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- $Unique_ID{BRK00452}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is the Cause of Sinus Headaches?}
- $Subject{sinusitis treatment Respiratory Infections sinuses swollen thick
- mucous allergies allergy blocked infection headache headaches tenderness pain
- antibiotics antihistamines congestion surgeries operation operations
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery}
- $Volume{H-6, A-6}
- $Log{
- Where Headaches Originate I*0004001.scf
- Anatomy of the Nasal Cavities and Sinuses*0005501.scf
- Anatomy of the Sinuses*0005502.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is the Cause of Sinus Headaches?
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-
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-
- QUESTION: Every time a get a slight cold, it seems as if my sinuses fill and
- I develop a sinusitis. The pain is often very severe, and I have a headache
- that won't quit. I've always wondered what caused this, and what treatments
- are available to help me at times like these. Please explain.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Although the diagnosis of sinusitis may be made too frequently by
- patients who are merely suffering from a runny nose, you certainly have
- symptoms that go with the ailment. The sinuses are actually cavities in the
- skull, and we have four pairs of them. They are all lined with a tissue that
- becomes swollen and produces a thick mucous when allergies or a common cold
- strikes. The channels that provide drainage of these cavities into the back
- of the nose become blocked, and the mucous backs up and becomes infected,
- producing the condition known as sinusitis. And with that come the splitting
- headaches, tenderness and pain. The usual first line of attack against this
- infection are antibiotics, along with antihistamines to reduce the congestion
- and pain medicines to alleviate the pain. Frequently this will suffice to
- successfully control the condition, but when medical treatment fails, surgery
- may be necessary. A new development in sinus surgery is Functional Endoscopic
- Sinus Surgery, that utilizes a small telescope-like instrument to enlarge the
- area where sinuses drain into the nose. It is a lot less traumatic than
- previous surgical techniques and shortens the time of recovery. Sinuses lie
- close to vital brain structures, and sinusitis can spread into these areas if
- not treated properly or in time. If pain persists longer than 24 hours,
- worsens, or fever develops, it's time to consult your family physician.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-
-