West Ventura News

A simple, new procedure in ENT medicine will now allow you to breathe better and get relief from sinus headaches, according to research and leading industry physicians.

With numerous ways to treat inflamed sinus conditions and sinus headaches like OTC medications, making a decision on where to start for treatment or when to see a doctor can become a daunting task. 

“So, (a) sinus headache is really a non-specific term we use that a lot," Dr. Jeffrey Feinfield of Bella Vista ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery said. "What is happening is there's inflammation in the nasal passage and the sinuses. Similar to when you fly in an airplane and your ear hurts. So when there's inflammation in your sinuses it causes pressure, and that can give you tremendous headaches. What can we do about that well, the first thing is (to) relieve the inflammation, sometimes we'll use steroids, sometimes we'll use antibiotics, but most commonly if we can find out that if the actual sinuses block and that's why you have inflammation. By doing a balloon sinuplasty that relieves the inflammation right there and then the sinus headaches go away."

The new procedure, called balloon sinuplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus cavity to open sinus passages, allowing them to drain. During the procedure, the sinuses can be irrigated as well, according to Healthline. This allows for a patient's blocked sinuses to be relieved and allows for the pressure and pain to dissipate. 

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses, causing nasal symptoms such as sinus inflammation, nasal congestion, pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow or forehead. The pain usually worsens when bending forward or lying down. Other symptoms include a stuffy nose, fatigue and an achy feeling in your upper teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Headaches that occur more than 15 days per month with little to no relief from the use of OTC medicines indicate it is time to see a doctor, the Mayo Clinic research stated.

Acute sinusitis, sinusitis symptoms that do not last longer than 12 weeks and may resolve on its own, has the common symptom of breathing through the nose,  according to the Mayo Clinic. The area around one's eyes and face might feel swollen, and a feeling of maxillary sinus pain and throbbing facial pain or headaches may accompany difficulty breathing through the nose as well. 

A previous study of 65 patients by Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation found that 85% of patients reported an improvement of sinus symptoms after two years. The study was done at six months, one year and two years. X-ray evidence proves sinus disease remission still after two years.

If you are a sinus sufferer, please take the Bella Bista ENT quiz to get started on the path to healing.