Coping with Sinus Headaches
Provided By:
www.headachepainrelief.org
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A sinus headache, if caused by the sinuses, is really more of a face ache than a true headache; the sinus passages are located under many areas of skin on the face. The aching may be caused by an infection of the sinuses that has caused them to swell and therefore become painful. A headache may accompany a sinus infection, but will usually need to be treated separately.
Allergies and Sinus Headaches
Many people believe that allergies can cause sinus headaches. While allergies and sinus infections may have similar symptoms, the headache portion is a separate issue. Allergies may appear with a headache, but this is not a sinus headache; it is simply a headache. Sinus headaches will often cause a fever, because the body if fighting the infection that is causing the sinuses swollen.
The Sinus Headache Could be a Migraine
According to a study, up to 90% of self diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines; this however is a controversial issue and as such has been debated amongst professionals in the medical community. Some doctors believe that these patients may not have had migraines but did have Sino-nasal disease. Sino-nasal disease is a chronic condition of inflamed nasal and sinus passages that can currently only be corrected by surgery.
To fans of the migraine theory, the study did show a significant improvement in most of the patients which began migraine treatments after being diagnosed by their doctors. The best advice this result can yield is that it is important to get several opinions before choosing a treatment option. The doctor who preformed the study had diagnosed 90% with migraines. The patients were also sent to three other doctors, an ENT and two general practitioners.
Of each of these doctors, less than 10% of the same patients were diagnosed with migraines; this result could really fight for either side of the issue. The best idea, for any person who believes they are suffering a sinus headache, is to consult at least one doctor to be sure there is no serious problem. Mention the idea of migraine headaches as many doctors have tests that can help determine an individuals risk for migraine headaches.
Treating a Sinus Headache
For a true sinus headache, the best treatments will treat the other symptoms in addition to the headache. Decongestants and antihistamines can bring relief stuffy noses, watery eyes, and sore throats. Additionally, getting plenty of fluids, clearing nasal passages frequently, and staying well rested can also help to alleviate the discomfort associated with a sinus headache. If a headache lasts longer than the rest of the sinus symptoms it is a good idea to consult a doctor before continuing treatment.
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