A.N. asks from Menlo Park, CA on October 10, 2009
Pain That Moves
I had a gnawing pain at the side of my cheek for a week. It was not too bad but is persistent. At first i thought it was a gum pain that I might have an infection at one of the upper molars, but my tooth seems okay. Then a couple days ago, the pain moves up to below the eyebrow and now it moves to the corner of my eye and onto the eyelid; they are red and a little puffy and painful when I press them. I did not relate these pains together except that the pain at the original area is not there anymore, maybe a lump there. They seem to be from inside and not due to anything topical. It seems minor to go to the doctor and i am wishing it will go away by itself , but I am also a bit freaked out if it is an infection with virus or bacteria that will keep going and affects my brain! Has anyone had this experience or have any idea what it is? Appreciate your thoughts on this!
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C.C. answers from Fresno on October 12, 2009
I haven't read the other responses, so this may be a duplicate. But what you are describing sounds like what happens to me when I'm about to get a cold sore! It starts in my mouth, where my gums get inflamed, then sort of moves up my face to where my eyes get puffy, then finally... cold sore on my lip. All of this is painful and will even cause achiness throughout my body and headaches. Definitely see you doctor one way or the other though, because even if it is a cold sore, they can prescribe an anti-viral medication (Acyclovir) that is inexpensive at the pharmacy, and will prevent the cold sore from even forming if you catch it early.
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L.O. answers from San Francisco on October 11, 2009
Having suffered a chronic tendency to sinus infections for many years (I seem to have outgrown it, fortunately) my guess is sinus. If you don't want to go the doc, you might try a regimen of psuedophed or some king of sinus medicine, although my doctor at the time--who also suffered from sinus infection tendencies--stated that taking pseudophed for people like us was like taking baby aspirin for a migraine. So, give that a whirl and if it doesn't work or only works a little, I'd go to a doctor.
good luck!
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S.B. answers from San Francisco on October 11, 2009
Hi A., I am not a doctor, but it sounds like a sinus infection. I have had several along with my son. It feels like an upper toothache at first then moves to your eyes, cheeks etc... I would go see your doctor and get an antibiotic. Hope you feel better
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V.R. answers from Redding on October 11, 2009
I agree with Robyn that it could be trigeminal nerve pain. Migraines can cause this.
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T.S. answers from Salinas on October 11, 2009
Just my 2 cents that you do not have trigeminal neuralgia. You described yours as gnawing pain and persistent. T.N. is quick sharp pains that feel like electricity bolting to your face. Debilitating and you would have been to the dr the same day. I have also had a sinus infection which your description sounds like. Go to the dr and get it treated. I ended up with a root canal from the infection.
Good luck!
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E.V. answers from Modesto on October 13, 2009
GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!!!!!!
I don't even want to scare you with possibilities but please, for the welfare of you and your family, please - just take some time out and go. this is a very justified visit to your doc.
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S.B. answers from Redding on October 11, 2009
Dear A.,
It sounds like it could be a sinus infection or perhaps and absess in one of your teeth. Both are very painful.
I've had both to where I couldn't even stand my pillow touching the side of my face. Antibiotics will help clear them up. In any case, you should make an appointment to be checked by your doctor.
Best wishes!
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L.O. answers from San Francisco on October 11, 2009
Having suffered a chronic tendency to sinus infections for many years (I seem to have outgrown it, fortunately) my guess is sinus. If you don't want to go the doc, you might try a regimen of psuedophed or some king of sinus medicine, although my doctor at the time--who also suffered from sinus infection tendencies--stated that taking pseudophed for people like us was like taking baby aspirin for a migraine. So, give that a whirl and if it doesn't work or only works a little, I'd go to a doctor.
good luck!
1 mom found this helpful
B.R. answers from Sacramento on October 11, 2009
I'm thinking it's probably a sinus problem, as others have suggested. Whenever we have pains that worry us, it never hurts to have a doctor, or dentist check them out just to rule out anything more serious. One remedy, if it is sinus, that I haven't seen suggested here is to use saline solution in your nasal passages to clear them. You can get a good solution over the counter (Simply Saline is the best quality one I've seen), or you can make up your own at home easily. Boil a cup of water and put approximately 1/4 teasp. of sea salt (don't use iodized salt because the iodine will sting the mucus membranes of the sinuses badly), and 1/4 teasp. of baking soda into the water. Let those dissolve, and cool the mixture to room temperature. Then use a rubber syringe... like the nasal aspirators you use on an infant... to put some of the solution into each nostril while you either tilt your head back or lie on your back. Be sure you have a lot of tissues or paper towels handy and after keeping the solution in your nose for one to two minutes, tilt your head forward and allow it to drain out, then blow your nose to get the rest of it out. If you do this daily or even two or three times a day, you may be amazed at what you get rid of, and find you feel much better.
I had even suffered a large loss of hearing in both ears for a while before I learned to do this, and believed I was going deaf. After a major clearing of my sinuses, using the saline method, most of that hearing has been restored along with much better breathing. I had even been to an ear/nose/throat Dr. and had major work done by him without getting the kind of good results I got from the saline.
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E.P. answers from San Francisco on October 11, 2009
Have you had a cold? It could be a sinus infection - I am just getting over one and I've had pain everywhere from my teeth to my cheek to my head...
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