Are Sinus Headaches Causing You Unnecessary Pain?

When a headache strikes, most people reach for over-the-counter pain meds without giving a second thought to what could be causing their pain. If you’ve got chronic headaches and intense pressure around your nose, cheeks, eyes and forehead, you may be dealing with sinus headaches and sinus pressure. Sinus pressure and headaches may be the result of inflammation or swelling in your sinus cavity, also called sinusitis.

Finding out if your headaches are caused by sinus pressure may be your first step toward relief. Our experienced ear, nose and throat specialist at Houston Sinus & Allergy can determine whether sinus pressure is to blame for your chronic headaches and find a treatment that works.

What Are Sinus Headaches and Sinus Pressure?

Sinuses are air spaces in your facial bones that connect to the back of your nose. Your sinuses have a number of important jobs, including filtering and adding moisture to the air you inhale as well as secreting mucus, which catches and removes unwanted particles from your sinus cavities.

When your sinuses become inflamed, a condition known as sinusitis, mucus is unable to drain properly. This issue leads you to experience intense pressure or pain within your sinus cavities, which can lead to a sinus headache.

What Can Cause a Sinus Headache?

Inflammation within your sinus cavity will cause swelling and may result in increased mucus and fluid production. Because sinusitis makes it difficult for your sinuses to drain, the stagnant fluid within the sinus cavity can accumulate, leading to an infection.

Several possible issues may be creating a sinus infection, all of which can be addressed by our specialist here at Houston Sinus & Allergy:

• Allergic reactions
• Colds
• Viral infection
• Bacterial infection
• Fungal infection
• Impaired immune system
• Dental infection
• Structural problems within the nasal cavity

What Are the Symptoms of a Sinus Headache?

Most people aren’t aware that they have a sinus headache because many of the symptoms are similar to those you would get with a migraine headache, including:

• Pain or pressure in the forehead and cheeks
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth

A few distinctive signs can point to a headache being sinus-related, such as:

• Increased pressure over the sinus that’s blocked in the cheek area, the forehead or both
• Affected sinus that’s tender to the touch and reddened
• Facial swelling
• Pain that increases during movement of the head or getting out of bed because of increased pressure

What Are Signs That You May Have a Sinus Infection?

Patients living in Houston, Cypress and Jersey Village who believe they’ve developed a sinus infection should book their assessment with the specialist at Houston Sinus & Allergy as soon as possible. Besides a sinus headache, other signs may indicate a sinus infection, including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Achy muscles
• Opaque or greenish-yellow nasal drainage
• Cough caused by drainage down the back of the throat
• Swollen glands in the neck

How Can Houston, Cypress and Jersey Village Residents Find Relief From Sinus Headaches?

It’s important for sinus headache sufferers to see a doctor. The pain you’re experiencing can have a terrible impact on your life, from your ability to concentrate at work to your enjoyment of time spent with your family and friends. If you’re tired of sinus pressure and headache pain keeping you from living life the way you want, it’s time to contact Houston Sinus & Allergy. Our specialist, Dr. Nguyen, is proud to serve patients living Houston, Cypress and Jersey Village, TX.

While mild symptoms can be treated with a number of over-the-counter remedies, such as nasal decongestants and neti pots, these options are only temporary remedies, especially if your headaches are more severe.

During your consultation with our experienced ENT doctor at Houston Sinus & Allergy, you’ll find out if allergies are the cause of your sinus pressure or if it’s something else. You’ll also learn whether or not you’ve developed an infection. Dr. Nguyen can evaluate the severity of your headaches and discuss what treatment options are right for you, including more natural remedies.

Don’t let sinus pressure and sinus headaches steal one more moment from you. Book your assessment with our doctor today. You can also contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to make sure you’re informed about nose, sinus and allergy issues so that you can make better decisions about your health and well-being.