We’ve all definitely felt the pressure of the sinus from time to time. It’s that ache in our head, our ears, and/or our upper teeth. It can begin to be dull and a nuisance, but it can actually become quite severe and disabling especially if left unattended to. To make matters worse, it has the potential to also frequently trigger significant episodes of migraine, tension, or cluster headaches in patients suffering already from a headache.
It may also lead to a significant sinus infection, all the hassles of feeling sick, a visit to the Manasquan, NJ & Toms River, NJ doctor, and the side effects of antibiotic therapy.
What is it?
Sinus pressure in the sinus and atmospheric pressure is actually a difference in the gas pressure. The pressure will naturally align with the increasing atmospheric pressure when the sinuses is safe and the normal sinus outflow tract is open. Since the pressure is constant, the sinuses will feel normal and no symptoms will arise.
If the natural sinus outflow tract is partially or completely blocked by allergy, infection, or anatomical problems, the sinus will not be able to balance the changing pressure. As the pressure of the atmosphere changes, the greater the difference between the pressure of the sinus and the pressure of the atmosphere, the greater the patient’s pressure.
Symptoms of Sinus Pressure
This signal to the brain may then trigger the central headaches (ie. migraine headache) and worsen the symptoms. The pressure difference can also cause the following:
- Swelling of the sinus lining
- Further blockage of the sinus outflow tract
- Pooled secretions in the sinus
- Sinus infection
How to treat it
Allergy Treatment
Allergy management is the best preventive therapy to avoid this recurrent cycle of sinus pressure. It can be very helpful to avoid using masks and rinsing the nose with saline after exposure. You can also reduce the process of sinus pressure by using allergy medications such as antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants during the seasons that bother you. Allergy drop therapy is even more effective as this form of therapy under your tongue daily makes your body have antibodies to actually prevent the allergic reaction from occurring and can cure your allergies long-term.
Manasquan, NJ & Toms River, NJ Balloon Sinuplasty
If sinus pressure is a recurring issue, despite the measures listed above, it is likely that you have some form of anatomical issue that is blocking the sinus outflow tract or simply sinus outflow tracts that are naturally too narrow. Modern office based Balloon sinuplasty procedures done at Atlantic ENT Associates, can resolve these issues. This procedure typically takes about 15 minutes and most patients can work the following day.
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