Sinus Headache Causes and How to Spot Them
You can find relief from over-the-counter pain relievers if you suffer from a sinus headache. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are great ways to help reduce the pain associated with this condition. You can also use a nasal decongestant or steroid spray to ease the pain.
Viral infection
If you have a sinus infection, take a decongestant or acetaminophen to reduce the pain. You can also apply a warm compress to your head to ease the pressure. Taking an over-the-counter saline solution to wash your nose may also help.
A sinus infection may also cause pharyngitis, an inflammation of the pharynx and throat. These infections are rare but serious conditions. If left untreated, they may lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
Allergies
If you suffer from persistent sinus pain, it may indicate allergies. These pains are characterized by pressure in the face, often accompanied by fever and a runny nose. In some cases, allergies can also cause a sinus infection, which can cause headaches. Your local allergist can help determine the cause of your pain.
In some cases, allergies can trigger a sinus headache and migraine. The symptoms can vary, and they are often difficult to diagnose. However, a thorough diagnosis will help you identify the cause and develop a treatment plan.
Deviated septum
Deviated septum is a condition in which the nose does not close correctly, which causes nasal blockage and sinus infection. A blocked nose can be uncomfortable and even cause headaches. In the most severe cases, the deviated septum can lead to chronic sinusitis, a prolonged sinus infection. The condition can also lead to snoring and pain in the face. However, it can be treated with surgery.
A deviated septum is a common condition, affecting about 80% of the population. It can also cause breathing difficulties, leading to a lower quality of life. A surgical procedure known as septoplasty can correct the condition and relieve headaches and breathing difficulties.
Tension
A sinus headache is caused by tension in the surrounding muscles. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and a sore back. Many people with sinus headaches also experience migraines and tension headaches. In both cases, a doctor must determine the correct diagnosis and the best course of treatment. This article aims to shed some light on the causes of sinus headaches and how to spot them.
A sinus headache is generally felt on both sides of the head, but it may be one-sided if the sinuses are clogged. In contrast, a tension headache feels all over the head and lasts for hours or days. Sometimes, a sinus headache may signify a more severe disorder, such as a migraine. You should consult an ENT specialist if you suffer from a sinus headache. This specialist will diagnose whether you have a sinus infection or a migraine-related disorder. The latter is usually associated with pain from the trigeminal nerve that has branches in the jaw, forehead, and cheeks.
Migraine
One study analyzed a population of sinus headache sufferers. More than two-thirds described their pain as throbbing, 35% as pressure, and 22% as both. The mean pain severity was 6.7 on an ordinal 0-10 scale. Most patients reported that seasonal variations and weather changes influenced the onset of their headaches. Approximately one-third reported having exposure to "allergens," such as smoke, pollen, or dust. However, only 49% were able to identify a single allergen.
One of the most common causes of migraine is neurological dysfunction in the brain stem. Some leading theories relate the disorder to the overexcitability of some brain regions. The brain stem is a small but vital part that allows nerve connections to pass from the brain to the rest of the body. The brain stem is responsible for regulating body movement and sensation.
