What Are the Causes of a Stuffy Nose & Headache Year Round?

A persistently stuffy nose.

A stuffy nose and headache are troublesome enough when the symptoms suggest a typical cold, but they may indicate something more serious if they persist for any prolonged time.

Common Causes

Sudden barometric pressure drops can press on the bones surrounding the sinus, causing a terrible headache, Dr. Gabe Mirkin advises. The inner linings of the nose will then swell up, and shut the sinus passageway, adding to the discomfort.

Sinus Allergies

Inhaling certain airborne substances like cigarette smoke, dust, mold pollen or ragweed will irritate the sinuses, and lead to allergies, according to www.healthandyoga.com. These allergens prevent mucus from draining properly, leading to nasal blocks and infections.

Airborne Fungus

Exposure to airborne fungi may trigger an exaggerated immune response.

Effects

A Mayo Clinic study suggests that chronic sinusitis sufferers carry some type of fungi in their noses.

Prevention/Solution

Seeking relief through allergy shots, cortisone treatments and sinus surgery is not recommended, since these treatments are often painful, costly and do not provide any lasting benefit, according to Dr. Mirkin.

Considerations

Taking antibiotics for a week rarely cures sinus infections, Dr. Mirkin advises. However, long-term, low-dose administration of erythromycin antibiotics like Biaxin has shown promising results, though not all doctors accept this therapy.

References

• Treating Allergy Symptoms: Sinus Allergies
• Dr. Mirkin: Chronic Sinusitis

Resources

• Sinus: Pain, Pressure, Drainage
• Sinus Infection Sinusitis Causes Stuffy Nose, Cough and Headache for Treatment Relief
• Your Stuffy Nose Could Mean More Than A Cold