Is My Headache Sinus-Related? Or is it something else?

We’ve all had that achy pain in the forehead, cheekbones and bridge of the nose, but what exactly is it? If it’s accompanied by a runny nose, facial swelling, or fullness in the ears, it’s most likely a sinus headache.

Diagnosing a Sinus Headache

Sinus Headaches can be painful and annoying.

Because sinus headaches and migraines often occur around the same time, it can be difficult to diagnose them. The first step in diagnosing sinus headaches is to control your sinus symptoms, which usually include:

  • Nasal discharge
  • Vertigo
  • Pain in the teeth
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • And discolored nasal discharge

After controlling the sinus problems, some patients notice their headaches diminish. However, if your headaches continue or worsen, it’s a good idea to consult a neurologist or TMJ specialist. There is no specific test for diagnosing sinus headaches, but patience and reviewing all possible options will narrow the results down to the correct diagnosis.

Treating Sinus Headaches

Your doctor might suggest a variety of treatments to treat sinus problems and sinus headaches, including:

  • Decongestants – Decongestants can be purchased over-the-counter. They help open blocked sinus cavities, reduce swelling, and reduce your congestion.
  • Nasal Steroid Sprays – In some cases, your doctor may prescribe these sprays and other drugs to reduce your congestion and pain.
  • Humidifier or Vaporizer – Dry air can irritate the sinuses, so using a humidifier or vaporizer can help alleviate the irritation.
  • Balloon Sinuplasty – Patients who have pain due to swelling of the nose or blocked sinuses usually find relief from their symptoms with Balloon Sinus Surgery.

Nosebleeds: Causes & Treatments

Chronic nosebleeds can be the result of minor, temporary conditions but they can also indicate serious underlying health problems. Nosebleeds are classified as either anterior (just inside your nostrils) or posterior (from the back of the nose). The majority of nosebleeds are anterior, resulting from a damaged blood vessel in the septum.

Causes of Anterior Nosebleeds:

  • Picking and blowing nose too hard
  • Blocked or stuffy nose due to cold or flu
  • Sinusitis
  • Dry air
  • Allergies
  • High altitude
  • Excessive use of nasal decongestants
  • Nasal obstruction: either present from birth (congenital) or the result of an injury (deviated septum)

Posterior nosebleeds are more serious, as the bleeding originates from branches of arteries that supply blood to the nasal cavity. They are more common in adults than in children. If the blood flow is heavy, it can be a dangerous condition that requires medical attention.

Causes of Posterior Nosebleeds:

  • Blow to the head or a fall
  • Broken or injured nose
  • Recent nasal surgery
  • Hardened arteries (Atherosclerosis)
  • Frequent use of aspirin and anticoagulants (Warfarin and Heparin)
  • Tumor in the nasal cavity
  • Blood clotting abnormality (Hemophilia or von Willebrand disease)
  • Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a genetic condition that affects the blood vessels
  • Leukemia
  • High blood pressure

Home Treatments

There are several at-home treatments you can do to stop a nosebleed if you don’t require medical attention. Sit upright and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostrils, for at least 10-15 minutes. Lean forward and breathe through your mouth, as this will drain blood down your nose instead of down the back of your throat. You can also apply a soft ice pack (covered with a towel) to the bridge of your nose in order to slow down the bleeding. It is important to stay upright, instead of laying down, as this will reduce the blood pressure in the vessels of your nose and stop further bleeding.

Seek Medical Advice If:

  • You take blood thinners or have a clotting disorder
  • You have symptoms of anemia, like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and a pale complexion
  • Children under 2 years of age have nosebleeds (this is rare and can be serious)
  • You have regularly recurring nosebleeds

Seek Emergency Medical Help Immediately If:

  • Bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes
  • The bleeding is heavy and you have lost a lot of blood
  • You have difficulty breathing
  • You are swallowing large amounts of blood and/or vomiting
  • The bleed occurs after a serious injury to the head or nose

Medical Treatments for Chronic Nosebleeds:

  • Cautery/Electrocautery – if the doctor can identify where the bleeding is coming from, they can do a minor procedure to seal the bleeding vessel.
  • Nasal packing – if the doctor cannot identify the specific cause of bleeding, they may pack the nose with gauze or special nasal sponges to stop the flow of blood by applying pressure to the source of the bleeding. This procedure can be done with or without anesthesia.
  • Ligation – a procedure using small instruments to tie off bleeding blood vessels in the back of the nose (posterior)
  • Blood transfusion – your doctor may recommend this if you have lost a lot of blood
  • Tranexamic acid – a medication that can reduce bleeding by helping your blood to clot

