Are you experiencing acute pain behind the eyes and want an effective remedy? This symptom (along with various others) is actually a common sign of sinusitis, requiring the help of a sinus headache treatment. For many people, sinus headaches are a familiar cause of persistent pain and tenderness around the face. But what you may not know is that allergies are frequently to blame. If you are suffering from sinus headaches, here’s how your Atlanta allergist can help.
How an Allergist Treats Sinus Headaches
Before a sinus headache treatment plan is developed, your allergist must first make a diagnosis. This stage is necessary because sinusitis itself has various causes, and also sinus headaches share much in common with migraines. After discussing your symptoms, your allergy doctor may recommend skin prick allergy testing or blood testing.
- Skin Prick Testing – An allergist places allergens on your skin and slightly scratches the surface. Within around 15 minutes, any sign of a red, raised bump indicates an allergy.
- Blood Testing – A blood sample is taken and sent for laboratory analysis. A diagnosis may be made after measuring immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Treatments for Sinus Headaches
If your allergist identifies allergies as the underlying cause of sinusitis and the resulting headaches, you can take initial steps to avoid the substance involved. For example, sinus headaches are common in the winter due to levels of dust, mold and other substances. Cleaning your home and the air conditioning unit can also make a difference in avoiding an allergen.
Home Remedies for Sinus Headaches
A person suffering from sinus headaches naturally wants immediate relief from the pain. While sinusitis caused by allergies may involve a more long-term solution for relief, various home remedies can help ease the immediate discomfort.
- As dry air often worsens the congestion, use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air.
- Place a warm compress over tender areas of the face.
- Breathe in steam a few times each day.
- Use a neti pot with salt water solution to clear the sinuses.
- Practice relaxation techniques and stretching.
- Use a decongestant to improve breathing.
- Take medication recommended by your allergist (antihistamines or pain relievers).
Long-Lasting Sinus Headache Treatments Recommended by an Allergist
Of course, while home remedies and over-the-counter treatments offer relief, they won’t keep the allergy-triggered sinusitis away. For a more enduring allergy and sinus infection treatment, your allergist may recommend desensitization.
Allergy desensitization, also called immunotherapy or oral immunotherapy, exposes a person to small amounts of an allergen to build tolerance. Following successful treatment the immune system will not react to the allergen, and exposure will no longer trigger your sinus headaches.
Visit Our Allergy Centers for Sinus Headache Treatments
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides effective treatments at locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. For help with sinus headaches, allergies and asthma, contact us today. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.