Baltimore City Wire

Doctors recommend that patients who suffer from sinus headaches seek expert help to address their symptoms and to improve their quality of life.

The sinuses are air-filled spaces inside the forehead, cheekbones and behind the bridge of the nose. When sinuses become inflamed -- often as a result of an allergic reaction or infection -- they swell, make more mucus and the drainage channels get blocked, causing a buildup of pressure in the sinuses that feels like a headache.

People experiencing sinus headaches may feel a deep and constant pain in their cheekbones, forehead or the bridge of the nose. The pain usually gets stronger when they move the head suddenly or strain. At the same time, they might experience other sinus symptoms, including runny nose, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever and swelling in the face.

Dr. Jamie Oberman | Frederick Breathe Free

"Facial pain is always considered a sinus pathology and a very common complaint and symptom of folks who have a sinus pathology and very much a quality-of-life detriment for folks who suffer from those issues," Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Baltimore City Wire.

Experts recommend that patients relieve their symptoms and treat an infection if they have one. Patients can take antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants, for a short-term relief. Pain relievers can be used to address sinus headaches, and doctors can prescribe corticosteroids to ease the inflammation in the sinuses. 

"It certainly can be quite debilitating. The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life," Oberman said. "You don't have to live with it. There are solutions out there, many of which are very well-tolerated and minimally invasive and almost risk-free."

If an allergic reaction causes your sinus flareups, you might need a preventive allergy treatment. It's important to touch base with your doctor if you’re using any medication for an extended period of time to relieve sinus headaches. In some cases, they may recommend sinus surgery to remove polyps or open up small or perpetually swollen sinuses.

It's important for patients to figure out what kind of headache they have in order to choose the best course of action to relieve pain. If you think you might benefit from seeing a doctor, take this online Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.