OTO: Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Balloon Catheter Dilation on "Sinus Pressure" / Barometric Headaches

This podcast highlights original research published in the July 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective of this study was to determine if balloon catheter dilation of sinus ostia affects the severity or frequency of headache among patients who have barometric pressure–related "sinus" headache. Subjects with sinus pressure headache without evidence of mucosal thickening on computed tomography had no significant difference in outcomes between active treatment (balloon dilation of sinus ostia) and placebo (nasal dilation). Further study on the etiology and effective treatment of barometric pressure / "sinus" headache is needed.   Click here to read the full article.