Recovery & Prevention

There are several precautions you can take to avoid recurrent nosebleeds and the need for medical attention. Avoid blowing or picking the nose, as well as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, lying flat, and drinking alcohol or hot beverages for 24 hours after the bleed. Try to sneeze with your mouth open to reduce the pressure in the nose. Do not remove any crusts that form inside of the nose; although they may be unpleasant, it is a helpful part of the healing process. Additionally, avoid people with coughs and colds to avoid getting sick, which can worsen the condition.

If you or a loved one experiences chronic nosebleeds for which immediate medical attention is not necessary, schedule a consultation with Dr Sriharsha Tikka by calling us at 98857 4545!

How to Protect Your Ears From Hearing Loss

Did you know that one in ten Indians are affected by hearing loss? You may be experiencing a gradual loss of hearing and not even be aware of it. Informing yourself of the causes and types of hearing loss, as well as prevention techniques, can significantly delay impairment. 

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused by many factors, but age and noise are the two most common causes. Statistically, we all begin to lose our hearing when we are in our 40’s and more than half of all people over age 80 suffer from a large reduction in hearing ability. Why does this happen? Tiny hair cells inside your inner ear help you to hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into the nerve signals that the brain interprets as sounds. As we age, the tiny hair cells are damaged or die and they are not capable of regrowth. 

Loud noises play a large role in the damage of hair cells in the inner ear, often accelerating cell damage. Exposure to excessively loud noise for longer periods such as in the workplace, at concerts, or through headphones has been shown to cause damage. In addition, brief, high-intensity noise such as fireworks, gunshots, or air horns will damage the inner ear hair cells. 

Hearing loss can also occur as a result of other causes such as:

  • Disease or infection
  • Certain syndromes
  • Medications and drugs
  • Injuries to the head
  • Malformation or blockage of the ear
  • Genetic factors
  • Alcohol and tobacco

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. Damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear results in sensorineural hearing loss; age-related hearing loss (also called Presbyacusis) and noise-induced hearing loss fall in this category. 

Conductive hearing loss occurs when conducting sound from the outer ear through the middle ear into the inner ear is blocked or reduced. Mixed hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked and inner ear hair cells are damaged, a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. 

There are several other ways that hearing loss can be defined:

  • Bilateral: hearing loss in both ears
  • Unilateral: hearing loss in one ear
  • Sudden: hearing loss that occurs suddenly from one day to the other
  • Hidden: hearing loss that occurs in situations with background noise (cannot be measured by a common hearing test)

Prevention Techniques

Hearing loss is natural with age and will occur at some point in all of our lives. Loud noises are hard to avoid as we are exposed to them daily and unintentionally. Driving through traffic or roadwork on your way home, going to the gym, attending sports events, or even bringing your kids to the park are all ways that we become exposed to loud noise on a daily basis. Some techniques you should know and practice in order to delay loss of hearing includes:

  • Wear earplugs: wearing a set of earplugs can make a huge difference as most earplugs reduce noise by 20 to 30 dB (decibels). 
  • Use caution when listening to music: don’t listen to music at more than 60% of max volume and take a break for at least 5 minutes every hour.
  • Use noise-canceling headphones: wear headphones that cancel out loud noises when you are in a loud environment. 
  • Give your hearing about 18 hours to recover after exposure to lots of loud noise
  • Get regular hearing checks: get a hearing check once a year if you’re over 40 and feel like you’re losing hearing or you work in a noisy environment. 

If you are experiencing hearing loss, need to have a hearing check, or would like to receive treatment for hearing loss, make an appointment with Dr. Sriharsha ay 988575 45454 today!

What’s The Deal With Fungal Sinusitis?

We’ve all heard of bacterial and viral infections – but how common are fungal infections? They are very rare but occur in some people, namely industrial workers and farmers or those with weakened immune systems (who have undergone chemotherapy or organ transplant).

Fungi are in a completely different family than bacteria and viruses. They operate differently, infect differently, and present their hosts with different symptomology. While the immune system is usually able to fight off fungal infections easily, a compromised immune system often has a hard time. 

Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, lymphoma, congenital immunodeficiencies, overuse of antibiotics, taking anti-rejection medications after an organ transplant, and other immune-compromising conditions restrict the body’s ability to fight off a fungal infection. 

