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Can Weather Changes Trigger Sinus Headaches?

Provided By: Blaize O’Brien, MD
ENT

Many people visit an ENT physician because of severe head or facial pain that seems to worsen when the weather changes. Often, these symptoms are assumed to be caused by a “sinus headache.” However, migraines can cause very similar symptoms and are a common cause of weather-related headaches.

People who experience migraines may be particularly sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. As the weather shifts, these changes can trigger or worsen migraine symptoms, including headache, facial pressure, and discomfort around the eyes or nose. Interestingly, some over-the-counter medications marketed for “sinus headaches” may also provide relief because they contain ingredients that can help with migraine symptoms.

If you experience frequent headaches that are repeatedly diagnosed or treated as sinus infections, an ENT evaluation may help determine the underlying cause. Your ENT will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination. In many cases, a simple and comfortable procedure called a nasal endoscopy may be performed. This allows your physician to examine the nasal passages and sinuses for inflammation, blockage, or anatomical abnormalities that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Depending on your symptoms and examination, a sinus CT scan may also be recommended to provide a more detailed look at the sinuses.

Whether your head or facial pain is caused by sinus disease, migraine, or another condition, getting the correct diagnosis is an important first step. An ENT can help identify the cause of your symptoms and get you on the right path toward effective treatment.

What is a sinus infection and how long should it last?

Provided By: Patrick Bockenstedt, MD
ENT

Sinus infections are the result of inflammation within the nose and sinus cavities that lead to obstruction of the sinus drainage pathways.  This inflammation, known as sinusitis, is most commonly the result of viral infections or increased exposures to allergens and environmental irritants.  Ultimately, the resulting nasal congestion and increased mucus produced in response to these exposures can overwhelm the sinuses’ ability to drain and allow for overgrowth of bacteria living in the sinus cavities. 

Signs of a sinus infection include nasal congestion, increased drainage/mucus production, and significant sinus pain/pressure around the eyes or forehead.   A typical viral infection should run its course in about 10 days and does not need antibiotics for resolution.   Signs of an acute bacterial sinus infection include ongoing symptoms with no improvement after 10-14 days or a sudden increase in symptom severity 5-7 days after the illness started. 

Acute bacterial sinusitis should last less than 4 weeks and often requires treatment with antibiotics for resolution, but sometimes the body can fight off these infections on its own.  If sinus symptoms linger for more than 12 weeks, we consider this chronic rhinosinusitis, and the diagnosis often requires a CT scan or an in-office examination of the nasal cavity with a camera for confirmation.  While sometimes the result of infection, chronic sinusitis can also be the result of a variety of other inflammatory causes. 

Seeing an ENT specialist can help to identify the best treatment options available and can include additional oral medications, intranasal sprays/rinses, or even potentially surgical interventions.

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