Sinus Headache Without Congestion: Causes, Treatments And More

Sinus Headache Symptoms:

sinus headache symptoms

This article will explore why these issues develop, what eye pain symptoms you could have, and what a COVID-10-related eye problem means for your overall health. The treatment of migraine focuses great post to read on two things ‘ acute treatment and prevention. This typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Additionally, migraine can also impact the area of your sinuses.

Known as sinusitis,this can happen if the sinuses can’t drain properly and become blocked, which can provide an opportunity for infectious germs to grow there. In rare cases, they may recommend sinus surgery to remove polyps or open up small or constantly swollen sinuses. Usually your doctor can tell if your sinuses are blocked based on the symptoms you describe and a physical exam, but in some cases, you may need CT or MRI scans. If environmental factors are causing issues or people have a dry nose, it may help to avoid triggers where possible. If a septal deviation is causing sinus issues, people may require septoplasty, a type of surgery to correct the deviation.

Sinus headaches happen when the sinuses (empty spaces behind your facial bones) become inflamed or congested. These headaches usually develop as a result of rhinosinusitis, inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses that may come from a sinus infection, allergies, or another respiratory infection. Sinus headache and migraine can be confused get the facts for one another, which is why an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider is important. From there, treatment options may include prescription or over-the-counter medications. And you don’t even want to think about moving your head or bending over. If this sounds familiar, you may have a sinus headache caused by a sinus infection.

If you may have chronic or recurring sinusitis, an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, may use imaging and other tests to determine the cause. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria ‘ or, rarely, fungi ‘ may cause a sinus infection.

The symptoms typically worsen when you lower your head or lie down. Sinus headaches are characterized by dull pain, pressure, and a sensation of fullness around the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the nose and/or eyes. The goal is usually to relieve your symptoms and treat an infection if you have one. You might take antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants for a short time. You can also use inhaled nasal decongestants, but only for up to 3 days.

When trying to tell the two conditions apart, there are a couple of important things to consider, including symptoms and timing. The maxillary sinus sits underneath the eye within the cheekbone. The upper teeth attach to the lower portion of this bone, and dental infections can travel up the root of the tooth and infect the sinus directly. Avoid using decongestants on a long-term basis without talking to a doctor first because they can make congestion worse if used for too long.

Some evidence also suggests that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may bring relief to cases of long-standing rhinitis but more research is needed. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 50 percent of migraine misdiagnoses start with a person thinking they have sinus headache. Up to 90 percent of people who go to the doctor for sinus headache find out they have migraine instead.

Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection. Sinuses make mucus that drains out of the passages in your nose. This drainage helps keep your nose clean and free of bacteria, allergens and other germs (pathogens). When sinus headaches keep recurring due to an anatomical variation, corrective surgery can help prevent the headaches. With a sinus headache, you may feel slight tenderness when you gently press on your cheeks.

Though it’s usually not serious, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. There are many things you can do at home to relieve sinus pressure and pain. But if you have a fever or symptoms that last longer than 10 days, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider.

Many patients who believe that they have sinus headaches may instead have migraines or tension headaches. If other treatments are not effective, a doctor may recommend surgery to treat severe, chronic sinusitis. over here Surgeons can move the bones to open the sinuses or fix problems with bones surrounding the sinuses. Unlike a cold, sinusitis can become chronic, which means it lasts longer than eight weeks.

sinus headache symptoms

In these cases, the antibiotics are not necessary and could be harmful. Despite this, an antibiotic is not the correct treatment for a migraine headache. Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold, cause most cases of sinusitis.

Headaches from allergies can be relieved with a prescription for nasal steroid sprays unless there is a contraindication. This may be helpful along with nasal saline rinses to decrease inflammation within the nasal passages and treat or prevent sinusitis. Often patients will seek care at a walk-in clinic or Urgent Care Center. If complications arise, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) are often consulted to discuss the potential need for surgery and drainage of a sinus. On the rare occasion when fungal infections of the sinus are present, an infectious disease specialist may be consulted. People with sinus infections often notice that they cough up green or yellow phlegm or that the mucus they blow out of their nose is a bright color.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with many cases of sinusitis. If someone has a viral illness, OTC pain or cold medications can relieve pain and a blocked or runny nose. If the headache is the result of allergies, OTC antihistamines may help. It’s important to note that sinus headaches are in fact extremely rare; most people who have sinus headaches actually have migraine headaches, says Dr. Gottschalk. Like sinus headaches, these conditions may cause head pressure, but there are often symptoms and signs that can help with the diagnosis.

If your sinus headache gets worse or continues over the course of several days, discontinue using analgesics and speak with your doctor about what’s going on. Other types of headache can feel similar to sinus headache, but a true sinus headache is rare. Sinus headache results from a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinuses, called sinusitis. If sinus pressure or headache recurs or persists, or if people have any severe or concerning symptoms, they can see a doctor to find out the underlying cause and suitable treatment. In most cases, a sinus headache is a migraine episode or other type of headache, such as a tension headache. Treatment may include over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

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