Most cases of fungal sinusitis are noninvasive, meaning the infection is restricted to just the sinuses. However, in rare cases, fungal sinusitis can be invasive and spread to the blood vessels, eye area, and central nervous system; it has a high mortality rate. 

Symptoms of Fungal Sinusitis: 

  • Nasal congestion 
  • Nasal drainage
  • Facial pain/pressure
  • Loss of smell or foul odor in the nose

In people with compromised immune systems, these symptoms may be accompanied by: 

  • Changes of the skin (turning pale or black)
  • Numbness in the face
  • Facial swelling (cheeks or eyelids) 

What Causes Fungal Sinusitis?

There are 4 types of fungi that can cause sinusitis. 

  • Saprophytic fungus – grows on top of mucus or mucous crusts inside the nose; the fungus does not infect the nasal tissue, it just feeds off of the mucus. 
  • Fungus ball – fungus gets caught in one of the sinuses and forms clumps of material (often with bacteria too); usually occurs in people with normal immune systems. 
  • Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis – results from an allergic reaction to a common fungus, presents with allergy-like symptoms; usually occurs in people with normal immune systems 
  • Invasive fungal sinusitis – severe infection of the nasal and sinus linings that invades other nearby tissues (eyes, blood vessels, brain).

How To Treat Fungal Sinusitis

Depending on the type and severity, the treatment consists of either a procedure/surgery, an antifungal medication, or both. Procedures usually involve opening up the sinuses, draining them, and flushing them out. Sometimes, if tissues have been affected, the procedure is meant to remove the infected tissues. 

Procedures can be minimally-invasive or more invasive, depending on the severity and type of the infection. Antifungal medications are used, but usually not without surgery. They are prescribed after draining the sinuses to prevent the fungus from regrowing.

Sinus Headache vs. Migraine

You may be surprised to hear that many people who think they are suffering from a sinus headache are actually suffering from a migraine. According to research, 90% of self-diagnosed sinus headaches turn out to be migraines when professionally tested. While the two share some similarities, they are quite different concerning what causes them and how to properly seek treatment.

Sinus headaches are surprisingly rare, yet people report them to their doctors on a recurring basis. “True” sinus headaches only occur alongside an advanced sinus infection. Migraines, on the other hand, are a neurological condition that may affect someone repeatedly throughout the year without warning.

Sinus Headache Symptoms:

  • Sinus infection
  • Thick nasal mucus
  • Congestion
  • Facial pain around sinuses
  • Fever

Migraine Symptoms:

  • Throbbing head pain, usually behind the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Nausea

The congestion caused by a sinus infection may cause a headache, which may be why these two conditions are often confused for one another. In the same token, migraines may sometimes cause congestion, leading to further confusion. Essentially, if your headache is not paired with a fever or thick mucus, it is most likely a migraine. 

Misdiagnosing these two conditions is a real problem for the health world. Your doctor may be prescribing antibiotics for your “sinus headache” when you are actually suffering from a migraine. That means you may have unnecessarily taken antibiotics, weakening your immune system, and contributing to the formation of “superbugs.” 

Superbugs are bacteria that have gained resistance to antibiotics, making them stronger and more likely to be infectious and deadly to the general population. 

If you have recurring headaches, talk with your doctor about the possibility of migraines. For chronic, recurring sinus infections, call us at 98857 45454 to learn about treatment options.

What Causes Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus is described as a ringing in the ears. It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched. Millions of Americans experience tinnitus, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country. Nearly 15% of the general public — over 50 million Indians — experience some form of tinnitus.

What are the symptoms of tinnitus?

Tinnitus involves hearing a ringing in the ears when there is no external stimulus responsible. Tinnitus symptoms may include the following sounds:

  • Buzzing
  • Roaring
  • Clicking
  • Hissing
  • Humming

Common causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus may occur for a variety of reasons. Some cases of tinnitus are acute, meaning they go away on their own with little to no medical interventions. However, some cases may be the result of inner-ear damage, leading to chronic tinnitus.

Exposure to loud noises 

Loud noises, whether on a single occasion or over time, can damage the auditory system and cause tinnitus to develop. Loud noise exposure can happen anywhere, such as from heavy equipment, concerts or other recreational activities.

Earwax blockage

It is important to maintain a healthy level of earwax because it protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. However, too much earwax can irritate the ear and cause hearing loss or tinnitus.

