Sinus headache symptoms can sometimes be symptoms of migraines and its important to note that its possible to confuse migraines with sinus headaches
Sinusitis and Sinus Headache Symptoms
There are over 300 medical conditions cataloged that can produce or accompany a headache. One of the more common is known as sinusitis.
Often misdiagnosed, when the condition is actually a migraine, full or inflamed sinuses (along with the accompanying pressure) can definitely cause pain in your face and head and this by definition, is a sinus headache.
Your sinuses are cavities within your facial bones, above the eyes and behind your nose and cheekbones. They are lined with tissue and mucus, and the lining can become irritated with one or more cavities filling with fluid. The cavities can become so full that it can make both sides touch. This irritation and ‘fullness’ produces pressure and associated pain, which are the main sinus headache symptoms.
Causes of Sinus Headaches …
The symptoms of sinus headaches are often brought on as the result of contracting the common cold and for this reason sinus headaches are called ‘secondary headaches’ because they result from an underlying medical condition.
Primary headaches such as tension or migraine headaches make up the actual condition itself, though they too can have other contributing causes.
Some sinus headache symptoms may be the result of more serious conditions.
Because of genetic variation, some individuals actually have a mildly deviated septum, that can produce pockets or channels that hold or accumulate fluid. This can result in a form of sinusitis.
Surgery can correct such conditions, though of course the costs are high and recovery prospects can vary. Correct diagnosis is key.
For more minor causes symptomatic relief may be enough.
- Cold or hot compresses on the face can help reduce swelling and alleviate some pain.
- Nasal sprays are available in abundance and some do actually work.
- Caution is called for here again, though. Nasal sprays can actually increase irritation if you overdose.
Sometimes sinus headache symptoms arise due to environmental factors such as …
- Rapid pressure changes in airplane flights, mild allergens, even stress can change the pressure and condition of your sinuses.
- Changes in the weather are sometimes responsible as the outside air pressure and humidity can affect the interior sinuses. They are, after all, connected.
Allergic reactions can produce sinus headache symptoms, though this affects a relatively small portion of those who suffer from them. Even temporary allergic reactions need not be the result of an immune condition. Pathogens in the air or food can cause those not normally susceptible to experience similar headache pain.
In almost all cases once the sinuses are drained of excess fluid, and the inflammation ceases, the headache pain disappears as well.
Sometimes that can be helped by the old fashioned method of steam inhalation. In other cases, modern antibiotics are called for. Always consult your physician for proper diagnosis and ask probing questions to ensure you examine all your treatment options.
Treating Sinus Headaches …
Forms of treatment can vary widely depending on the true cause of the sinus headache. But, when your sinus headache symptoms are the result of an ordinary cold, time really is the only cure, though there are obviously hundreds of symptom-relief medicines on the market.
- Some headache treatments contain alcohol, which can make you drowsy but mostly worsen headache pain.
- Many have aspirin or acetaminophen which can be effective, though patients should take care not to overdose.
- One type of headache, aptly named MOH (Medication Overuse Headache), can be the result of taking too much medication.
Consult a doctor about your headache and find out what can be done for pain relief if …
- You have a chronic medical illness such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack or stroke, diabetes, or liver problems.
- You are not obtaining relief with over-the-counter pain medications.
- You have pain in your face or eyes and you have a very severe headache.
