• Signs of a sinus headache include facial swelling, a feeling of fullness in the ears, persistent facial pain and a fever.
• Migraines are true headaches, while sinus headaches are caused by the symptoms involved with chronic sinus pain.
• Balloon sinuplasty is an effective treatment for chronic sinusitis.
New treatments are available that can provide relief to patients experiencing longstanding sinus headaches and chronic sinusitis.
"[Sinusitis] certainly can be quite debilitating," Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Maryland Business Daily. "The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life. You don't have to live with it. There are solutions out there, many of which are very well-tolerated and minimally invasive and almost risk-free."
The sinuses swell and produce more mucus when they become inflamed, and that can block them from draining properly as a result. According to WebMD, sinus headaches result from a buildup of mucus inside the sinuses causing pain under the cheeks, on the forehead or along the bridge of the nose. In some cases, migraines or tension headaches can be confused with sinus headaches.
In spite of the fact that sinus headaches and migraines share some symptoms, the American Migraine Foundation reports that migraines are characterized by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise or smells.
Some of the surgical options for chronic sinusitis include endoscopy and balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty, which is relatively new, is a good option for patients who don't need anything cut or removed from their sinuses. A small balloon is attached to the end of a thin tube, which is inserted into the nose by the doctor. When the balloon is inflated, the doctor guides it to the blocked area inside the sinuses. Congestion is relieved by the balloon, which helps clear the sinus passageways.
If you are experiencing sinus headaches or chronic sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz provided by Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.