Synopsis
Sinuses are eight hollow, air-filled pockets that are located in your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. These sinuses make thin mucus that drains out the channels of the nose. What is a sinus headache? Some neurologists believe that when people think that they are having sinus headaches, they are actually having migraines. Sinus headaches almost never recur, so if you notice that your sinus headaches seem to be occurring again and again, that is your first clue that you may be experiencing migraines instead. Being able to diagnose whether you have a sinus headache or a migraine can get rather confusing because people with migraines seem to see an increase in headaches depending on humidity and other environmental conditions. Sinus headaches are generally associated with deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement. Sinus headaches are usually accompanied by other sinus symptoms, including nasal discharge, a feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, or facial swelling. When sinuses become inflamed, usually because of an allergic reaction, a tumor, or an infection, the inflammation will prevent the outflow of mucus. This causes an intense pain similar to that of a headache. Below is a list of some of the various characteristics of sinus headaches:1. The pain is usually deep and constant, and is located around the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. 2. The pain usually intensifies when you move your head suddenly or when you strain yourself. 3. Sinus headaches usually occur with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, a feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling. Treating a sinus headache is generally focused on treating the infection in the sinuses using an antibiotic. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or decongestants such as Sudafed may also be used for a short period of time to help clear up the symptoms. Decongestants are often used to relieve headaches associated with sinus infections because they work by constricting blood vessels that cause headache pain. However, decongestants should only be used as directed, as they can be habit-forming. Allergies do not necessarily cause headaches, but allergies can cause sinus congestion, and the congestion can lead to headache pain. Keep in mind that treating your allergies will generally not relieve your headache pain and the two must be treated individually.