As we grow older, our hearing naturally degenerates. This usually begins around the age of 60. Sometimes this type of hearing loss may coincide with tinnitus.

Dental work

Drill noise and ultrasonic plaque removal both involve sustained sound that can cause or aggravate tinnitus.

Certain medications

Some medications may affect your inner ears, such as gentamicin, high doses of aspirin, ibuprofen, and more. The good news is that tinnitus as a result of medications is often temporary and goes away after you stop taking the medication.

Meniere’s disease

Tinnitus can be an early indicator of Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss.

Tinnitus can significantly affect the quality of life, making you feel fatigued, stressed, and other complications. Here at Ear and Sinus Institute, it is our goal to get you back on track.  If you are experiencing any symptoms of tinnitus, make an appointment with Dr Sriharsha Tikka by calling us at 98857 45454

How to Protect Your Sinus Health

Nothing is worse than feeling congested and dealing with postnasal drip while trying to carry on with your daily activities. Sinus infections (also referred to as sinusitis) can turn your good week into a bad one in an instant. 

There are two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic. 

Acute sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that only lasts a few weeks. The swelling blocks the sinus openings which can cause mucus to build up in the nasal cavities, causing pressure and pain. Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks and doesn’t respond well to treatment. 

Easy Tips on How to Protect Your Sinus Health

  • Avoid dry environments

A dry environment will most likely cause the membranes in your nose to dry out resulting in mucus getting thicker over time, clogging the sinuses. By adding a humidifier to your home, you are adding moisture to the air that you breathe which helps relieve sinus congestion.

  • Use a saline nasal solution

A saline nasal solution can be extremely beneficial in relieving congestion. By draining excess mucus, it helps to remove allergens and irritants from the nose. This is great to use before bed to help you sleep.

  • Stay hydrated

Dairy products can cause the mucus to thicken up, allowing pressure and congestion to build up. By drinking lots of water, you can keep the mucus thin which allows it to flow smoothly down the sinus canal. You may want to restrict dairy consumption as well. 

  • Avoid air pollutants and irritants

Contaminated air contains pollutants that can irritate the nose and sinuses. This direct contact with the nasal mucosa leads to inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. 

If you are experiencing common sinus complications or sinusitis, make an appointment at 98857 45454 today!

How to Alleviate Ear Pressure

Ear pressure can be an uncomfortable feeling when one or both of your ears feel clogged. Ear pressure occurs when the eustachian tube becomes partially or completely blocked as a consequence of common colds, allergies, or sinusitis. When the eustachian tube gets blocked, sounds may become muffled and you may experience pressure, pain, or fullness in your ear. 

Causes of ear pressure

Ear pressure can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Sinusitis
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Earwax buildup

Sinus congestion

Sinusitis affects about 1 in 8 adults annually and generally occurs when viruses or bacteria infect the sinuses and begin to multiply. Sinusitis can cause inflammation and swelling, causing your sinuses to ache with dull pressure. You may feel pain in your forehead, sides of your nose, upper jaw and teeth, and between your eyes. 

There are many at-home remedies to treat sinusitis. These include:

  • Steam treatment – Breathe in steam from a humidifier to reduce pressure
  • Saline flush – Saline spray contains salt that can help increase moisture in your nose and reduce sinus pressure
  • OTC decongestants – OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain or swelling

Earwax buildup

Earwax is produced as a self-cleaning force by the body. It helps protect the ear from infections and damage. While earwax is important to prevent ear infections and damage, excessive earwax buildup can cause earaches, ear pressure, and headaches. 

Earwax can be removed by using solutions such as mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to dissolve earwax. When the removal of excessive earwax is necessary, one should seek medical treatment. 

Ear infections

Ear infections may also cause ear pressure. These occur when fluids remain in the middle ear for an extended period of time, which results in severe pain, fever, and hearing loss. OTC pain medication or ear drops may be recommended to ease the pain. 

When ear infections become chronic, they call for ear tubes to be inserted. Ear tubes are cylinder shapes placed in the eardrum to help admit air through the middle ear canal. 

Allergies

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition in which people are allergic to pollen, molds, or pet dander. This can cause inflammation of the nasal passages and mucus buildup, which can also affect the Eustachian tube, resulting in ear pressure. OTC antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays can help relieve your allergy symptoms.

It is important to understand what is causing your ear pressure and how you can manage it. If you’re experiencing chronic ear pressure or congestion, make an appointment with Dr Sriharsha at the Sahasra ENT Clinic today!

