Doctor's Notes on Sinus Headache
A sinus headache results from increased pressure within the sinuses, which are spaces that develop from the nasal passages in the skull and help with air humidification and mucus secretion. When there is inflammation present (sinusitis), the mucus secreted in these spaces may not be able to drain properly, leading to a backup of pressure and causing a headache. Swelling of the lining tissues of the sinuses also contributes to the increase in pressure. Common causes of sinus inflammation include allergies or infections such as colds.
Signs and symptoms of a sinus headache include head and facial pain that often worsens with bending down or straining. Associated symptoms can include:
- pain in the forehead, temples, or cheeks;
- nasal congestion or runny nose;
- post-nasal drip, and
- cough.
What Is the Treatment for Sinus Headaches?
Treatment for sinus headaches can involve both at-home measures and medications. Treatments may include:
- Application of warm compresses to the face
- Saline nasal sprays or drops
- Use of vaporizers to create a warm, moist environment
- Decongestant medications
- Antihistamines to decrease allergy symptoms
- Antibiotics or antifungal medications for certain infections
- Steroid medications to reduce inflammation
- Medications for pain control
Allergies : Symptoms & Home Remedies Quiz
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5 Types of Headaches
There are five main types of headaches including migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, sinus headaches, and mixed headaches. Knowing what kind of headache you have is the first step in identifying how to get rid of a headache. There are several treatments for headaches depending on the type of headache you have and your headache triggers. The worst headache of your life could signal a medical emergency and you should seek immediate evaluation. -
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are different that typical headaches or migraines in that they begin intensely and last from 5 minutes to an hour. They may come several times during the day, punctuated by painless periods. The cause is unclear, but competing theories trace this type of headache to either a malfunctioning vascular system in the brain, or a malfunctioning neurological symptom in the brain. A variety of drugs is used to treat cluster headaches. -
Common Cold
The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. Symptoms and signs include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, sneezing, and runny nose. Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids and taking cough, fever, and pain medications. -
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare disease characterized by granulomas and inflamed blood vessels in affected tissues. Possible symptoms include sinusitis, runny nose, ear infections, cough, chest, muscle, and joint pain, fever, loss of appetite, and conjunctivitis. Medication is incorporated into treatment with the goal of bringing about remission. -
Hay Fever
Most likely you or someone you know has allergies, often referred to as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The telltale signs include itchy, puffy, watery eyes, and a red, stuffy nose. Spring and fall are the main hay fever seasons, but individuals can experience hay fever signs and symptoms all year long. -
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
Chronic and acute sinus infections and sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and/or infected. Sinus infection symptoms and signs include bad breath, runny or stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, facial pain and swelling, tooth pain, ringing in the ears, sinus headache, fever, sore throat, and cough. -
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
An upper respiratory tract infection is generally caused by a virus and treatment is directed at managing the symptoms of the infection. Viral infections are not responsive to antibiotics. The most common upper respiratory tract infection is the common cold. Upper respiratory infections are contagious thus prevention measures such as frequent hand washing and avoiding other that are ill are the most effective. -
What Does a Sinus Headache Feel Like?
Sinus headache refers to symptoms of certain headaches that feature pain and pressure in the face, over the cheeks or forehead, or between or behind the eyes (where the sinuses are located).
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.