[37F] Experiencing facial pain and tenderness

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female presents with a one-week history of left cheek and nose pain described as sore, throbbing, and extremely tender to the touch, with a slight swelling noted. The pain is persistent and has not been alleviated by ibuprofen. The patient has a known allergy to penicillin but is not on any other medications. There is no known past medical history provided. The patient is not currently pregnant.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possibilities:

  • Sinusitis: This is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can cause pain and tenderness in the facial area, especially around the nose and cheeks. It can also cause swelling.

    • Treatment for sinusitis often involves the use of over-the-counter remedies to relieve symptoms, antibiotics if it's caused by a bacterial infection, and sometimes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. The pain is often severe and can be triggered by touching the face, speaking, or brushing teeth.

    • Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia usually involves medications to reduce or block the pain signals sent to your brain.
  • Dental Problems: Issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or a tooth abscess can cause pain in the cheek and nose area.

    • Treatment for dental problems depends on the specific issue, but may involve antibiotics, pain relievers, or dental procedures.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also explain your symptoms.

What you can do

You should make an appointment with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to provide a diagnosis. In the meantime, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Apply a warm compress to the painful area.
  2. Avoid any triggers that you notice make your pain worse.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but since you mentioned that ibuprofen isn't helping, you may want to try a different type, such as acetaminophen.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or if you experience any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe headache
  • High fever
  • Sudden or severe swelling in your face
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?

Common symptoms of sinusitis include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes fever. It can also cause swelling and tenderness in the facial area.


How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed and treated?

Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed based on the patient's description of the pain, a neurological examination, and sometimes imaging tests like an MRI. Treatment often involves medications such as anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants to reduce or block pain signals.


Can dental issues cause facial pain and how are they treated?

Yes, dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or a tooth abscess can cause facial pain. Treatment depends on the specific issue and may include antibiotics, pain relievers, or dental procedures like fillings, root canals, or extractions.


What should I do if over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective?

If over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective, you should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may recommend alternative medications or treatments based on the underlying cause of your pain.


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