Pensacola doctor: ‘We treat [sinus headaches] the same way we treat sinus conditions’

• Your sinuses are located inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind your nose.
• Headaches related to sinus issues typically involve discomfort and pressure in the facial region.
• Consulting with a sinus specialist for tailored treatment may improve your ability to manage and alleviate headache challenges.

If you’re grappling with headaches, they could be stemming from sinus congestion. Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free said sinus headaches and sinus conditions are treated the same way.

“Sinus headaches are just headaches. It’s kind of like facial pain that comes from usually ethmoid or frontal sinus disease,” Dr. Blair told the Pensacola Times. “We treat those the same way we treat sinus conditions, whether it’s with medications or with in-office procedures.”

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located within your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose, according to WebMD. When these spaces become inflamed, often due to an allergic reaction or infection, they undergo swelling, increased mucus production, and potential blockage of draining channels. The resulting pressure buildup in your sinuses manifests as pain resembling a headache.

WebMD lists short-term antibiotics, antihistamines, or decongestants as treatments for these types of headaches. The publication notes secondary treatments such as inhaled nasal decongestants, pain relievers, and, if ineffective, corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce sinus inflammation. In more serious cases, a sinus procedure may be recommended to address persistent swelling, which can, in turn, treat headaches caused by sinusitis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, if you’re experiencing sinus headaches for more than 15 days per month and over-the-counter medication isn’t helpful enough, or if your headaches are interfering with your daily life, it’s strongly advised to seek treatment from a specialist.

Dr. Blair completed his Bachelor of Science in microbiology and immunology, with a minor in chemistry, at the University of Miami, according to Gulf Coast Breathe Free’s website. He later earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Afterward, he underwent an internship and residency at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Michigan, specializing in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. Blair obtained board certification in 2015.