NW LA Times

Dr. Schalch Lepe, an ENT specialist at SoCal Breathe Free San Diego, said that sudden weather shifts can exacerbate sinus-related pressure headaches, particularly for individuals with chronic sinus disease or nasal congestion. This statement was made on Instagram on September 24, 2024.

"Huge weather variations that we've been experiencing. I mean, you saw it on your forecast. There's 20-degree variations from one day to the next," said Lepe, according to Instagram. "A lot of people have a susceptibility to have what's called barometric headaches or pressure headaches, particularly if you have an underlying chronic sinus disease or nasal congestion. You will feel changes in that pressure, but basically feeling like pressure in your head, pressure in your forehead, your temple areas, even your ears will feel clogged up. That is more a chronic condition, certainly aggravated by the changes in the weather."

Sudden changes in weather, especially rapid alterations in barometric pressure, can significantly impact those with sinus conditions. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these fluctuations can lead to headaches and sinus pressure as the pressure differences between the external environment and the sinus cavities cause discomfort. This is particularly common during storms or abrupt temperature changes.

Medical News Today reports that changes in atmospheric pressure can create an imbalance within the sinus cavities, leading to headaches. These pressure variations can result in pain due to the body's inability to quickly adapt to external changes, affecting the ears and sinus structures. Individuals with chronic sinus issues may be more susceptible to these barometric pressure-induced headaches.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic sinusitis by widening blocked sinus passageways. According to Cedars-Sinai, this innovative technique uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to open up blocked sinuses, restoring normal drainage and function. The procedure is performed endoscopically and typically results in less pain, reduced risk of infection, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery compared to traditional sinus surgery.

Paul Schalch Lepe is a board-certified otolaryngologist at SoCal Breathe Free San Diego specializing in sinus and sleep apnea treatments. Born in Mexico City, he graduated from Universidad Anahuac Medical School, completed his residency at UC Irvine, and pursued a fellowship in rhinology and skull base surgery at UC San Diego. He has earned accolades such as Top Doctor by San Diego Magazine.

SoCal Breathe Free San Diego is located near UC San Diego Health in San Diego, California. It is a premier ENT practice focused on providing solutions for sinus issues, allergies, and sleep disorders. Founded by Dr. Lepe, the clinic employs advanced technology like balloon sinuplasty and in-office CT imaging to treat conditions such as sinusitis that affect oral health and breathing.