Maryland State Wire

Overlooking a sinus headache is unnecessary when there is a simple, new procedure available to help you breathe better and get relief from sinus headaches.

When treating your sinus conditions and sinus headaches with over-the-counter medications, it can be a challenge to know where to start and when to see a doctor. If headaches occur more than 15 days per month and over-the-counter medicines are used frequently but help little, it could be time to see a doctor.

"Balloon sinuplasty is really a workhorse procedure for us to help patients who failed medical management, who have had continued issues with sinus infections, sinus headache, sinus pressure and excessive postnasal drainage," Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Maryland State Wire. "We also have inferior turbinate reduction, which we do as well to help with the patient’s breathing. It also helps decrease the amount of mucus production as well, and that can also help us help with snoring. We reduce septal swell bodies as well. These are all procedures that are done in an office setting that can help patients who have chronic sinus issues."

Sinus headaches come with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses, and they can cause inflammation, nasal congestion, pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow or forehead. You may experience worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down, as well as stuffy nose, fatigue and an achy feeling in your upper teeth, according to Mayo Clinic.

If you have acute sinusitis, you may find it difficult to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face might feel swollen, you might feel maxillary sinus pain and throbbing facial pain or headaches. Acute sinusitis is sinusitis that resolves on its own or when symptoms do not last longer than 12 weeks.

According to Healthline, you can try home remedies for sinus headaches. When all options have been exhausted, however, there is a relatively new procedure called balloon sinuplasty. During this minimally invasive procedure, a tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus cavity to open sinus passages, allowing them to drain. During the procedure, the sinuses can be irrigated as well.

A 2008 study of 65 patients by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation concluded that 85% of patients reported an improvement of their sinus symptoms two years after having a balloon sinuplasty. The study was done at six months, one year and two years after the procedure. X-ray evidence proves sinus disease remission after two years.

Those who are seeking a diagnosis can take this Sinus Self-Assessment to start down the path of treatment.