What can i do for sinus headache: Natural Sinus-Problem Remedies

06.10.201919.04.2021 by alexxlab

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Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

SOURCES:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: “Headache: Hope Through Research.”

National Headache Foundation: “Tension-Type Headache.”

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Tension headache.”

American Headache Society: “Types of Headaches.”

University Health Services, University of California, Berkeley: “Tension Headache Fact Sheet,” “Headaches.”

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Headaches: In Depth.”

Mayo Clinic: “Tension headache,” “Tension-type headaches: Self-care measures for relief.”

Pain research and treatment: “Is There a Relation between Tension-Type Headache, Temporomandibular Disorders and Sleep?”

PennState Hershey: “Tension headache.”

Wayne State University Physician Group: “Tension Headache.”

Harvard Health Publishing: “What type of headache do you have?” “Tension Headache,” “4 ways to tame tension headaches.”

UpToDate: “Evaluation of headache in adults,” “Patient education: Headache causes and diagnosis in adults (Beyond the Basics),” “Tension-type headache in adults: Preventive treatment. “

National Health Service: “Tension-type headaches.”

Temple Health: “Tension Headache.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Tension Headaches.”

Medscape: “Tension Headache.”

Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology: “Headaches/Migraine.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Tension-Type Headaches,” “Rebound Headaches.”

American Family Physician: “Tension-Type Headache.”

American Migraine Foundation: “Tension-type headache.”

Mount Sinai Hospital: “Headache Triggers and Tips,” “Tension Headache.”

University of Michigan Health System: “Tension Headaches,” “When Should You See a Doctor for Headache or Migraines?”

President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.

University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority: “Headaches: Should I Take Prescription Medicine for Tension Headaches?”

National Stroke Association: “Act FAST.”

Sinus Surgery for Treating Chronic Sinusitis

Most sinus infections can clear up on their own, or with the help of antibiotics if they’re caused by a bacterial infection. Saline sprays, topical nasal steroids, and over-the-counter medicines often bring relief.

But there are exceptions.

When Is Surgery Needed?

It depends on the cause.

Sinusitis is swelling in your sinuses that causes congestion and discomfort. Several things can cause your nasal passages to become blocked and lead to this condition. Some of these are:

Infections by bacteria, fungi or viruses
Small growths called polyps on the lining of your sinuses
Allergies
A deviated septum, meaning a crooked wall in between your nostrils

If you don’t get relief from your medicine, nasal rinses, or other treatments, tell your doctor. They may send you to a specialist.

Surgery may be an option if your sinusitis is due to a deviated septum, polyps, or other structural problems.

The main goals of sinus surgery are to relieve your symptoms and cut down on how many infections you get. If they keep coming back, chances are there’s something in your nasal cavity that surgery could fix.

An operation should also help you breathe better through your nose. And if the chronic congestionhas affected your sense of smell or taste, surgery might help with that, too.

Types of Surgery

If you decide to get surgery, you have a few different options. Among these are endoscopy and balloon sinuplasty.

Endoscopy. This is a common procedure. Doctors insert very thin and flexible instruments called endoscopes into your nose. One instrument has a small camera lens that sends images back to a screen. That way, the doctor can see where your sinuses are blocked and guide the other instruments that can gently remove polyps, scar tissue, and other.

Doctors won’t cut into your skin, so your recovery will be faster and easier. Endoscopy is usually done with a local anesthetic, meaning the area will be made numb and you can be awake. You’ll likely be able to go home when it’s over.

Balloon sinuplasty. If your doctor doesn’t need to remove anything from your sinuses, you may be a good candidate for this newer type of surgery.

The doctor puts a thin tube into your nose. Attached at one end of it is a small balloon. They then guide the balloon to the blocked area inside your nose and inflates it. This helps clear the passageway so your sinuses can drain better and you won’t be so congested.

Surgery Risks

The risks from these procedures are few. The most common are tissue injury and infection. More serious problems, such as injury to the brain or eyes, are rare.

As with any procedure, you should talk with your doctor first about the risks and benefits. Get a second opinion if you still have concerns.

After Surgery

Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may need what’s called nasal packing. This is when your doctor places gauze-like material in the nasal cavity to absorb blood or other fluids right after surgery. They will take them out at your next follow-up appointment. There are also dissolvable packing materials that don’t need to be removed.

Some things you’ll need to remember after surgery:

Sleep with your head raised, perhaps using an extra pillow, for a while.
Avoid blowing your nose for a week or so.
Try to keep your mouth open when you sneeze. This will take some of the pressure off your nasal cavities.

Continued

You should start to feel better and have fewer symptoms a few days after the procedure.

Keep in mind that sinus surgery doesn’t always cure sinusitis. Instead, you should look at it as part of your overall treatment plan. For example, you may still get sinus infections from time to time. And in the days right after surgery, your doctor may tell you to continue with saline rinses, antibiotics or other medications to treat your condition.

So, while surgery may not be a permanent cure for your sinus problems, it could help you on the way to freer breathing.

3 Ways to Relieve Pain and Pressure

When you have a sinus headache, all you want is relief…fast!

As the makers of BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion , we’re going to tell you to take our powder formula for fast relief. It can help you quickly relieve the sinus headache, congestion and pressure that can come with allergies, a cold, sinus infection or the flu.

But we also want to give you other options—simple things you can do at home to help relieve sinus congestion and pain.

1. Warm or cool moist air

Dry air can make sinus pain worse, but moist air can help relieve sinus congestion. Do NOT hold your head over a steaming pot of boiling water or soup. As tempting as it may be when you feel bad, the hot steam can actually burn your skin and eyes. To be safe, inhale steam from your morning shower, either while you’re showering or sitting in a steamy bathroom.

At night, you can use a humidifier or vaporizer to help keep your sinuses open and your nasal passages moist. Just be sure to clean the machines as directed so you don’t introduce more bacteria into the air and into your airways.

2. Warm compress

Warm compresses can help ease swelling and open your sinus passage, relieving sinus pressure and pain. Lie down for 15 minutes or so, placing a warm, wet washcloth over your forehead and bridge of your nose. You can do this as many times as you need.

3. Saline spray or wash

Many people use a saline wash to irrigate their nasal passages and sinuses every day. You may want to start with a saline spray or mist, which can be easier to use. The saline mist can help ease congestion in your nose and relieve sinus swelling as well. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have been diagnosed with a sinus infection. You will want to use the spray or wash as directed so you don’t accidentally worsen your symptoms.

If it’s winter and you have sinus pain and congestion, you may also want to turn your heat down a few degrees, especially at night. Hot, dry air can make sinus pain worse and irritate your throat, nose and sinuses. Talk to your doctor for more tips to relieve sinus pain and congestion.

And remember, if you need relief during the day when you’re away from home, you can take BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion on-the-go stick packs with you. Slip one or two into your pocket or purse, or keep them at your workstation so they’re there when you need fast sinus headache relief.

Five Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

But those 7-10 days can make you miserable.

One of the most annoying symptoms is the sinus pressure around the eyes, head and cheeks. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and medications that can help provide relief.

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What causes a sinus infection?

A sinus infection can be caused by several different things including:

• Seasonal allergies
• A deviated septum: The septum is the part of the nose that divides it into right and left nostrils. Some people have crooked or deviated septums, which makes them more susceptible to sinus infections.
• Nasal polyps
• Respiratory tract infections

Sinus infections may be acute (lasting for a shorter period of time) or chronic (recurring for several months).

