How Do You Stop Sinus Headaches
If youre wondering, why do I keep getting sinus headaches every day and how can I get some relief from my frequent sinus headaches? you have options. For many, sinus problems can be treated effectively with the use of OTC medication and home remedies. Patients whose sinus issues and frequent sinus headaches do not respond well to traditional treatment, however, may wish to seek additional treatment. And one of the safest and easiest treatments available today is balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure performed at Sinus Solutions of South Florida Dr. Napoleon Bequer, a highly acclaimed ENT of South Florida. The procedure lasts less than 20 minutes and has provided thousands of patients nation-wide with long-lasting sinus relief. The concept of balloon sinuplasty is simple. During the procedure, your doctor inflates a balloon within the sinus cavities, restoring proper sinus drainage.
No cutting of bone or tissue is involved, and most patients are able to return to regular activities within 24-48 hours.
Tired of dealing with frequent sinus headaches? Ask your ENT about balloon sinuplasty.
This 20-minute procedure has proved highly successful at providing long term relief from common chronic sinus problems including sinusitis, allergies, frequent sinus headaches, sleep apnea, and more.
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Get Immediate Help Today
After reading about the common symptoms of nasal polyps, do you think they could be affecting you? If you live in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area, contact us at Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center right now to request an appointment for a no-obligation consultation and a SAME DAY appointment! We offer a variety of services that can help you finally start feeling more like your old self- and help you enjoy life again!
What Are Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, swollen, abnormal, sac-like growths that line the inside of a person’s nose or sinuses. They are often teardrop-shaped and grow together in groups. Though nasal polyps themselves are not a form of cancer, it is possible for other growths to form in the nasal cavity that are cancerousthough they are not considered polyps.
Frequently, nasal polyps grow where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity and can vary in size. While small polyps may not cause any problemsand may not be noticeablelarger polyps can block your sinuses or nasal airway, making it difficult to breathe.
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Can You Have Both Migraine And Sinus Headaches
People with migraine can get a sinus headache, says Rajneesh. Migraine headaches have both genetic and environmental factors, and one of the environmental factors is allergies. If the allergies flare up in a person with preexisting migraine headaches, the migraine headache can get worse in the setting of sinus conditions or sinus disease, he says.
In that case, as a neurologist, I would co-treat the headaches along with the primary care physician or the ear, nose, and throat surgeon. I would work on addressing the migraine, and the other care provider would treat the underlying sinus headaches, says Rajneesh.
Because sinus congestion can be a trigger for migraine, it can lead patients without a diagnosis of migraineto believe they are having sinus headaches, Weber says.
Natural Remedies For Sinusitis
Its normal to want to treat the current sinus infection quickly. That said, it is a good idea to get to the root of the problem. Treating your chronic nasal congestion can end your toothaches for good. This will let you get back to your normal life.
Once you treat the tooth pain, you can tackle your underlying problem. Here are some natural remedies for sinusitis:
- Flush your sinuses. Use a neti pot or a saline solution to flush your sinuses. This will also keep them moist.
- Do not over-use nasal sprays. Over the counter, nasal sprays are habit forming and can cause more problems than they solve.
- Try a bromelain supplement. Bromelain is an ingredient in pineapple stems and can help reduce swelling in the body. Check with your doctor before taking this supplement.
- Steam your face. Hot steam can really moisten your sinuses and loosen mucus. Try a hot shower or a steam tent.
- Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is key when it comes to a natural remedy for sinusitis.
- Spicy foods. Chili peppers, mustard, and horseradish can all help clear your sinuses.
- Try a humidifier. This will keep the air in your home moist and easy to breathe.
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Whats The Difference Between A Sinus Headache And A Migraine Headache
While sinus headaches are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, the cause of migraine headaches is, in large part, unknown. It involves a complex interplay between nerves, brain tissue, blood vessels, and brain chemicals. What makes it so complex is that in addition to the cause being unknown, they can be triggered by almost anything, from red wine, to bright lights, to not getting enough sleep one night .
While migraine pain can be noted in the cheek area and involve nasal membrane swelling like sinus headaches, theyâre often associated with very different symptoms.
For example, migraines can be associated with light and /or sound sensitivity and nausea, with or without vomiting. These are only seen with sinus headaches on very rare occasions. On the flip side, migraine headaches are typically not associated with thick discolored nasal discharge or fever.
Cleaning The Nose With Salt Water
A 2019 review found some indication that saltwater solutions can treat sinusitis. However, the researchers state that there was not enough evidence to confirm it helps or the best delivery method.
