Sinus Headaches
NY Sinus and Thyroid Surgery Center
New York Sinus & Thyroid Surgery Center – Edward J. Shin M.D.
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310 E. 14TH STREET 6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

Sinus Headache Treatment NYC

Sinus-Related Headaches

Our ENT, Dr. Edward Shin, offers sinus headache treatment in NYC to relieve the pain and tenderness associated with sinus headaches. Sinusitis or sinus infections can lead to buildups of pressure around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, or nose that can cause throbbing and discomfort. Known as sinus headaches, these symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and are often accompanied by congestion, thick or discolored nasal discharge, fever, cough, and more. Sinus headaches can be acute (lasting a few weeks and then subsiding) or chronic (continuing or reoccurring). Persistent symptoms may be a sign of an underlying sinus condition that needs professional evaluation and care by a board-certified ENT. At New York Sinus & Thyroid Surgery Center, Dr. Edward Shin offers sinus headache treatments to help patients relieve the painful symptoms of sinus headaches.

SINUS HEADACHES OVERVIEW
CAN CAUSE HEAD PAIN & DISCOMFORT
USUALLY OCCUR DUE TO SINUS INFECTIONS, SINUS DISORDERS, OR ALLERGIES
SINUS BLOCKAGES CAN CAUSE PRESSURE TO BUILD AROUND THE SINUSES
PRESSURE IS USUALLY FELT AROUND THE FOREHEAD, EYES, & MID FACE
OFTEN CONFUSED WITH MIGRAINES & TENSION HEADACHES
PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION IS REQUIRED TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE SINUS HEADACHES
OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE SYMPTOMS OF SINUS INFECTIONS (CONGESTION, NASAL DISCHARGE, & MORE)
NON-INVASIVE SINUS HEADACHE TREATMENTS CAN HELP RELIEVE & MANAGE SYMPTOMS
SINUS SURGERY MAY BE RECOMMENDED TO TREAT UNDERLYING CAUSES
Sinus Headaches Treatment

What Causes Sinus Headaches?

Oftentimes, sinus headaches are secondary symptoms to an undiagnosed sinus condition. When the sinuses are functioning properly, they produce mucus to moisten the nose and trap irritants. This mucus then drains out of the sinuses and is directed down the back of the throat. If there is an obstruction or blockage present in the sinus passageway, then the mucus backs up and fills the sinus cavity. Mucous buildups can lead to sinus infections and cause sinus headaches. Inflammation can cause pressure and discomfort around the sinuses until the infection resolves. Some patients suffer from structural issues or sinus disorders that contribute to chronic or reoccurring sinus headaches. Possible causes of sinus headaches include:

CAUSES OF SINUS HEADACHES
Bacterial, viral, or fungal sinus infections
Respiratory tract infections
Allergies
Nasal polyps or nasal tumors
Sinus tumors or mucoceles
Immune disorders or medical conditions
Side effects from medication

How Do I Know If My Headache Is Sinus-Related?

Sinus headaches cause many of the same symptoms as migraines and tension headaches. Typically, sinus headaches occur along with other sinus infection symptoms, such as nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, fever, sore throat, and coughing. Migraines and tension headaches usually lack many of these symptoms and may cause nausea or dizziness instead. Ultimately, sinus headaches are very difficult to tell apart from other types of headaches without a professional evaluation. Dr. Shin can help diagnose your sinus headache during a physical exam. A nasal endoscope can be used to see inside the nasal passages and sinuses to see if there are any obstructions or blockages contributing to sinus-related disorders. A CT scan of the sinuses may also be recommended. Dr. Shin can then recommend the appropriate sinus headache treatment to best address your symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sinus Headaches?

Sinus headaches can cause dull or throbbing pain, as well as tightness and pressure around the face. You may experience pain around the sinuses (the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and nose especially). Your head may feel heavy and sudden movements may make discomfort worse. Sinus infections often cause sinus headaches, so patients typically experience runny nose, thick or discolored nasal discharge, sore throat, coughing, post-nasal drip, and fever.

SINUS HEADACHE SYMPTOMS
DULL OR THROBBING HEAD PAIN
FACIAL PRESSURE OR TIGHTNESS
DISCOMFORT AROUND THE EYES, FOREHEAD, CHEEKS, & NOSE
HEAVINESS & STRAINING TO KEEP YOUR HEAD UP
WORSENING DISCOMFORT WHEN LYING YOUR HEAD DOWN OR BENDING DOWN
PAIN WHEN MAKING SUDDEN MOVEMENTS WITH YOUR HEAD
PUFFY OR WATERY EYES
FATIGUE
LIGHT FACIAL SWELLING IS POSSIBLE
CONGESTION, RUNNY NOSE, & SYMPTOMS INDICATIVE OF A SINUS INFECTION
SLIGHT NAUSEA (CAN BE CAUSED BY POST-NASAL DRIP)
SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT OR NOISE (MAY BE AN INDICATOR OF MIGRAINES)
Treatment For Sinus Headaches

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SINUS HEADACHE TREATMENTS?

SINUS HEADACHE TREATMENTS ARE DESIGNED TO
Relieve and manage symptoms
Reduce sinus inflammation caused by infections or allergies
Open up the sinus pathways to promote drainage
Remove blockages and obstructions that cause backups
Flush out mucus and congestion from the sinus cavities
Correct structural defects that contribute to reoccurring sinus headaches

Pain relievers can be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and pressure caused by sinus headaches. If your headache is caused by a bacterial sinus infection, then antibiotics may be prescribed to resolve symptoms. Nasal sprays and decongestants can help clear the nasal pathways to open up airflow through the nostrils. Corticosteroids may be recommended to relieve sinus inflammation. Nasal corticosteroids are most common, but oral and injected corticosteroids may also be suggested for short-term use. In some cases, allergies can cause sinus headaches. Allergy shots and other treatments may be recommended for these patients.

Can Sinus Surgery Treat Sinus Headaches?

If you have reoccurring sinus headaches that are caused by an underlying sinus issue like a blockage or obstruction, then sinus surgery may be an ideal treatment option to provide long-lasting relief. Dr. Shin specializes in various types of sinus surgery to help relieve sinus headaches. Endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed to remove growths or obstructions that back up the sinuses. Sinus surgery can create space for the sinuses to drain by opening up sinus pathways. The sinuses can also be flushed out to remove congestion. Learn more about sinus surgery by clicking here.

How Do I Learn More About Sinus Headache Treatment In NYC?

Our sinus surgeon in NYC would be happy to discuss sinus headaches and treatments in more detail with you. To schedule a consultation, please call 646.943.7985 or request an appointment online at our NYC office.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN

Edward J. Shin, M.D.

NEW YORK SINUS & THYROID SURGERY CENTER

310 E. 14TH STREET
6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

646.943.7985

New York Eye & Ear Infirmary Of Mount Sinai

NEW YORK SINUS & THYROID SURGERY CENTER

310 E. 14TH STREET
6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

646.943.7985