A condition called sinusitis affects up to 11 percent of Americans according to the CDC, causing chronic headaches and other symptoms. Sinus pain is particularly distressing because the pressure is felt behind and between the eyes and can radiate to other places in the head. It makes it harder to think, concentrate, focus, and perform throughout your day. The doctors at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Simi Valley, Camarillo, Ventura County and Thousand Oaks, CA can help you get the relief you need with sinus surgery and other treatments.

Causes of Sinus Pain
The sinuses are hollow spaces in the face that are filled with air and normally lined with mucus. The lining of the sinuses can become irritated and inflamed by a virus or bad bacteria, causing a sinus infection. Allergens may also be the culprit behind sinus pain. This condition causes a number of additional symptoms including tension headaches that last for days, constant runny nose, and yellow or green nasal discharge. It can be acute (short-term and usually related to a cold) or chronic (reoccurring for weeks).

How an ENT Can Help You Deal with Sinus Pain
Sinus pain sometimes passes on its own after a relatively short time, and can be managed with pain medication, nasal decongestants, antihistamines (if related to an allergy), or antibiotic therapy (if the cause is a bacterial infection). But when the condition is chronic and causing major discomfort, the doctors at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Simi Valley, Camarillo, Ventura County and Thousand Oaks, CA may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery.

Reducing the Occurrence of Sinus Pain
You can take steps to reduce the occurrence and intensity of sinus pain. Here are a few tips to consider going forward:

- If your sinus pain is caused by allergies, get an allergy test to identify the trigger so that you can avoid that substance. Take antihistamines as prescribed by your doctor.
- Use a nasal rinse to irrigate mucus out of the sinus cavities and remove irritants.
- Try using a humidifier in your home, as dry air can aggravate a sinus infection.

Dealing with Sinusitis
Sinus pain can take you away from your daily routine and cause major lifestyle inconveniences. The treatments offered at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Simi Valley, Camarillo, Ventura County and Thousand Oaks, CA, including sinus surgery, can give you much-needed relief. Call the office today for an appointment.