Pressure Within the Face
Pressure within the face is a hallmark symptom of upper respiratory infection, though it can be irregularly expressed in different patients depending on variables, including age and extent of infection. Unfortunately, it’s also a symptom many doctors overlook or fail to connect with the underlying condition, so it’s important to locate a doctor who understands how this works.
Pressure within the face (also known as sinus pressure) occurs when fluid buildup causes the sinuses to swell up and expand outward toward the cheekbones, forehead, and jaws. In response to this pressure, certain facial muscles tighten up to help hold everything in place. The most common symptoms are pain around the eyes and cheeks and headaches; pressure can also cause difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath. It may also be associated with nausea, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
Pressure within the face is one of several symptoms that can occur within any stage of an upper respiratory infection, but it’s particularly common during its “premonitory” phase. This is a two-day-long period before the onset of other symptoms where patients may feel a general sense of malaise, fatigue, and mild sore throat. It’s not uncommon for people with fever blisters to mistake these symptoms for the flu.
