NE Valley Times

• The signs of a sinus headache include facial swelling, fever and chronic facial pain.

• Migraines are different from sinus headaches, which are brought on by the symptoms of a sinus condition.

• Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is known to improve chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinus conditions affect millions of people annually, but new treatments are available to help. Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center offers those treatments. 

"Sinus headaches essentially come from either air or mucus getting trapped in your sinuses," Lee told NE Valley Times. "And that drainage pathway or that drainage hole can get plugged up from inflammation, just from simple allergies or a cold."

The sinuses swell when inflamed, producing more mucus, and they may become blocked from not draining properly as a result of an allergic reaction or an infection. WebMD reports that swollen cheekbones, forehead and nasal bridge can cause sinus headaches. Symptoms of sinus headaches include swelling in face, a feeling of fullness in the ears, fever and a constant pain in cheekbones, forehead and bridge of the nose. Sinus headaches can sometimes be mistaken for migraines.

Although sinus headaches can sometimes mimic migraines, the American Migraine Foundation points out that migraines also include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell.

There are several options for treating chronic sinusitis, including endoscopy and balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a newer procedure that doesn't require cutting or removal of anything from the sinuses. A thin tube is attached to a small balloon, which the doctor inserts into the nose, then the balloon is inflated inside the blocked area in the sinuses. By clearing the sinus passageway, the balloon relieves congestion in the sinuses.

If you are experiencing sinus headaches or chronic sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center.