People can purchase nasal rinsing kits with premixed saltwater solutions. Alternatively, they can make the solution at home. To do this:
People should dispose of any leftover salt water, and make a fresh solution if using this technique repeatedly. A person should also clean any nasal irrigation devices thoroughly after each use. People should not use nasal rinses in children unless instructed by a doctor.
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Could Nasal Polyps Be The Cause Of Your Stuffy Nose
Are you blaming your stuffy nose on seasonal allergies or a cold? If these symptoms dont go away, they may be tied to something more serious like nasal polyps. These noncancerous growths can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sinuspressure and other symptoms that arent unique to this condition. Johns Hopkins otolaryngologist Jean Kim, M.D., Ph.D., answers important questions about nasal polyps to help you understand what they are and how to get rid of them.
How Is A Sinus Headache Different From A Migraine Attack
Whereas a sinus headache is a result of pressure on the nasal walls, migraine attacks originate in the brain, says Rajneesh. Theres often a clear association in a person who has a history of allergies, and then their allergies flare up, which then leads to headaches, and the headache is usually frontal, he says.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, people with allergic rhinitis are more than 10 times more likely to have migraine.
Although both migraine and a sinus headache can come with a runny nose, with migraine the discharge is usually clear, whereas in a headache that comes with sinusitis, it can be colored or foul smelling, says Rajneesh.
Migraine attacks are often associated with other symptoms besides a headache, which can include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity, according to Weber. Some migraine patients have an aura, typically visual, with spots, lights, or colors prior to the onset of a migraine attack, he says.
How a Migraine Attack Unfolds
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How Do You Diagnose Sinus Headaches Caused By Migraines
Sinus headaches are most likely due to migraines or tension headaches. Migraines are diagnosed by symptoms, including the frequency and severity of symptoms, family history, and by physical exam. Migraines can also include nausea and vomiting. These episodes may be triggered by hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods or alcohol or caffeine, stress, or environmental changes like weather, altitude changes, or allergens. Many patients with migraines have family members who also experience migraine headaches.
If you have unusual or severe symptoms, additional tests such as an MRI of the brain may be ordered to rule out more serious conditions that can cause headache pain, such as tumors or bleeding around the brain. If you have repeated episodes of sinus pain and pressure, a nasal endoscopy or imaging such as an MRI or CT scan can determine if sinus pain or pressure is due to a sinus infection or other sinus pathology. A normal sinus CT scan while you have symptoms could help rule out sinusitis, and determine if migraines, headaches, or other causes of facial pain and pressure are causing the sinus symptoms.
Other causes of facial pain and pressure can include temporomandibular joint syndrome, clenching or grinding your teeth, trigeminal nerve pain, temporal arteritis , dental infection, or other neurologic causes of facial pain.
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Treatment Options For Sinus Headaches
Treatment for sinus headaches is typically used to relieve symptoms and treat any underlying sinus infections. If an infection is present, Dr. Sunil Ummat typically prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection with an antihistamine or decongestant for symptoms. It is important to note that taking decongestants without an actual sinus headache could make symptoms worse. Patients must take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if they feel better after a few doses. This is because the infection may not be fully under control, even if symptoms start to disappear.
Along with antibiotics and medication to treat symptoms, analgesics like aspirin and ibuprofen, vasoconstrictors, and sometimes corticosteroids may be prescribed. If sinus problems are allergy-related, then preventative allergy medication including a nasal spray may be recommended and prescribed by the doctor.
Additional aspects of the chronic sinus headache treatment protocol often include keeping the homes air warm and moist with a humidifier, since dry air can trigger symptoms in patients with sinusitis. Warm compresses often can provide pain relief in the nose and sinuses. Saline drops for the nose may also be recommended to relieve dryness and reduce discomfort.
If these treatments are unsuccessful, Dr. Sunil Ummat may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery as a good option to relieve sinus problems long-term.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Sinus Headaches And Migraines
Sinus headaches and migraines have the following symptoms in common:
- Pain in the head especially the forehead
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Worsening pain when you move
Migraines tend to also have some of the following symptoms:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Severe pain located on one size of the head
Sinus headaches and migraines are often confused, and its important to know which type you have so you can receive treatment thats more likely to help.
If youre experiencing headaches, make an appointment today for an evaluation at Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute. Well correctly diagnose the type of headache you have as well as any underlying issues that are causing them and devise an effective treatment plan.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Migraine
The exact cause of migraine isnt known. Its believed that changes in levels of chemicals that are produced by the brain, such as serotonin, may affect how the nervous system regulates pain. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role in causing migraine.