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

Common signs of a sinus infection include:

• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Congestion and a runny nose
• Sore throat
• Post nasal drip
• Coughing
• Exhaustion
• Bad breath

What causes sinus pressure?

The throbbing pain you feel when bending over when you have a sinus infection is caused by a buildup of fluid around the sinus cavities. Inflammation blocks the narrow sinus passages, making it difficult for fluid to drain. As a result, bacteria or viruses develop and cause an infection.

What are five ways to relieve sinus pressure?

Some of the most effective home remedies include:

1. A warm compress

Putting a warm compress on your forehead and over your nose helps open the sinus passages to reduce the swelling.

2. Saline nose spray

A nose spray or nasal irrigation helps wash away germs and allergens that are causing swelling. The saline acts as a humidifier and helps sinus mucus move so it can drain.

3. Steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water

By inhaling steam, you can reduce swelling, which in turn will alleviate pressure.

4. A humidifier or vaporizer

Keeping your environment moist can help your sinus passages open. Be sure to keep your humidifier or vaporizer clean.

5. Over-the-counter medications

A variety of OTC medications can help relieve the discomfort associated with sinus pressure, particularly acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen; however, be sure you check to ensure that they won’t react with any prescription medicines or natural remedies that you may be taking. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully.

While decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine may help with congestion, you should always check with one of our providers or your pharmacist to be sure these are safe to take with any medications or herbal remedies you are currently taking.

It’s important to realize that certain medications like Afrin may cause immediate relief, but can actually cause “rebound” stuffiness, so it’s best to limit your use of this OTC medication.

What is the long-term relief for sinus infections?

Sinus infections are primarily caused by allergies. The most common allergens are pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Those with repeated sinus infections may have chronic sinusitis, which means long-term solutions may be a better option.

Immunotherapy can help. These allergy shots enable your body to decrease sensitivity to common allergens. The Raleigh sinus doctors at Raleigh Medical Group specialize in helping patients with chronic allergy and sinus problems. While immunotherapy is effective, the treatment can take as long as one year to achieve noticeable results and maintenance treatment will likely be needed.

To find out if you’re a candidate for immunotherapy, schedule an appointment with one of our internal medicine doctors. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Request Appointment

For more than 40 years, Raleigh Medical Group has served as the Triangle area’s premier internal medicine provider. Comprised of three distinct practices: Raleigh Medical Group, Cary Medical Group and Raleigh Adult Medicine, we tailor our treatments to provide the finest personalized health care available for each stage of your adult life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control. “Sinus Infection.”

Diagnosis & Treatment for Sinus Headaches

Sinus Headache Symptoms & Treatment Options

Sinus headaches can bring acute discomfort to the sufferer, and are commonly experienced as pain across the forehead, nose and cheekbones. Sharp movements of the head can result in bursts of pain, making everyday life uncomfortable.

For many sufferers, diagnosing whether you have a sinus issue or a migraine can be tricky. If you or your child areexperiencing the symptoms of sinus headache or a possible migraine, Dr. Chacko will diagnose the issue and work to find the best sinus treatment solution for you. Serving families in the Atlanta area, Chacko Allergy is ready to help.

Treatment Options for Sinus Headaches

Inflamed sinuses are commonly the cause of these sinus headaches. To find the right treatment, it is important to diagnose what’s causing the inflammation – does it result from allergies, an infection, or other issues?

Antihistamines and Decongestants

If you are experiencing allergies, you may be prescribed antihistamines and/or a decongestant to resolve the issue.

Home Remedies

Simple, traditional home remedies can ease the pain by reducing the inflammation and unblocking your nose. Drinking plenty of water, using a dehumidifier, or applying a warm towel to your face can provide relief for a sinus headache.

Antibiotics

A bacterial infection is a more severe case of sinusitis, and this may require antibiotics. We work with families in Alpharetta, Cumming, Duluth, Roswell, Johns Creek and beyond to find a sinus headache treatment solution that works best.

Surgery

While surgery is a less common solution, there are instances where it could be the best option. Recurring sinus problems and issues with drainage may require a simple surgical procedure to repair sinus tissue.

What Are the Signs You Have a Sinus Headache?

When you or your child are experiencing a headache, there are signs and symptoms that can help determine whether it’s a sinus headache, rather than a migraine or other issue.

Blocked nose with a yellow discharge
Pain across your forehead, cheeks and nose
Increased pain when you move your head or bend over
Persistent pain that remains after a cold has cleared

Common Questions About Sinus Headaches

How can you tell the difference between a sinus headache and a migraine?

A few things to look out for with a sinus headache include yellow mucus drainage, bad breath and a fever. A migraine would more likely lead to clear nasal drainage, nausea, plus sensitivity to light.

Can you have a sinus headache without congestion?

If you are not congested, it is unlikely that you have a sinus headache. A buildup of mucus in the sinuses is a primary cause of a sinus headache, so you should expect to feel congested.

Sinus Headache Relief Is Available

If you or your child suffer from sinus headaches, Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is here to diagnose the problem and offer the solutions you are most comfortable with.

We work with adult and pediatric patients at our allergy clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth or Johns Creek Call today to request an appointment at 678-668-4688.

Migraine vs. Sinus Headaches | American Migraine Foundation

By: Susan Hutchinson, MD

Key Points About Sinus Headache:

Migraine is commonly misdiagnosed as a sinus headache.
Self-diagnosed sinus headache is nearly always migraine (90% of the time).
Migraine is commonly associated with forehead and facial pressure over the sinuses, nasal congestion and runny nose.
In the absence of fever, pus from your nose, alteration in smell or foul-smelling breath, you likely have a migraine headache.
Your diagnosis needs health practitioner confirmation for accuracy and the best treatment.

Common Symptoms of Sinus Headaches

Sinus Headache is a common complaint in the general population. But just what is sinus headache? Common symptoms include facial pain and pressure, nasal and sinus congestion and headache. Numerous over-the-counter medications are marketed for these symptoms and reinforce the belief that this condition is common. However, sinus headache is not as common as you and others may think. How do we know that?

Sinus Headache Misdiagnosis

A very large population-based study, entitled American Migraine Study II, showed that many people who were diagnosed with migraine thought they had “sinus” headache. Significantly, there were almost 30,000 study participants—only about 50% who were diagnosed with migraine knew they had migraine before the study. The most common misdiagnosis was “sinus” headache.

“True” sinus headache, more properly called rhinosinusitis, is rare and secondary to a viral or bacterial sinus infection characterized by thick, discolored nasal discharge, possibly decreased smell or no smell, facial pain or pressure and commonly fever. Facial pain and headache should resolve within seven days after remission of viral symptoms or after successful treatment with antibiotics if a bacterial sinus infection is present. If pain continues, then your diagnosis should be reconsidered.

What is a Sinus Headache?

It is migraine with sinus symptoms. A very large study involving almost 3,000 patients was very important in evaluating the frequent complaint of “sinus headache.” In this study, the participants had at least six “sinus headaches” in the six months prior to entrance into the study. They had never been diagnosed with migraine and had never been treated with a migraine-specific medication.

