. The procedure consists of puncturing them, removing purulent contents and treating the mucous membrane with antiseptic solutions.

Injuries

One of the causes of pain in the nose and head is injury . Nasal fractures, damage to the nasal septum and other factors lead to disruption of tissue integrity and hemorrhages, deterioration of blood supply and innervation of certain areas. Injuries to the internal structures of the nose can also be caused by foreign bodies entering the nasal passages. The process is dangerous, since pathogenic microflora multiply in damaged areas, tissue suppuration and necrosis occur. In addition, if recovery is not performed correctly, the patient may find it difficult to breathe even after a long time.

Treatment for injuries is prescribed based on the results of the examination. If the bones and cartilage remain intact, and only damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes is detected, it is important to regularly treat these areas with antiseptics. In case of displaced fractures, an operation is prescribed, during which the bone fragments are returned to the anatomically correct position. With proper rehabilitation, breathing returns to normal without consequences.

Inflammatory diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue can appear on both the outer and inner surfaces of the nose. They are often associated with the entry of pathogenic microflora and its reproduction in a favorable environment. In addition, inflammation develops as a result of microtraumas. There are several formations that can appear in different parts of the external nose, causing headaches and breathing problems.

Furuncle - formed when the sebaceous gland is infected with staphylococci or streptococci. It is a small, painful raised area above the surface of the skin containing pus. Most often, boils appear on the skin, in the area of the tip or wings of the nose.
A carbuncle is a larger formation that occurs when the sebaceous gland, one or more hair follicles are simultaneously infected. The process spreads to the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes, causing their purulent melting. A carbuncle is a dense, painful formation of a red or bluish tint that causes acute pain and fever.
Eczema is an allergic inflammation, but its exact cause has not been established. The skin of the tip and wings of the nose is often damaged. It becomes dry, turns red, cracks, ulcers and blisters filled with transparent aseptic content may appear on it. Due to a violation of its integrity, boils, carbuncles and other manifestations of skin suppuration may form in the affected areas.
Erysipelas (erysipelas) is an infectious disease that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is caused by specific microorganisms, hemolytic streptococci. They cause inflammation, redness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as hardening of these structures. These areas are painful, and in many patients they are separated from the healthy skin of the nose by a noticeable ridge.

In infectious diseases, redness of the skin, swelling and an increase in local temperature are observed. Limited formations are less dangerous because the purulent contents are enclosed in a capsule. To get rid of them, a simple procedure is carried out in which the abscess is opened, cleaned and treated with antibiotic solutions. Diseases in which the pus is in a diffuse state require complex treatment using broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs.

Allergy

If your head and nose constantly hurt, or a chronic runny nose does not stop, this may be the first sign of an allergy. It is a pathological reaction of the immune system to various stimuli. If in a healthy person the immune factors react only to viruses and bacteria, then in an allergic person they react to any substances. Thus, dust and pollen, animal hair, household chemicals and dyes, and certain products often become allergens. When they enter the body, characteristic allergy symptoms appear:

pressing headaches, dizziness;
runny nose, difficulty breathing;
deterioration in general health;
swelling of the nasal mucosa;
irritation and redness of the skin, itching, burning and rash.

At the first symptoms of an allergy, it is important to determine what caused it. The easiest way is to track what new substances the patient has been in contact with recently. Allergy tests are considered the most accurate method. Concentrated allergens are injected under the skin in the forearm and the reaction is observed for several days. If inflammation develops at the injection site and a painful swelling appears, it can be argued that this substance is an allergen. Antihistamines are used for treatment, which suppress the immune system's reactions.

A specific type of allergy is autoimmune reactions . They arise in response to internal factors and the body’s own tissues. Manifestations of these processes also include headaches, inflammatory reactions, damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Treatment is selected individually, its main stages are reducing the sensitivity of the immune system and anti-inflammatory therapy.

Herpes

Herpes is a viral disease with a chronic course. It can cause various diseases, including damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Small blisters form in the nose area, the skin becomes red and inflamed, and an itching and burning sensation appears. The bubbles are located close to each other, in a limited space. They open on their own, leaving behind small ulcers.

The herpes virus is present in the body of most people, but occurs in a latent form. An exacerbation is caused by a decrease in immunity, and therefore may be associated with colds. Antiviral and restorative drugs are used to treat it. However, after recovery, immunity is not formed. In addition, the virus continues to be present in the body, so another exacerbation can occur at any time.

Other reasons

The exact cause of the pain in the nose, which radiates to the head, can only be determined as a result of a complete examination. If viral rhinitis remains the most common diagnosis, then diagnostics may also reveal more rare and dangerous pathologies. To identify them, it is important to pay attention to all the signs and carry out the necessary tests.

The examination may reveal the following abnormalities:

dental diseases (caries, abnormal growth and position of teeth);
tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused by mycobacteria, which manifests itself, among other things, in the destruction of nasal structures and acute pain in the head;
granulomatosis is a systemic autoimmune disease in which normal tissues are destroyed and replaced by dense connective tissue;
neoplasms - can be found in any area;
abnormalities in the structure of the nose, often manifested by a deviated nasal septum and difficulty breathing.

When diagnosing, the doctor takes into account all possible options, but is guided by the data of the examination and questioning of the patient. You should not be afraid of dangerous diseases if your complaints include a runny nose and headaches.

