Headaches & Nasal Sinus Disease

While headaches are common determining the true cause of a headache may be difficult. Even though you may be certain your headache is from the sinuses, it may have another cause or several causes. Nasal congestion with facial pressure, pain behind the eyes, cheeks and the upper teeth, may be symptoms of a sinus headache. Migraine headache can also have these same symptoms making the diagnosis difficult and the reasons to see an expert in these areas. For some people there can be a combination of both sinus and migraine headaches. Sinus or nasal problems can trigger migraine. National Headache Foundation

Sinus headaches are caused when the nasal turbinates are swollen. The swelling of the turbinates creates excess mucous, often filling and blocking the sinuses. The turbinates may block the outflow of mucus from the sinuses and prevent the inflow into the sinuses. This swelling causes the facial pressure. What is Barosinusitis?

Medical management for turbinate congestion often helps and includes oral decongestants and over the counter decongesting nasal sprays (Afrin™ or neosynephrine). However, caution must be used with these decongesting nasal sprays because they can often make the symptoms worse by causing more congestion after the medication wears off. This is called a “rebound phenomenon”.

Surgical management to relieve the congestion is effective over 95% of the time. This is done either in the office for some patients or the out-patient surgery center using radiofrequency treatment
(Coblation™). Most people are back to nearly every activity the same or next day.

What is Barosinusitis

Barosinusitis is an obstruction of the sinus drainage and outflow that occurs with pressure change, like in an airplane, going down a mountain or elevator.  The blockage causes a vacuum in the sinuses and head and there can be moderate to severe pain over the face and sinuses.  If this occurs occasionally, using over the counter decongestants by spray or pill may help.   If this occurs frequently, the a sinus and nose examination is needed to see if there is a cause from nasal or sinus blockage.

Sinus Headache

Headaches are common. Determining the true cause of a headache may be difficult. Sometimes headaches occur with sinusitis and sometimes not. Nasal congestion with facial pressure, pain behind the eyes, cheeks and the upper teeth are symptoms of a sinus headache. Sinus headaches are caused when turbinates are swollen. The swelling of the turbinates creates excess mucous, often filling and blocking the sinuses. This swelling causes the facial pressure. Medical management often helps and includes oral decongestants and nasal sprays. However, caution must be used with nasal sprays because they can often make the symptoms worse. Surgical management includes the short, out-patient laser procedure called Turbinate Reduction.

National Headache Foundation

Congested Runny Nose

Allergic Rhinitis Vasomotor Rhinitis Stuffy, runny noses are common problems. Relief is available with the use of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS). But you ask, why does my nose run? There are several reasons... Allergic rhinitis is caused by dust, ragweed, and pollen. These allergies should be cared for by your allergist. If the nasal drainage is too bothersome, a high-tech laser procedure called Coblation may be helpful.

Vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic condition caused by sudden changes in the air you breathe. Smells, temperature, humidity and even eating can cause some people to have a runny nose.

Turbinates are the nasal structures that normally expand and contract but sometimes react to the air particles and cause a nasal obstruction or excess nasal mucous. This is what is making your nose run! The short, out-patient laser procedure called Turbinate Reduction helps reduce the drainage.

For temporary relief, a moderate use of decongestant nasal sprays and pills can be helpful.

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