What were the results? Eighty-eight percent of the participants were found to be having migraine headache and not a sinus headache. Strict criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders were used to tell the difference between headache types. In addition to their common symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion and facial pain and pressure, sufferers often had the following symptoms we associate with migraine:

Nausea
Sensitivity to light and/or noise
Moderate to severe headache
Pulsing/throbbing pain
Headache worsened by activity

In this study, almost 3,000 patients with the complaint of “sinus headache” were taking lots of over the counter and prescription decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, there was a lot of patient dissatisfaction with their results. The dissatisfaction makes sense since many actually had migraine producing the sinus complaints.

Sinus Headache Symptoms and Migraine

Research studies show how common sinus symptoms occur with migraine. Specifically, in one study, 45% of migraine patients had at least one symptom of either nasal congestion or watery eyes. Significantly, if the congestion is part of the migraine, it would be expected to resolve with the specific migraine treatment.

So, how do you know if your headache is migraine and not sinus? Ask yourself the following questions:

In the last three months, how disabling are your headaches? Do they interfere with your ability to function? (Are you missing work; school; family activities?)
Are your headaches ever associated with nausea?
Are your headaches ever associated with sensitivity to light?

There is the ID Migraine Questionnaire developed by Dr. Richard Lipton of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. If two of the above three criteria are present, migraine is likely 93% of the time. If all three are present, a migraine diagnosis is 98% likely.

Take-Home Point: Go beyond the nasal and sinus congestion and the facial pain and pressure; look for a headache associated with the inability to function normally at work, school, home or social functions, nausea, sensitivity to light and triggers such as weather change, menses, and stress (all common provokers for migraine). Significantly, it is commonly thought that weather change often causes “sinus headache” when weather change is a common trigger for migraine.

Sinus Headache Medication

If you feel that your sinus headaches could be migraine, ask your provider if a migraine-specific medication could be right for you. If so, try the migraine-specific medication for your next three “sinus headaches.” Look for the headache and associated symptoms to improve better than all the previous treatments you were taking. In some cases, a work-up may be done such as a CT scan of your sinuses to rule out a secondary cause such as sinus disease or simply to reassure you that the diagnosis is migraine and not a sinus problem.

Summary of Sinus Headaches

In summary, most “sinus headache” is migraine with sinus symptoms. Knowing this can help with getting the right diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, this can help free you from the recurring burden of failed headache treatment and disability.

By Susan Hutchinson, MD, Director, Orange County Migraine & Headache Center, Irvine, CA.

This article is a legacy contribution from the American Headache Society Committee for Headache Education (ACHE) and the Fred Sheftell, MD Education Center.

Sinus Headaches, Allergies, Asthma and Migraine: More Than a Casual Relationship?

By: Roger K. Cady, MD

Facts You Should Know about Sinus Headaches, Allergies, Asthma and Migraine:

Sinus headache, or sinusitis, is associated with a pus-like or purulent nasal discharge that represents a potential infection in the sinus(es). Migraine may be associated with watery eyes and runny nose, but the fluid is clear.
People with allergic rhinitis are more than ten times more likely to have migraine.
Asthma may be associated or comorbid with migraine, and a full diagnosis of each is needed.
Identifying potential triggers for asthma is important in reducing the risk of an attack and the risk of triggering a migraine.

In order to survive, all living organisms must be able to separate themselves from their environment. They must be able to absorb nutrients from that environment, while at the same time protect themselves from injury and contamination. To ensure that we live safely within our environment, nature has evolved complex safeguards involving the nervous system, endocrine (hormonal) system and immune system.

As part of this defense system, each portal of entry into the human body has a sophisticated mechanism in place to provide this protection. While most of the time these defense mechanisms function flawlessly, there is the potential for problems, and several important disorders, including migraine, asthma and allergies, may reflect disruptions of these mechanisms. Disruption of the defense mechanisms designed to protect the lung can result in asthma. If those in the skin or sinus go awry, allergies can result and if those involving the nervous system are disrupted, migraine can result.

People with migraine inherit a nervous system that is more sensitive to change than those without migraine. This nervous system evolved to be highly vigilant of its environment. When the migrainous nervous system is functioning well, this vigilance is often reflected in positive ways.

For example, people with migraine are often well-organized, perceptive, and successful in school and artistic activities. This heightened vigilance may also be why migraine sufferers tend to be light sleepers and more emotionally vulnerable. However, if the nervous system perceives a threat from either the external or internal environment, the nervous system response can be an attack of migraine.

People born with asthma inherit a respiratory or airway system that is more sensitive and vigilant of its environment than those without asthma. When an asthmatic airway is threatened, it can respond dramatically by narrowing too much and creating an inflammatory response in this defense perimeter. This results in wheezing and shortness of breath.

In a similar fashion, people with allergies respond in a variety of ways when their systems are threatened. The most dramatic is an anaphylactic reaction. This is the type of reaction, noted rarely with a bee sting or an injection of penicillin, can be fatal. More commonly, allergic individuals develop sinus or skin symptoms that can vary considerably in severity. Seasonal allergies are likely the most common allergic condition. Symptoms generally consist of nasal congestion and discharge, eye irritation and sometimes headache. Allergies can also be closely associated with asthma.

Observations that link these seemingly diverse disorders together include the fact that they are common in the general population, genetic factors appear to be important for all of them, each can be triggered by internal or external threats and each represents an over-response or exaggerated response of the very mechanisms that nature designed to protect us. Given these similarities, it is not surprising that if you inherit one of these disorders, you have a greater likelihood of inheriting one or more of the others. When conditions are more likely to occur together than what is found by chance alone in the general population, they are called comorbid conditions. In the recent American Migraine Study II, 40% to 70% of respondents with migraine had comorbid allergies. Other studies have reported that people with migraine are 2 to 3.5 times more likely to have comorbid asthma, especially if they have a parent with migraine and asthma.

Unraveling the relationships these comorbid disorders have to each other poses many interesting questions. For example, can allergies or asthma trigger migraine? Clearly, these associations appear to be popular beliefs. For example, it has long been assumed that allergies are part of sinus disease and that sinus disease, in turn, results in “sinus headache.” In fact, most participants in the American Migraine Study II who had diagnosed migraine also reported having “sinus headaches. ” However, whether sinus headache and migraine are distinct headache disorders or related to one another is a matter of debate.

Several studies in the medical literature have evaluated a group or population of people who reported they had recurrent attacks of sinus headaches. These patients may be either self-diagnosed as having sinus headache or incorrectly diagnosed by a physician as having sinus headache. Either way, many of these people actually have migraine and not sinus headache. The reason there is confusion between sinus headache and migraine is because pain that occurs near or around the sinuses may be incorrectly assumed to be sinus based on this location. However, the truth is that migraine also presents with pain in the forehead and around the eye and therefore may be thought to be sinus. Also, these studies tell us that if you have pain that appears to be sinus headache, you should see your doctor and ask for a full diagnosis of your headaches. This is very important because treatment of sinus headache or sinusitis differs significantly from treatment for migraine.

Important facts about sinus headache and migraine

Most sinus headache is misdiagnosed, and these patients may have migraine.

True sinus headache or sinusitis is associated with a pus-like or purulent nasal discharge that represents a potential infection in the sinuses. Migraine may be associated with watery eyes and runny nose, but the fluid is clear.
Sinusitis as a disorder may be associated with headache, but these headaches may differ from migraine.
Patients with sinusitis may also have migraine.