The symptoms of a migraine attack can include:
- pain thats moderate to severe, often characterized as throbbing or pulsing
- pain that typically impacts one side of your head, but can also affect both sides
- sensitivity to lights and sounds
- nausea and vomiting
- pain that gets worse with physical activity
Additionally, migraine can also impact the area of your sinuses. When this happens, you may feel pain in your face or around your eyes.
An found that 45.8 percent of people with migraine had symptoms that impacted their nose and eyes, such as:
- a runny nose
According to research, many people who have pain in the sinus region are actually experiencing migraine or another type of headache. Sinus headache is the most common incorrect diagnosis given to someone who really has migraine.
An found that 88 percent of participants with a history of sinus headache actually met the clinical criteria for migraine.
So, how do you know if youre experiencing sinus pain or migraine?
When trying to tell the two conditions apart, there are a couple of important things to consider, including symptoms and timing.
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How Does A Doctor Know Whether Its Sinus Or Migraine
Migraine is a clinical diagnosis, says Weber. That means that the doctor will ask you about your family history of migraine, allergies, and any other symptoms to determine if you have migraine or sinus headache.
To help your doctor make the correct diagnosis, it can be really helpful to track what youre experiencing, says Lauren Doyle Strauss, DO, a headache specialist and assistant professor at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Write down your symptoms, says Strauss. Where is the pain located? Are you tired or dizzy? Are you sensitive to light or sound? Do you have an upset stomach or vomiting?
In addition to considering your symptoms, there can be tests used to identify sinus problems. A headache caused by a sinus infection is typically diagnosed with a CT scan of the sinuses, says Weber.
What Are The Overlapping Symptoms Of Migraine And Sinus Headache
Migraine attacks usually include a one-sided headache that is typically moderate to severe, with throbbing and pounding when severe, says Weber.
Facial pain and headache can occur with a sinus headache, too, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Both migraine attacks and sinus headaches can cause watery eyes and a runny nose.
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Nasal Polyps Treated With Corticosteroids Can Make Tinnitus Worse
The number one treatment that doctors prescribe for nasal polyps is the use of corticosteroids. They will first ask you to use nasal spray corticosteroids. If that doesnt work, you might have to take oral corticosteroids. Sometimes, corticosteroids are injectables.
Corticosteroids are Ototoxic
But, some corticosteroids are ototoxic . When a drug is said to be ototoxic, it means that it can potentially harm your ear, specifically your cochlea and auditory nerve. Toxicity to your cochlea and auditory nerve can make your Tinnitus come on or get much worse. For example, oral steroids like prednisone are commonly prescribed for nasal polyps. But, prednisone can cause or worsen your Tinnitus.
Despite there being a strong correlation between corticosteroids and Tinnitus, doctors continue to prescribe steroid doses to treat primary conditions like nasal polyps, without anticipating or considering how it can worsen debilitating conditions like Tinnitus.
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Your Sinus Headaches Explained
Youre congested. You feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. And your head is throbbing. It feels like a sinus headache but dont jump to conclusions.
Headaches often accompany sinusitis, a condition in which the membranes lining the sinuses become swollen and inflamed. But many people who assume they have sinus headaches actually have migraines or tension headaches.
When headaches caused by sinusitis do occur, proper diagnosis and treatment are the keys to relief.
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Are Sinus Headache And Migraine Easily Confused
Yes, they are according to the research. The pattern of migraine pain is different for individual patients. While the most easily recognized migraine headaches are localized to one side of the head, many patients feel pain or pressure on both sides, or in the neck or sinuses. This is because all of these areas are innervated by branches of the nerve that are most involved in migraine. For patients with sinus symptoms the most frequent patterns of pain and pressure are across the forehead and behind the eyes, but any sinus area or combination is possible.
A study called SAMS recruited the first 100 people to respond to their local ad. The ad asked those to come forward who believed they had sinus headache. Each participant was carefully examined in a 90-minute evaluation and imaging tests were conducted.
The findings showed that most of them had been wrongly diagnosed and in fact had a diagnosis of migraine.
How Symptoms Of Vh Can Be Mistaken For Sinus Headaches
When the eyes are no longer aligned vertically, the brain forces the extraocular muscles to work overtime to correct this problem in an effort to avoid double vision. The longer the muscles are compelled to do this, the more fatigued and overworked they become, at which point the symptoms of VH start to come to the forefront. The overworked eye muscles cause head pain, which can be focused around the eyes, sinuses, forehead and temples. This pain is very similar to that felt with a sinus infection or headache, which is why many patients who unknowingly have VH are misdiagnosed as having chronic sinus headaches.
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