Sinus headaches are the ones when a patient feels deep and constant pain in cheekbones, forehead, or on the nose bridge. This happens when cavities in the head get inflamed which are known as “Sinus”. These usually occur with symptoms like runny nose, fullness in ear, fever, swollen face. A sinus headache may be due to sinus infection that will come from the nose, which will be yellow, green. Dr Aditya Gupta, Director, Neurosurgery and Cyberknife Centre, Agrim Institute for Neurosciences, Artemis Hospital Gurguram explains everything that you need to know about it:
Difference Between Sinus headache and Normal Headache
While there are over 150 types of headaches, it is challenging to identify symptoms of each for any individual. Hence identifying the differences in the most common types of headaches can be helpful. Dr Gupta says, “While sinusitis and migraine are the most common types of headaches, Common symptoms include nasal and sinus congestion and headache, facial pain, etc. True” sinus headache, more appropriately called rhinosinusitis, is rare and secondary to a viral or bacterial sinus infection characterised by thick, discoloured nasal discharge, possibly decreased smell or no smell, facial pain or pressure and commonly fever. And if the symptoms don’t subside within 7 days, it is advised to get the right diagnosis. Migraine includes nausea, dizziness and sensitivity to light accompanied by headache in one part of the head.”
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Symptoms Of Sinus Headache?
If one feels extreme consistent pain in the head, forehead, and cheekbones, and feels strain upon moving the head can be an indication of sinus headaches. The other common symptoms related to different types of headaches include –
- Runny nose
- Blocked ears
- Swelling in the face
- Fever accompanied by pulsating pain
Sinus headache is a byproduct of sinusitis, which can occur anytime when the sinus passage is blocked, or inflammation occurs due to infection or allergy. Though usually the symptoms are seen seasonally if one is allergic, headaches can also rise occasionally for any other reason of inflammation.
Treatment for Sinus Headache
Dr Gupta explains that while sinus headache is triggered by inflammation or allergic reaction, the treatment for root cause problem is essential. The doctor usually lets the condition clear on its own, but separate medications need to be given for allergy and the symptoms (like fever, headache, etc.). The management of headaches commences from clinical diagnosis or with the help of specific tests which rules out dangerous secondary headache disorders. The treatment of migraine involves:
- Lifestyle changes
- Preventive Therapy
- Rescue therapy
For the patients, who have daily headaches and went to the unbearable stage, for them therapies like “Botox” are available.
Any Medications To Avoid?
It is essential to recognise and appropriately deal with these disabling headaches to prevent Medicine overuse headache (MOH), which occurs when people take acute medications. Overuse of pain killers can cause ulcers and kidney dysfunction.
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Preventive Measures For Sinus Headaches:
It is essential to stop triggering factors that affect the sinus congestion causing headaches.
- Avoid dry air ambience – Make use of nasal sprays with saline solutions, making use of humidifiers can also help.
- Keep yourself hydrated – drinking a lot of water will keep the mucus thin and loose.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
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