Sinus headaches are fairly common and since symptoms often are similar to migraines, patients are often misdiagnosed. Identifying a true sinus headache with the help of a sinus specialist will be useful in finding the correct treatment for the patient.
How do You Know it is a Sinus Headache?
A sinus headache is pain felt at the area behind and between the eyes, in the forehead and just above the bridge of the nose. These areas may feel tender when touched. The symptoms are often accompanied by the feeling of deep pressure in the affected areas. The pain and feeling of pressure may also worsen when moving, especially when lying down or when bending over. Symptoms can be mild but they can also be severe enough to make it difficult for someone to about their daily activities. In most cases, sinus headaches may be preceded or accompanied by other symptoms such as a stuffy nose, cough, irritated or sore throat, a feeling of general fatigue and some nasal discharge.
Getting the Proper Treatment
One of the most important steps in curing a sinus headache is to get the proper diagnosis. Since this type of headache can be mistaken for something else, it is important to see a medical professional who can identify the underlying cause of the issue. After all, it is quite rare for anyone to guess it correctly. In fact, a study showed that about 90% of people who complained of sinus headaches were actually suffering from another type of headache caused by migraine or stress. With accurate diagnosis, proper treatment can be provided.
How to Cure a Sinus Headache
There are two interconnected approaches to curing a sinus headache: first is treating the root cause of the problem and second is treating the pain. Sinus headaches are caused by an obstruction in the sinuses which causes a buildup of mucus. This prevents mucus from draining properly. When mucus builds up in the sinuses, the bacteria population begins to increase. To treat a sinus headache, consider the following treatments:
Pain Reliever
Mild to severe symptoms of sinus headaches can respond to treatment using pain relievers. Common over-the-counter pain medications can work well, providing relief from pain.
Antibiotics
Sinus congestion caused by an infection can be cured with antibiotics. Severe symptoms may require the use of a nasal steroid spray to relieve inflammation.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines provide relief for allergy sufferers who often experience stuffy noses and headaches due to the congestion in the nasal passageways. In severe cases, a nasal steroid spray may be prescribed.
Surgery
Chronic problems with the sinuses could lead to diseased or damaged tissues that can only be removed through surgery.
Avoiding Sinus Headache Triggers
Sinus headaches caused by allergies can be prevented by avoiding exposure to irritants, such as pollen, dust, smoke, artificial scents, chemical-based room sprays and the like. However, the problem may not be as simple for some patients. A thorough checkup by a sinus doctor will also help establish any external triggers or other problems that may be present.
If you are in the Houston area, learn about how we use the most up-to-date technologies and techniques to treat sinus headaches, and let us provide you with the relief you need.
Share Tweet Email If you’ve felt acute pain and pressure behind your cheeks and forehead, chances are you’ve had a sinus infection. You might have also experienced other symptoms that didn’t seem related to your sinuses, such as dizziness or nausea. Are those symptoms linked? Read on to find out more about your sinuses, what […]
Share Tweet Email It’s not easy holding down a job when your sinus problems cause sick days but it’s not like you have a choice. Sinus problems, like allergies can follow you around like a shadow but what you might not know is that there’s a way you can make yourself feel better and get […]