Important facts about allergic rhinitis and migraine

Allergic rhinitis is a histamine-driven response to an allergen, and when exposed to this allergen, the nasal passage becomes inflamed and irritated resulting in a “runny nose.” Histamine release has also been suggested to be involved in triggering migraine headaches. Allergic rhinitis can be screened for with simple skin testing at your allergist’s office or even in some primary care offices. Many people who have allergic rhinitis also have migraine. People with allergic rhinitis have a general histamine response to something they are allergic to.

Histamine release may also be involved in triggering headache, specifically migraine.
People with allergic rhinitis are more than 10 times more likely to have migraine.
Accurate diagnoses and treatment of allergic rhinitis will be an important part in reducing the risk of migraine.
Learning how to treat each condition individually should improve overall care and reduce disability of migraine associated with allergic rhinitis.

Important facts about asthma and migraine

The relationship between migraine and asthma is equally confusing. Clearly, there is some overlap in the risk or triggering factors for asthma and migraine—for example, stress and certain environmental triggers or allergens. Often migraine sufferers with asthma report that both asthma and migraine can worsen at the same time, and occasionally one seems to lead to the other. In one study, patients with asthma were 1.5 times more likely to also have migraine.

Airway conditions including asthma, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis all may be associated with headache.
Diagnosing the specific headaches associated with airway conditions is important to ensure that treatment is successful. For example, some over-the-counter allergy medicines may also lead to a worsening of headache in some patients, especially if taken frequently.
Asthma may be associated or comorbid with migraine, and a full diagnosis of each condition is needed.
Identifying potential triggers for asthma is important for reducing the risk of an attack and the risk of triggering a migraine.

Summary

Throughout the literature, there are many reports that headaches occur in patients with airway symptoms, including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis or even asthma. The link between these conditions and headache is not well understood, but based on their frequent association, they may be comorbid conditions. To improve the chances of successful treatment, accurate diagnoses for each condition is critical because a single approach is unlikely to be successful in treating both conditions. Identifying those patients who are incorrectly diagnosed is also important when developing a treatment plan.

Roger K. Cady, MD, Director, Headache Care Center, Springfield, MO Updated November, 2008 from Headache, The Newsletter of ACHE. Summer 2001, Volume 12, Issue 2.

This article is a legacy contribution from the American Headache Society Committee for Headache Education (ACHE) and the Fred Sheftell, MD Education Center.

Allergy Headaches and Sinus Headaches

About 70 to 80% of the North American population has headaches, with 50% experiencing at least one headache per month, 15% experiencing at least one weekly and 5% daily. ^1,2 The occurrence of headaches rises sharply during the second decade of life. Then it levels off until the age of 40 to 50 years, after which it decreases.

While the majority of headaches are not a sign of a serious or life-threatening illness, they often affect quality of life. There are occasions where allergies or sinus problems can lead to a person to have headaches.

Headaches with rhinitis (hay fever) are common and may be due to sinus disease in and around the nasal passages. A sinus headache is hard to identify since headache specialists consider true sinus headache to be fairly rare. Recent studies suggest that patients who appear to have sinus headaches frequently have migraines.

People who have headaches that seem like they’re originating in the sinus should be carefully evaluated by a physician. Making the right diagnosis is important because primary headache disorders like migraines need a very different treatment compared with rhinosinusitis.

Acute sinusitis occurs when there is a bacterial infection in one or more of the sinuses in your head. Sinusitis is often over diagnosed as a cause of headaches because of the belief that pain over the sinuses must be related to the sinuses. In reality, pain in the front of the head is more often caused by migraines. Migraines are confused with true sinus headaches because of their similar locations. Headaches attributed to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis are a specific, rare diagnosis. Antibiotics are often used for treatment. Other options include steam, corticosteroids and decongestants. If sinusitis does not respond to medical treatment, surgery may need to be considered.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common problems experienced with allergic rhinitis and can occasionally lead to headaches. Patients may also describe experiencing “sinus headaches.” However, it is controversial whether constant blockage of the nasal passages caused by allergic inflammation can lead to chronic headaches. Patients who experience blocked nasal passages should visit an allergist for testing. An allergist can find out what you are allergic to and help you manage your symptoms. Treatment strategies could include steps to avoid specific allergens, medications or allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Another form of allergy immunotherapy was recently approved in the United States called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) allergy tablets. Rather than shots, allergy tablets involve administering the allergens under the tongue generally on a daily basis.

The criteria below are used by physicians to diagnose rhinosinusitis headaches:

1) A headache in the front of your head with pain in one or more areas of the face, ears, or teeth and clinical or laboratory evidence of acute or chronic rhinosinusitis. For example, your doctor might do a nasal endoscopy, which lets him or her see what is happening in your nasal and sinus passages.

2) Headache and rhinosinusitis symptoms that occur at the same time.

3) Headache and/or facial pain that goes away within seven days after decreased symptoms or successful treatment of acute or chronic rhinosinusitis.

The majority of people with self-diagnosed sinus headaches are really suffering from migraines, which is why it is important to see a doctor to get a correct diagnosis. Research also supports a link between migraine and allergy, so your physician will consider both migraine headache and sinus headache if you are experiencing headaches and allergic rhinitis.

References for the statistics mentioned:

1. Jones NS. Sinus headaches: avoiding over- and mis-diagnosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2009 April; 9 (4) 439-444.

2. Spierings EL. Acute, subacute, and chronic headache. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2003 Dec.; 36 (6): 1095-1107.

This article has been reviewed by Andrew Moore, MD, FAAAAI

Reviewed: 9/28/20

90,000 how to detect and what to do?

We are no stranger to colds in cold weather. But if malaise, shortness of breath and swelling are pursuing all year round, this is a reason to think about whether there are more serious diseases of the nasopharynx. A cyst in the sinus is one of the common causes of this ailment.

What is a sinus cyst?

The nasopharynx is covered with a mucous membrane from the inside, which protects the respiratory organs from drying out, dust and hypothermia.It contains mucus-producing glands. If it cannot get into the sinuses of the nose and accumulates inside the gland, a cyst is formed – a bubble filled with fluid.

The cyst itself, located in the sinus, is not dangerous. It cannot become malignant and cause serious illness. But over time, the cyst can block breathing. And with a very large size, it can deform the skull or contribute to persistent bronchitis and pneumonia.

Most often, a cyst can be found in the frontal sinuses (area above the bridge of the nose and eyebrows).Less commonly – under the wings of the nose, above the upper jaw or under the bridge of the nose. Several cysts may form at the same time. Above the upper jaw, they form due to problems with the teeth and gums. Due to the fact that the sinuses and the oral cavity are close, infections and inflammations easily pass between them.

Such neoplasms always remain benign, but cannot disappear without serious intervention.

Symptoms and signs

The insidiousness of the sinus cyst is that the onset of the disease is similar to the usual acute respiratory infections.Therefore, there is every chance of not being able to start treatment on time. And this can be fraught with serious consequences: the nasal cartilage will bend and severe purulent inflammation will begin, especially in the case of a ruptured cyst.

The following symptoms should cause alarm:

it is impossible to relieve nasal congestion with conventional drugs;
long headache;
Pain at the bridge of the nose, wings of the nose or over the pharynx, which becomes worse when bending and turning the head;
foreign body sensations in the nasal passages;
In the place where the cyst has developed, even a light touch causes pain.

If the disease is started, vision often begins to deteriorate, pain in the eyes appears. And if, during the development of a cyst, an infection has entered the fluid filling it (for example, from a sick tooth), then the symptoms are similar to sinusitis: the temperature rises, purulent discharge and edema appear.

What are the causes of the disease?

