The combination of pain and pressure makes sinus headaches particularly unpleasant. If sinus headaches are a frequent problem for you, your ENT doctor in Bend, OR, Dr. Ryan Gallivan of Northwest Sinus Center, can offer treatments that will relieve your pain.

Sinus headache causes

Colds and other upper respiratory infections swell and inflame your sinuses. When this happens, mucus production also increases. If the thick mucus prevents your nose from draining properly, pressure increases in your sinuses, triggering headaches. Although the headaches often go away on their own, they can become a chronic, painful problem for some people.

In addition to illnesses, other sinus headache causes include:

● Increased mucus production due to allergies
● Obstacles, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, that interfere with drainage
● Viral, bacterial, or fungal sinus infections

Sinus headache symptoms

Sinus headache pain usually affects the forehead and the areas around your eyes and nose. Bending down to pick up a dropped pen or any activity that involves lowering your head increases pain and pressure. In addition to pain and pressure, you may also notice:

● A Toothache: Sinus-related tooth pain prompts many people to assume they have a new cavity. Although tooth decay certainly could be the cause, inflammation in your sinuses can irritate roots in your upper teeth, triggering pain.
● Congestion: A stuffy nose may accompany your headache. When you blow your nose, you may see thick mucus that looks green or yellow.
● Post-Nasal Drip: Although you might not notice the problem as much during the day, post-nasal drip can make sleeping uncomfortable. You may wake yourself up coughing or might choke on the thick mucus in your throat. Morning nausea caused by the accumulation of mucus in your stomach can also be a problem.

It's normal to feel more tired than usual when you have a sinus infection. Some people also develop fevers, chills, and facial swelling.

Treating sinus headaches

Luckily, you can do a few things at home to relieve your pain. Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, decrease both pain and inflammation, while decongestants relieve congestion. Nasal rinses can help wash away mucus while using a humidifier to moisten the air can improve your comfort.

If your sinus headache symptoms continue more than a few weeks or are severe, your Bend, OR, ENT may recommend prescription medications, including decongestants, corticosteroids, or antibiotics. Treating underlying conditions, like allergies and nasal polyps, may help you reduce the number of sinus headaches you get.

Are you struggling with sinus headaches? Your Bend, OR, ENT doctor, Dr. Gallivan of Northwest Sinus Center, can help. Call him at (855) 746-8700 to schedule your appointment.