Diagnostic methods

Before starting treatment, the doctor will prescribe an examination that will determine the cause of pain and poor health. As a result of the examination, swelling, redness of the skin and mucous membranes of the nose, rash and other characteristic signs of a number of diseases can be detected. The patient needs to clarify when and under what conditions the first symptoms appeared. However, additional techniques will be required to make a final diagnosis.

Rhinoscopy is one of the simplest procedures that allows the doctor to examine the internal structures of the nose using a mirror. To examine the anterior parts of the nose, it is enough to use a nasal speculum. It is wide and is used to assess the condition of the nasal turbinates and septum, as well as the mucous membrane. If necessary, the doctor uses a nasopharyngeal speculum. It is small, placed on a thin metal stick. Access to the tissues under study is carried out from the oropharynx.
Endoscopy is a more invasive, but informative procedure. It is performed using an endoscope. It is a miniature camera on a thin, flexible tube that easily follows the movement of the nasal passages. Endoscopy allows you to examine the mucous membrane of the internal structures of the nose, identify injuries and neoplasms, and also take samples for biopsy.
Diaphanoscopy is a method of examining the paranasal sinuses. It is performed in a dark room, with a special glowing lamp in the patient’s mouth. Normally, the sinuses are filled with air, so they are visible during diaphanoscopy. However, when they are filled with liquid or purulent contents, they become dark.
Ultrasound diagnostics - prescribed for suspected sinusitis and frontal sinusitis. However, for most diseases of the inner nose, this technique is ineffective.
CT, MRI - are used when injuries, neoplasms, or structural anomalies of the internal structures of the nose are suspected. The procedures are planned and prescribed when standard diagnostic methods are insufficiently effective.

The Clinical Institute of the Brain has all the capabilities for full diagnostics. The doctors have high-quality, modern equipment and many years of experience in treating diseases of the nose and head. They can ensure that the examination will involve a minimum number of tests to help determine the cause of the pain and the stage of the disease.

Treatment of pain in the head and nose

Treatment tactics are selected individually, depending on the exact diagnosis and the nature of the disease. Most diseases can be treated with medication, but in some cases surgery is necessary. The course may include the following stages:

taking antibiotics is a mandatory measure for bacterial diseases, purulent inflammation, injuries, sinusitis;
supportive treatment, which includes anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor drugs, antipyretics and analgesics;
antiviral drugs;
surgical treatment - consists of opening and washing abscesses, boils, as well as sanitizing the paranasal sinuses for sinusitis.

Doctors at the Clinical Institute of the Brain will select the most effective treatment regimen, which will include only the necessary steps. The drugs can be taken on schedule at home, only in some cases treatment in a hospital is indicated. The patient remains to follow all recommendations and regularly return for re-examination.

How to treat sinus inflammation in adults and children?

Sinusitis, sinusitis and other inflammatory processes have similar symptoms. Treatment in adults will be effective if a specialist makes an accurate diagnosis and selects the optimal complex therapy, which will include:

special medicines;
healing procedures;
prevention.

It is important not only to relieve the symptoms of the disease, but also to eliminate the causes of the disease. And they can be different. Some people have a weakened immune system, while others should have their body examined or give up bad habits and an unhealthy lifestyle.

In children, treatment of sinusitis, sinusitis and other inflammatory processes of the nasal sinuses also includes a whole range of measures:

it is important to see a doctor quickly to make a diagnosis and avoid complications;
you need to strictly adhere to the recommendations of specialists and monitor the child’s condition;
It will be necessary to prevent inflammation in order to maintain the health of the child’s sinuses.

In the fight against serious inflammatory processes, one must not hesitate. For example, sinusitis can lead to inflammation in the skull or meninges. Acute catarrhal sinusitis develops in 70% of children who regularly suffer from ARVI. Odontogenic sinusitis develops in those who have dental problems.

Prevention methods

Doctors have several recommendations on how to prevent the manifestation of the disease, which causes pain in the nose and head. They include the following activities:

support for general immunity, including proper nutrition, sufficient vitamins, regular physical activity;
tests for suspected allergies to identify the irritant and stop contact with it;
timely diagnosis to identify sinusitis, neoplasms and other dangerous diseases that may progress over time.

The Clinical Brain Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of headaches, including those associated with nasal diseases. To receive recommendations for treatment and prevention, all you need to do is make an appointment and undergo a full examination. Our center is equipped with modern tools for diagnostics and treatment procedures, and our doctors are experienced specialists in a narrow and broad profile.

If your sinuses hurt without a runny nose?

This in most cases indicates a chronic pathology, the most common of which is chronic sinusitis or sinusitis of the maxillary sinus. This condition is characterized by periodic pain in the maxillary sinuses. During the period of exacerbation, pain is accompanied by catarrhal symptoms: serous-purulent discharge, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, etc.

Other ENT causes of pain without manifestations of rhinorrhea (runny nose) are the conditions described in the previous section: deviated nasal septum, neoplasms, adenoids, dental pathologies, etc.

It should be remembered that pain in the sinuses may not be of otolaryngological etiology, for example, in neurological conditions: neuritis of the cranial nerves, migraine, fibromyalgia, etc. Therefore, it is important to promptly assess the condition and exclude more serious pathologies. In this regard, diagnosis should be carried out in sufficient depth, especially in chronic pain.