Unfortunately, the decisive factor in the development of a cyst is heredity. If your parents or older relatives had such a problem, you need to be more careful.

In addition, you need to be more careful if:

you often suffer from colds,
you are constantly in contact with allergens,
you have problems with your teeth or gums,
you have an altered shape of the bones of your face due to congenital or acquired trauma.

Even with good heredity, the coincidence of other factors significantly increases the risk of cyst formation. Therefore, if you are seriously ill, be sure to get tested and do not diagnose yourself!

Who should I contact if there is a suspicion of a cyst?

If you suspect you have a cyst in your sinus, see an otolaryngologist or physician immediately. After a visual examination, you will have to undergo a more accurate examination: X-ray, MRI, CT, or endoscopy. The latter, in addition to an external examination, will allow you to immediately take the cyst tissue for analysis.

In addition, sometimes a consultation with a dentist is required. If the cause of the disease is neglected caries and periodontitis, there is a risk of a new cyst forming without dental treatment.

Treatment and prevention

If you are at risk, you can delay the onset of the disease in very simple ways:

to treat all diseases of the nasopharynx in time: whether it is a cold or pain in the teeth;
Strengthen immunity – this will help a correct lifestyle, fresh air, healthy sleep and good nutrition;
avoid harmful volatile substances: tobacco, solvents, household chemicals and paints;
If you have an allergy that cannot be avoided, you will have to take antihistamines regularly.

The decision on the method of treatment must be made by a specialist. Usually, drugs are prescribed that help relieve inflammation, swelling and defeat infection. You can even remove a cyst if it is painful and uncomfortable.

In no case should you self-medicate – it can lead to an increase in the size of the cyst. And even more so, you shouldn’t turn to traditional medicine.

After successful treatment, you will have to visit an otolaryngologist a couple of times a year – the disease can relapse.However, with the right lifestyle and timely treatment of acute respiratory infections and caries, the chance of cyst re-formation is very small.

90,000 Signs and symptoms of sinusitis in adults. How to recognize the disease in time?

Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses immediately makes itself felt. Anyone can compare the description of the disease with their own feelings and, on this basis, “diagnose themselves.” But only a doctor can prescribe adequate treatment. This requires appropriate education, experience and diagnostic equipment.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses of the nose. It usually develops as a complication of the common cold. The most characteristic signs:

the temperature rises to 37 – 37.5 C;

90,021 the nose is stuffy;

yellow-green nasal discharge appears;
the bridge of the nose, cheeks at the wings of the nose and temples hurts;
headache worsens in the evening;
the sense of smell disappears;

90,021 voices become nasal;

feeling of general weakness.

With an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, a person quickly gets tired, it is difficult for him to concentrate, memory weakens. It is very difficult to work with sinusitis, so it is better to take a sick leave.

Sinusitis can be acute or chronic.

Causes of sinusitis

The disease often occurs in the cold season in people with weakened immunity, but this is not the only reason. Inflammation of the maxillary sinus can develop due to:

complications of the common cold;
curvature of the nasal septum;

90,021 damage to the nasopharynx;

adenoiditis;

90,021 infections and bacteria;

90,021 allergies;

too dry indoor air;

90,021 work in hazardous production;

90,021 poor condition of the upper teeth;

injuries of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus.

Diagnosis of sinusitis

Treatment of sinusitis will be effective if the patient turns to the ENT on time, a specialist will diagnose and prescribe treatment. The survey includes a number of procedures:

examination of the nasal cavity;
Palpation or feeling around the nose and under the eyes;
clinical blood test;
X-rays of the paranasal (paranasal) sinuses – according to indications;
computed tomography of the sinuses.

X-rays can detect accumulation of mucus in the sinuses and swelling of the sinus mucosa. With sinusitis, darkening will be visible in the picture, since mucus and tissue edema in the cavities does not allow X-rays to pass through.

CT scan of the paranasal sinuses is necessary to detect polyps, cysts, and anatomical changes. The examination is painless and lasts no more than 5 minutes.

If, when you tilt your head down, you feel heaviness, and the discomfort subsides some time after you raise your head, contact the ENT.Self-medication with folk remedies, randomly selected antibiotics and nasal drops causes serious complications. Sinusitis can become chronic and cause more serious diseases: otitis media, meningitis, brain abscess, phlegmon of the orbit (inflammation of the tissues around the eyeball).

Treatment of sinusitis

Depending on the patient’s condition and the course of the disease, the doctor prescribes therapy and selects antibacterial, decongestant and anti-inflammatory drugs.Treatment can be conservative or surgical.

Conservative treatment

In case of mild sinusitis, in addition to drug treatment, according to indications, they wash the nasal cavity according to Proetz, or “cuckoo”. A special solution is injected into the nose of the patient lying on his back. It passes through the nasal cavity, sinuses, after which it is pumped out with a vacuum pump. “Cuckoo” is carried out in a course of 2 to 10 procedures.

With a moderate and severe course of the disease, antibiotics are prescribed in the form of tablets, solution for injection or inhalation.

Surgical treatment (puncture of the maxillary sinus)

With severe purulent sinusitis or lack of effect from conservative therapy, a puncture is used. This allows you to quickly remove pus from the sinus, cleanse it and treat it with an anti-inflammatory drug. Sometimes it is required to carry out several such manipulations. Punctures are done under local anesthesia.

When sinusitis does not respond to treatment or is in an advanced stage, surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The recovery period after surgery can take up to two weeks.

Prevention of sinusitis

In order to avoid sinusitis, you should:

spend enough time outdoors;
strengthen the immune system;
eat right;
take vitamins;
dress for the weather;
Seek medical help on time.

If you have discovered the first symptoms of sinusitis and are looking for a qualified specialist who will diagnose and help you cope with the disease, call the phone number listed on the website, or leave a request in the feedback form.The staff of the medical center “Admiralty Shipyards” will answer your questions and carry out all the necessary examinations within one working day. Let’s take care of your health together!

90,000 6 types of headaches: diagnosis and treatment

We are often asked what research is best for headaches. It all depends on what is causing the problem. Even the most experienced doctor without diagnostics (and in the case of a headache it is always an MRI) will not tell you the reason with 100% accuracy.However, he can understand from your symptoms exactly where it is worth looking for the root of all troubles.

There are 6 main types of pain in total:

1. Sinus.

This is an acute severe pain in the region of the eyebrows, nose and cheekbones. Often associated with colds, flu, or seasonal allergies.

The reason is in the sinuses – they are irritated, inflamed, swollen and / or filled with mucus, hence the discomfort. The pain will disappear after recovery.

People with similar symptoms are usually referred to an ENT.He will prescribe an MRI of the sinuses, and, based on the results, will prescribe a course of antibiotics, antihistamines and decongestants. And if the disease has already progressed strongly, and pus has accumulated in the sinuses, then he can make a puncture and remove all the “trash” by hand.

2. Cluster.

It is rare – only in 1 person in 1000, and more often in men than in women. This is an attack of very severe pain or burning in the eye area that lasts from 30 minutes to 3 hours. It repeats itself every day at the same time.

The torment can go away in a week, it can linger for 3 months, and sometimes it lasts for years.Fortunately, there are medications that can help. Special breathing and relaxation techniques can also help relieve pain, and have been shown to increase the time between attacks and make them less frequent.

