Which type of sinus infection might be associated with facial pain that worsens when bending forward?

Maxillary sinusitis is often associated with facial pain that can worsen when bending forward. This is because the maxillary sinuses are located in the cheeks, and when a person bends over, the pressure in the sinuses can increase, exacerbating the pain. Additionally, the maxillary sinuses are closely related to the dental structures, and irritation or infection can manifest as pain in the upper teeth as well.

Frontal sinusitis primarily presents with pain in the forehead and can be associated with headache, but it is less likely to cause significant facial discomfort specifically linked to bending forward. Sphenoid sinusitis can also present with deep pain behind the eyes or within the head but does not typically cause facial pain as prominently as maxillary sinusitis. Ethmoid sinusitis may cause pain around the eyes but does not usually present with facial pain that exacerbates with postural changes as seen with maxillary involvement.

Understanding the location and drainage of the different sinuses helps explain why maxillary sinusitis is the most likely cause of the described symptoms when bending forward.