Call us at 98857 454545

What is Causing Your Dizziness?

Have you ever stood up quickly and felt dizzy? Or maybe experienced a rush of dizziness while talking to coworkers at work? You aren’t alone. In fact, approximately 40% of the Indian population will experience some form of dizziness or balance complications at some point during their lifetime. 

Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, including feeling as though the room is spinning, lightheadedness, and feeling unsteady. There are many possible causes of dizziness, which may relate to a person’s external environment, medications being taken, or an underlying condition. Recurring dizziness or severe dizzy spells can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. 

Causes of dizziness

The causes of dizziness can range from temporary physical changes to more serious medical conditions. Here are the most common explanations for why you may be feeling dizzy:

Vertigo

Vertigo is one of the most common balance disorders. Similar to motion sickness, those who suffer from vertigo experience a spinning sensation while standing, sitting, or walking. Vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds or much longer. Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo may include:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements trigger vertigo
  • Migraines – Severe headaches
  • Labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection

Symptoms associated with vertigo may include:

  • Loss of balance
  • Feeling sick or being sick
  • Dizziness 

Migraine

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting 10 crore people in India, according to a study. A migraine is a moderate or severe headache that causes a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. Common symptoms of a migraine include nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Sometimes individuals experience dizziness before the onset of a migraine episode. 

Low blood pressure

Low blood pressure can cause noticeable signs and symptoms, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, fainting, and blurred vision. Postural hypotension is low blood pressure caused by standing up too quickly and can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons, such as dehydration, lack of food, or being overly fatigued. 

Motion sickness

The brain senses movement by getting signals from the inner ears, eyes, muscles, and joints. When it gets signals that do not match, a person can get motion sickness. 

Motion sickness usually occurs when you’re traveling by car, boat, plane, or train. Motion sickness can start with a sudden queasy feeling and can eventually lead to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. 

Low iron

Iron deficiency can result in dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. One may consider making appropriate dietary changes or taking iron supplements to treat their iron deficiency. Always speak with your healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement. 

Contact us

Experiencing an episode of sudden or severe dizziness can be alarming. In most cases, the dizziness resolves on its own and does not require emergency medical attention. However, when a person is experiencing severe or recurring dizziness, they should seek medical attention. 

If you are experiencing severe or recurring dizziness, make an appointment with Dr. Sriharsha Tikka today by calling us at 98857 45454!

What Causes Itchy Ears and Throat?

Itchy ears and throat can be a sign of a few different conditions, including allergies and the common cold. These symptoms are usually no cause for concern and can often be treated at home. However, these symptoms can also be an indication of a more serious problem. 

Here are some of the potential causes of itchy ears and throat:

Ear infections

If you start to notice an itching sensation in your ear, this could be a sign that you may have an ear infection or are developing one. Upper respiratory tract infections and eustachian tube blockage are usually the root cause of an ear infection. 

If you have an ear infection, you should make an appointment with an ENT specialist. Your ENT doctor will identify the cause of your ear infection and suggest a course of treatment to clear it up. In most cases, this will be enough to solve the problem of itchy ears and throat. 

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, occurs when your immune system reacts to something in the environment that isn’t normally harmful. This reaction leads to the release of histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms, including itchy ears and throat. Common allergens include:

  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Mold
  • Dust mites
  • Other irritants, such as smoke or perfume

Dry ears

Earwax is produced as a self-cleaning defense by the body. It protects the ear from infections and damage. A lot of people make the mistake of cleaning their ears too often, removing the oil and wax. Without earwax, the ear can become dry, itchy and even infected. You should never remove earwax blockage, especially not with a Q-tip. However, when the removal is necessary, one should seek medical treatment.

Food allergies

Food allergies are another common cause of throat health issues and can also cause itchy ears in some cases. Similar to seasonal allergies, food allergies arise when the immune system kicks into high gear when exposed to an allergen, such as peanuts or shellfish. Common food allergies include:

  • Peanuts and tree nuts
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Cow’s milk
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Soy 

Viral infections

The common cold and the flu are the most common afflictions for itchy ears and throat. Most people get colds in the winter and spring, and symptoms usually include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, and body aches. While colds aren’t usually too serious, they can be annoying. Most over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol and Advil, can help you relieve some of your symptoms.

If you are experiencing constant itchy ears and throat, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sriharsha Tikka by calling us at 98857 45454 today!