The source of the problem is hidden deep in the brain. These are a pair of symmetrical trigeminal nerves that are responsible for sensations of warmth or pain in the face. The root of the nerve is located to the side of the eye, and branches run along the forehead, along the cheek, and from the chin to the area above the ear on one side of the face. To diagnose problems with trigeminal nerves, your doctor will refer you for an MRI scan called a neurovascular conflict.

3-4. Headache from stress and tension.

As the name implies, the cause of this pain is stress or tension (usually in the neck and shoulders). It is associated with severe psychological stress, poor posture, the habit of clenching the jaws and grinding teeth, bright light and, which is completely unfair, long sitting at the computer.

You can recognize this headache by the following signs:

1. It is symmetrical, that is, it is felt on both sides of the head or neck.
2. She is dull and obsessive, but not very strong, rather moderate or even weak in intensity.
3. As if something presses or compresses the hoop on the head, especially in the area of the forehead and the back of the head.
4. Normal head movement interferes with muscle pain and discomfort.
5. Sensitivity to light and noise.
6. Insomnia and absent-mindedness.
7. Often occurs against the background of depression and feelings of melancholy.

This pain is relatively easy to deal with. Rest, physical and mental, massages, posture correction will help to correct the situation.However, first you need to exclude some serious diseases with similar symptoms and understand whether it is stress or a problem with the cervical spine. As a rule, neurologists in this case refer patients to the “Head and Neck” complex, which includes as many as 5 studies: the brain, arteries and veins of the brain, the cervical spine and arteries of the neck.

5. Migraine.

Severe throbbing pain, usually in one side of the head. Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise.

Migraines last for hours or even days and are so unbearable that a person cannot even get out of bed.

The aura is often the harbinger of seizures. These are flashes of light, blind spots or tingling / numbness on the face, arm or leg, and loss of smell.

Migraines are now treated with medication and lifestyle changes. To diagnose and prescribe medications, the doctor will ask you to bring the results of the brain + brain arteries + brain veins MRI complex.

6. TMJ syndrome.

Headaches are a side effect of problems with the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Thanks to this joint, we can move the jaw up and down and left and right, talk, chew and yawn.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome can be identified by the following signs:

1. Pain or discomfort in the jaw, around the ear, in the neck and shoulders when you eat, speak or open your mouth wide.
2. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth, when chewing, it feels as if the lower and upper jaw are not aligned.
3. Clicking or grinding when moving the jaw.
4. Swelling on one side of the face.

In some cases, any of the above may be accompanied by a toothache or pain in the neck and shoulders, pain and ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing loss. Diagnosis of the syndrome is carried out using MRI of the temporomandibular joint.

Whichever of these types of pain you suspect, you should not self-medicate. There are many nuances in neurology that only a professional can take into account.If you do not have your own proven doctor or if you want to get a second opinion, neurologists with 20 years of experience (including a candidate of sciences) work in the “Moscow MRI centers”.

Health and good luck!

Sinusite

Attention!

The information in the article is for reference only and cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication.
If you find symptoms of the disease, contact your doctor.

Contents:

Sinusitis is an inflammatory lesion of the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the maxillary sinus.

The disease manifests itself as a headache, a feeling of discomfort in the paranasal area, as well as symptoms of general intoxication. The disease is acute or chronic. It affects adults and is found in older children. Sinusitis has an ICD code – J32.0

Types of sinusitis

The division of sinusitis into forms is determined by the nature of the course, the causes and localization of the pathological process. The defeat can be bilateral or unilateral.

Purulent

A variant of sinusitis, in which a bacterial lesion of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinuses occurs. These spaces are filled with pus. The pathological process involves one or both sinuses. With purulent sinusitis, the patient has painful sensations in the middle of the face. This type of pathology is that pus in the sinuses can provoke inflammation of the membranes of the brain.

Catarrhal

In this type of sinusitis, the mucous membrane lining the sinus is infiltrated.It is manifested by edema, accompanied by the release of serous-mucous fluid in moderate amounts. With catarrhal sinusitis, the mucous membrane is hyperemic, full-blooded. Parietal thickening of the choroid plexus is noted in one or both sinuses. Often there is immediately bilateral catarrhal sinusitis.

Odontogenic

It is characterized by the presence of inflammation of the sinus mucosa, which is caused by the penetration of the pathogen from the main focus of infection. It is located in the upper jaw area.The most likely source of infection for odontogenic sinusitis is a bad tooth. This occurs in those people who have peculiarities in the structure of the jaw. They have the tops of the roots of the teeth just below the mucous membrane.

Double sided

This variety is characterized by the defeat of the paranasal sinuses at once on both sides. It is less common than unilateral damage. Bilateral sinusitis is more severe than unilateral inflammation.He often takes a chronic course.

Sharp

This form of the disease is detected in patients more often than others. Acute sinusitis is characterized by the occurrence as a complication of an acute respiratory viral infection. Swelling quickly forms in the sinuses and exudate accumulates. Clinical manifestations of the disease appear at lightning speed. It lasts no more than three months. Then the manifestations of the disease disappear.

Chronic

This form is a complication of acute sinusitis.It occurs with untimely, incorrect treatment of the disease or its premature completion. Chronization of the process is facilitated by: curvature of the nasal septum, hypertrophied adenoids, proliferation of polyps, the presence of a tumor in the nasal cavity.

Causes of sinusitis

It turns into an acute form due to the development of complications of viral infections with damage to the nasopharynx. This occurs due to edema of the mucous membrane, due to which the opening begins to narrow for the communication of the sinus with the nasopharynx.Exudate accumulates in her cavity. Excellent conditions are created for the growth of bacteria.

Root Reasons:

allergic rhinitis;
chronic rhinitis;
vasomotor rhinitis.

Against the background of a decrease in immunity, the patient may develop acute inflammation of a fungal nature. Acute sinusitis can be quickly dealt with with adequate therapy.

Reasons for the transition to a chronic form:

the presence of bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis;

90,021 frequent respiratory infections;

permanent residence in conditions with polluted air;

90,021 polyps and tumors in the nasal cavity;

curvature of the nasal septum;
abuse of vasoconstrictor drops;

90,021 smoking;

90,021 dehydration of the body;

90,021 taking drugs that reduce immunity.

Symptoms and signs of sinusitis

Sinusitis has striking characteristic symptoms. The main manifestation of the disease is considered pain, which is localized in the middle third of the face and the paranasal region. Sinus pain has features. Their intensity increases in the evening, and in the morning they are practically absent. How does sinusitis manifest?

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

sinusitis headache has a bursting, intense character;
signs of general intoxication are noted: general weakness, nausea, feeling of weakness;
body temperature rises;
lacrimation and photophobia are noted;
nasal breathing is difficult;
sense of smell with sinusitis is impaired;
nasal discharge can be clear or purulent.

If the process has passed to the periosteum, swelling of the orbit and cheek area on the affected side is noted. In children, the symptoms of sinusitis are pronounced. Signs of general intoxication prevail over local signs of inflammation.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

body temperature rises slightly, often this sinusitis in adults proceeds without temperature;
increased weakness and fatigue;
headache of a bursting character, worsening in the evening;
reduced sense of smell;
a cough with a small amount of sputum is possible;
persistent runny nose.

Sinusitis in adults without symptoms

Without any symptoms, sinusitis often occurs in the elderly and debilitated people. The only manifestations of the disease may be increased weakness and fatigue, but this is attributed to other health problems.

