PHX Reporter

Sinus headaches may require medical care if they are severe or chronic.

Inside the forehead, cheekbones and behind the bridge of the nose are air-filled spaces called sinuses, according to WebMD. Sinuses usually become inflamed because of an allergic response or an infection that swells and creates more mucus, causing the channels that drain them to get blocked.

The buildup of pressure in the sinuses causes pain that feels like a headache.

“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses. This is important to note because, as inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for sinuses to function optimally,” Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told PHX Reporter. “Over time, chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect quality of life.”

Sinus headaches can cause prolonged pain in the cheekbones, forehead or the bridge of your nose, which can cause swelling in the face, along with a runny nose and fullness in the ears.

“It may be a surprise to some people, but your ear, in fact, is a part of your sinus anatomy,” Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told PHX Reporter. “The definition of a sinus is a mucous membrane-lined cavity, with a valve, that drains into the nose. Your eustachian tube is a mucous membrane-lined cavity, has a valve and connects your middle ear to your nose. Eustachian tube dysfunction can occur due to untreated, chronic sinusitis and can cause symptoms such as pain, pressure and fullness in one or both ears.”

The ultimate objective is to relieve sinus headache symptoms. Antihistamines or decongestants can work for a short period of time. However, if symptoms are severe, it is best to contact a doctor to find out more about sinus surgery or other treatments that can be done to relieve pain and discomfort.

Take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to see if you could benefit from seeing a doctor at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.