North Baltimore Journal

Dr. Jamie Oberman -- an ear, nose and throat specialist at Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers -- says early intervention is vital when it comes to sinus problems.

With various ways to treat your sinus conditions and sinus headaches with over-the-counter medications, it can be hard to know where to start and when to see a doctor. If headaches are happening more than 15 days per month and over-the-counter medicines are used frequently but help little, it could be time to see a doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"It certainly can be quite debilitating. The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life. You don't have to live with it. There are solutions out there, and many of which are very well-tolerated and minimally invasive and almost risk-free," Oberman told North Baltimore Journal.

According to Mayo Clinic, sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause symptoms such as inflammation, nasal congestion, pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow or forehead. You may experience worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down, as well as stuffy nose, fatigue and an achy feeling in your upper teeth.

It might be hard to breathe through your nose if you have acute sinusitis, according to Mayo Clinic. The area around your eyes and face might feel swollen, and you might feel maxillary sinus pain and throbbing facial pain or headaches. Acute sinusitis is sinusitis that resolves on its own or when symptoms do not last longer than 12 weeks.

You could try home remedies for sinus headaches, and when all options have been exhausted, there is a relatively new procedure available called balloon sinuplasty. During this minimally invasive procedure, 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.

A 2008 study of 65 patients by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation concluded that 85% of patients reported an improvement of their sinus symptoms two years after having a balloon sinuplasty. The study was done at six months, one year and two years after the procedure. X-ray evidence proves sinus disease remission after two years.

If sinus headaches are impacting your life, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to find out about treatment options.