Sinus headaches, which are often confused with (but not the same as) migraines, are caused by infections and swelling and inflammation of the sinus membranes. Although migraine and sinus headaches can be difficult to tell apart and self diagnose, sinus headaches are often accompanied with other respiratory symptoms like the common cold or flu. Dr. Ryan Gallivan, a rhinologist at Northwest Sinus Center in Bend, OR, offers diagnosis and treatment for a range of nasal and sinus conditions.

Get Relief for Sinus Headaches in Bend, OR

Sinus headaches cause a heavy, throbbing pain and pressure behind the eyes, nose and cheeks, which can intensify and get worse when leaning the head forward or from side to side. Headache is a common symptom of sinusitis (sinus infection). While headaches related to sinus inflammation do not always occur with other symptoms, when they do the most common are:

• Nasal congestion and stuffiness
• Pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead
• Toothache (pain at the base of the teeth that feels like a toothache)
• Facial pressure and swelling
• Green or yellow mucus discharge

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, one in eight of adults are affected by some form of sinusitis every year, typically in relation to cold and flu season, but they can occur at any time of year. Sinusitis can be either chronic or acute, and is caused by viral or bacterial infections and inflammation and blockage in the sinus cavity.

Acute sinusitis is generally characterized by symptoms that last up to four weeks. Because viral and bacterial sinus infections are treated differently (viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, for example), it is important to see a rhinologist for persistent symptoms in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Chronic sinusitis can last for up to 12 weeks and is generally the result of prolonged inflammation, rather than an infection.

Find an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Doctor in Bend, OR

If you are suffering from sinus related headaches or other symptoms of sinusitis, contact the Northwest Sinus Center by calling (855) 746-8700 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gallivan today.