Sinusitis without symptoms is dangerous for its complications. The infection spreads to other organs. Therefore, if you suspect a disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Sinusitis without temperature

The presence of a temperature reaction is a manifestation of the body’s fight against infection.If immunity is reduced, then this does not happen. The temperature remains normal. Sinusitis flows without it in chronic forms.

Sinusitis without runny nose and nasal congestion

The infection proceeds without a runny nose if caries has dissolved the septum of the mouth and has penetrated inside. This is facilitated by injuries to the facial bones, a curved septum of the nose.

Diagnosis of sinusitis

Before treating sinusitis, it is necessary to carefully examine the patient. The patient is examined as follows:

The doctor first examines the patient’s medical history and complaints.
He examines the nasal cavity and the projection site of the paranasal sinuses. Palpates the soft tissues of the face
During rhinoscopy, using a special device, the doctor examines the nasal mucosa. Finds her swelling and hyperemia.
ENT doctor examines the respiratory and olfactory functions of the nose using special tests.
Sinuses are viewed through transillumination. With unilateral sinusitis, darkening of half of the face is recorded.
A clear image of the paranasal sinuses is obtained on X-ray examination. Sinusitis in the picture is visible as a darkening of the sinus.
Ultrasound can be used to determine if fluid is present.
CT and MRI are performed if tumors, polyps and cysts in the sinuses are suspected, complicating the course of the disease.
Diagnostic puncture is performed to teach exudate for the subsequent determination of the causative agent of the disease during bacterial sowing.
Endoscopic diagnostic methods are used to study the state of the maxillary sinus mucosa during examination.
Methods of laboratory diagnostics: blood for HIV, immunoglobulins, immunogram.

If necessary, additional diagnostic methods are used to clarify the diagnosis.

Treatment of sinusitis

How to cure sinusitis? Now there are several effective methods to get rid of it.

In case of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus, it fills with exudate, which can be very viscous.He does not go away on his own. He has to be evacuated. One of the treatment methods is to puncture this cavity.

Puncture of the maxillary sinus

Puncture of the maxillary sinus is a puncture of its wall with a sharp instrument. This is necessary to evacuate the inflammatory contents. It is often used for drainage in sinusitis, in case of accumulation of viscous contents inside the sinus, which does not leave on its own. It cannot be retrieved by other methods.

Puncture with sinusitis quickly relieves the patient’s condition immediately after evacuation of the inflammatory exudate.The sinus is also punctured when the patient’s condition is threatened by a breakthrough of purulent exudate into the surrounding tissues with the development of irreversible consequences (meningitis, otitis media, encephalitis, sepsis).

Stages of the procedure:

The puncture is performed in the area of the lower nasal passage using a special needle with a curved and beveled tip.
Under visual control, it is introduced into the lower nasal passage. Here the bone is at a minimum thickness, which makes the puncture easier to perform.The needle rests against its arch. The depth of its penetration is up to 2.5 cm.
The needle is advanced to the outer edge of the eye socket. Using a syringe, the doctor evacuates the contents of the sinus and rinses it with antiseptic solutions.
After the procedure, the patient is laid on one side for half an hour. Make sure that the solution comes out of the sinus cavity.

Methods for the treatment of sinusitis without puncture

It is preferable to treat without the use of a sinus puncture, since with this method of treatment there are often complications – bleeding, vascular thrombosis and more.There are other methods that are effective for this condition.

The use of antibiotics for sinusitis

Antibiotics for bacterial sinusitis are the drugs of choice. Several of these groups of these funds are used for treatment. The most commonly used are penicillins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, cephalosporins. The drug for treatment is chosen by the doctor.

Treatment procedures

Less invasive techniques are used for treatment. They are used for sinusitis to flush the sinuses.

The following methods are used:

“Cuckoo”. The patient is placed on a couch. Then, using a tube, an antiseptic is fed into one nasal passage, and a tube is placed in the other to pump out exudate from the sinuses.
Balloon sinusoplasty. Gas is pumped into the sinuses – it expands the lumen of the anastomoses. Then the contents of the sinuses are removed.

The procedures are used to effectively treat sinusitis. The techniques allow removing the inflammatory exudate from them without puncturing the sinuses.They are so safe that they are treated for sinusitis during pregnancy.

Physiotherapy

It is used in complex therapy in the treatment of sinusitis. Techniques activate biochemical processes, restore metabolism.

Use for treatment:

electrophoresis;
radio wave therapy;
ultrasonic exposure;
UHF.

Physiotherapy methods in combination with other types of therapy can significantly speed up the healing process.

Drug therapy

In addition to antibacterial agents, other drugs are used. For this, the following means are used:

antihistamines – help relieve tissue swelling;
vasoconstrictor sprays and drops – they facilitate nasal breathing;
glucocorticoids – reduce the manifestations of allergies, have anti-edema and anti-inflammatory effects.

Success in treating a disease depends on a rational combination of all therapies.With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment for sinusitis, operations are performed. With sinusitis, the sinus is opened and the pathological contents are removed.

What can you do at home?

It is dangerous to treat sinusitis at home. Do not self-medicate. Home treatments are used to relieve the condition before going to the doctor. Let us examine what can be done at home with sinusitis.

Drops in the nose with sinusitis

This remedy for sinusitis has a local effect.They must be supplemented with drugs of general influence.

The following drops are used:

vasoconstrictor – relieve tissue swelling, normalize nasal breathing;
antiseptics – inactivate pathogenic microorganisms that provoke inflammation;
antibacterial drops – have a bactericidal effect;
mucolytics – Thinning pus in the sinuses and facilitating the excretion of mucus.

These remedies are a good addition to the main treatment.

Nasal lavage

How to wash your nose with sinusitis? Solutions for rinsing the nasal cavity help to remove the contents from the sinuses. By rinsing the nose with sinusitis, moisten the mucous membrane. To do this, use ready-made solutions that are sold in a pharmacy – Humer, Dolphin, Aqua Maris. You can rinse your nose with saline or furacilin solution.

Inhalation

Inhalation is recommended for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. The easiest way is to use steam treatments.Inhalation with sinusitis is best done with a nebulizer. It sprays medicinal solutions in the form of fine particles. They penetrate well into the sinuses.

Painkillers and antipyretics

At high temperatures over 38C0, antipyretic drugs can be taken. They will help bring her down. Pain relievers may temporarily relieve the headache.

Self-massage

Before the session, hands are thoroughly washed and dried. Movements should be light.
The wings of the nose are gently massaged with the pads of the fingers. Pinch the tip of the nose.
Knead the area of the nasolabial folds. Then gently rub the cheek area.
Then move on to stroking the bridge of the nose. Massage the area of the outer corners of the eyes.

The procedure is performed no more than five minutes. The massage can be done up to five times a day.

Before using the massage, you should consult your doctor.

Folk remedies

Treatment of sinusitis with folk remedies is carried out only as an additional measure.It should not replace conventional therapy.

Indications for the use of the Proetz method

The method of washing according to Proetz or “Cuckoo” is an ENT procedure that is performed to treat most inflammatory diseases of the nose, as well as allergic rhinitis. It is most effective when, for some reason (severe edema, curvature of the nasal septum), the outflow of fluid accumulated in the sinuses is difficult.The penetration of the medicinal solution into the nasal cavity, nasopharynx will ensure the cleansing of these structures from pathological elements. You can do the “Cuckoo” procedure even for any type of rhinitis.

