• Sinus headache symptoms include facial swelling, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever and persistent facial pain.
• Migraines and sinus headaches are often confused for one another.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a highly effective solution for chronic sinusitis.
Anyone who thinks they might have chronic sinusitis or any other sinus condition should seek treatment, a Linwood-based sinus specialist said. Sinus headaches have known causes and can be treated, Dr. Nicola DeLorio of Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group in Linwood told New Jersey Business Daily.
"Sinus headaches are basically pressure caused by mucus production within the sinus that then cannot drain from that sinus," DeLorio said. "We have two large sinuses in our forehead called the frontal sinuses. They make mucus that's drained to the nose, and we either blow it out or we swallow it. If that mucus is staying within the sinuses, it causes pressure, pain and headaches. Treatment varies based on the patient's needs."
DeLorio, a board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon, is the founding owner and medical director of Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group. She has special expertise, advanced training and more than 17 years experience treating allergy, nasal and sinus issues.
Inflamed sinuses, typically due to allergic reactions or infections, causes sinus swelling and increased mucus production, and could even lead to blockage and poor drainage, according to WebMD. Buildup in the sinuses can cause headache-like pain and sinus headache symptoms such as facial swelling, a feeling of fullness in the ears, fever and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead and/or the bridge of the nose.
Sinus headaches often are mistaken for migraines or tension headaches. Sinus headaches and migraines do share some symptoms, but symptoms unique to migraines include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise or smells, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Sinusitis sufferers may be presented with surgical treatment options, including endoscopy and balloon sinuplasty, according to WebMD. Balloon sinuplasty, a newer treatment, is often is a good option for patients who don't require anything be removed from the sinuses.
During balloon sinuplasty, the physician inserts a thin tube with a small balloon attached to one end into the nose and then guides the balloon to the blocked area before inflating it. The inflated balloon helps clear the passageway, allowing sinuses to drain properly and alleviate congestion.
If you're experiencing sinus headaches or chronic sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group.