Treatment for sinusitis in adults

The Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki uses a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis. We use many modern techniques, including endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity using a rigid endoscope, magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses, physiotherapy procedures, etc.

Only after making a diagnosis, we prescribe treatment. One of the most popular methods is to rinse the nasal cavity and sinuses (“Cuckoo”). Despite the fact that the procedure seems simple, with very severe congestion it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to flush the sinuses on your own, so only a specialist within the hospital can carry it out. It is better to start treatment at the first symptoms, as soon as discharge or congestion appears.

A course of 5-7 washes is a reliable way:

get rid of acute or chronic rhinitis without complications;
avoid surgery and antibiotic therapy.

How is the cuckoo procedure performed?

1. The patient is in a half-sitting or lying position, and the doctor, with the help of a syringe, begins to slowly and slowly pour warm antiseptic preparations into one nostril of the patient.

2. At the same time, the specialist removes the injected solution together with mucus and pus from the other nostril using a vacuum suction. The session lasts no more than 10 minutes, then the procedure is repeated with the other nostril.Throughout the treatment, the patient exhales and utters “ku-ku”: thanks to this feature of the procedure, which gave it its name, mucus does not enter the throat.

3. The instrument, the rate of infusion and the composition of the solution are selected individually, taking into account the diagnosis, general condition, tolerance of various drugs and other data.

4. After the treatment, it is recommended not to go outside for another 10-15 minutes in the summer and about 30 minutes in the winter, so that the remaining solution is completely drained out, and full nasal breathing is restored.This precaution also avoids hypothermia, which can nullify the washing efficiency.

5. The procedure is painless, but sometimes patients notice some discomfort. During washing, their eyes may turn red, they may start sneezing constantly, feel pressure in the nasal area. This reaction is considered normal but should be reported to the flushing technician.

6. In our clinic, vacuum washing of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is carried out by experienced doctors on a modern ENT combine manufactured by Medstar (Korea).

Contraindications to the “Cuckoo” nasal lavage procedure

1. Allergy to the preparations used during washing.

2. Epilepsy, mental disorders.

3. Tendency to nosebleeds, blood diseases associated with its low coagulability.

The exact list of all contraindications is specified by the doctor at the appointment.

Rinsing the nose using the “Cuckoo” method at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki

The “Cuckoo” procedure in Moscow is carried out in many clinics. Choose the one you trust doctors. The Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki employs professionals with extensive experience. We follow the development of modern technologies, since medicine never stands still, and we use the most effective methods of treatment and devices in our practice. We are attentive to each patient, we select the therapy only after a thorough diagnosis, and rarely limit ourselves to only one technique, since only a set of measures gives the fastest and highest quality result.

You can sign up for a consultation with an otolaryngologist directly on our website or by calling our clinic. Our specialists are always ready to tell you in detail about the methods of treatment and answer your questions, for example, how the “Cuckoo” procedure is performed for sinusitis, the price of treatment, the duration of the session, etc.

90,000 Myths and Truths About Sinusitis

Today it is difficult to imagine a person who has never had a cold in his life.But colds are different! This article presents the most common myths about, perhaps, the most common “ENT” diagnosis of “Sinusitis”. For people far from medicine, the term “sinusitis” is more understandable. For clarity: sinusitis (or maxillary sinusitis) is only one type of sinusitis, which also includes frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis, ethmoiditis, and concomitant inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

MYTH # 1: A “puncture” is very painful, and if you do it once, then you need to do them all the time.

Refutation: “Puncture”, or puncture of the maxillary sinus, as medical science designates it, is used to diagnose and treat sinusitis. Its essence consists in piercing the thin bone wall of the maxillary sinus through the nasal cavity with a special needle and rinsing it with a sterile antiseptic solution. This allows the doctor, based on a visual assessment of the “contents” of the sinus, to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a more appropriate treatment, and also contributes to a faster and more complete evacuation of pathological contents from the sinus.The procedure is short-lived and painless, because performed under the “freeze”. The puncture site itself, like any minor injury on the body, heals quickly (3-4 days), and no trace remains of it. The anatomy of the sinus does not change.

Those patients who did not adequately treat the acute inflammatory process and transferred the disease into a chronic form are forming public opinion about the need for constant “punctures” “if they once agreed”.

There are cases when you really have to perform puncture of the maxillary sinuses (sometimes “courses”) every time with exacerbation of chronic sinusitis, because the natural opening of the sinus is blocked.It is not “ventilated”, bacteria actively multiply in it, and the mucous membrane cannot cope with them. This situation occurs with other concomitant diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses: nasal polyps, adhesions of the mucous membrane in the nose (so-called synechia), tumors of the sinuses and nasal cavity, pronounced curvature of the nasal septum. In this case, if the cause of persistent inflammation in the sinus is not eliminated, punctures will have to be performed over and over again.

MYTH # 2: Sinusitis is a harmless disease (“it will go away by itself, just not a puncture!”)

Refutation: not in every case of sinusitis, incl.h. acute, a sinus puncture is needed, and the doctor will not offer it in vain. With good function of the mucous membrane of the sinus and natural opening against the background of adequate treatment, sinusitis disappears without surgery. The exceptions are the cases described above (with the failure of the mucous membrane and the natural opening of the sinus), as well as cases of complicated sinusitis, when usually several sinuses are “sick” (maxillary and frontal, or all sinuses on one of two sides).If in this case you do not intervene surgically, the anatomical proximity of the sinuses to such important organs as the brain and eyes can play a negative role and adversely affect the prognosis for full recovery or even life. The inflammatory process can go into the cavity of the orbit, the cranial cavity and cause inflammation of the membranes of the eye, the membranes of the brain, which requires urgent and extensive surgical intervention and does not always have favorable consequences.

MYTH # 3: Any sinusitis can be cured with pills, capsules, sprays, injections, i.e. “Conservatively”

Rebuttal: when it comes to treating sinusitis, it is not possible to achieve success without taking into account the causes of sinusitis. Acute inflammation of the mucous membrane is caused, as a rule, by infectious agents: bacteria, viruses, less often fungi. Chronic inflammation in the body, and in the sinuses in particular, proceeds either against the background of a general decrease in immunity (with cancer, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, AIDS, etc.), or against the background of other diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses: nasal polyps, adhesions of the mucous membrane in the nose (so-called synechiae), tumors of the sinuses and nose, pronounced curvature of the nasal septum, foreign bodies in the sinuses (tooth roots, filling material, fungal mycelium, parasites). The listed pathologies lead to insufficient ventilation of the sinus, difficulty in its “cleansing”, reproduction of microorganisms in the sinus. Often, it is by surgically eliminating the cause of chronic inflammation (removal of nasal polyps, tumors, sinus foreign bodies, surgery to correct the nasal septum), which can achieve a lasting recovery.

There are types of sinusitis that are treated exclusively surgically. These are various neoplasms: cysts, polyps, tumors.

MYTH # 4: A runny nose is a sure sign of sinusitis.

Refutation: some chronic forms of sinusitis (cysts in the sinuses, polyps), as well as acute sinusitis with blockage of the natural opening connecting the sinus cavity with the nasal cavity, proceed without nasal discharge. In this case, diagnostic puncture of the maxillary sinus (or the like) is of great help in the diagnosis of such sinusitis for the doctor.n. “Puncture”) and X-ray research methods.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that with the symptoms of a cold (be it a runny nose, headache and other symptoms), you should not self-medicate and, moreover, acquire antibiotic drugs on your own.