sinus headache or migraine
Sinus Headache or Migraine?
Do you know someone who is constantly afflicted with chronic sinus pain and congestion? With spring right around the corner, lots of people run to the drug store looking for allergy and sinus medications to relieve their pain and stuffiness. However, what many people don’t realize is that – unless your sinus condition is fleeting, there is a very strong possibility that you are actually experiencing migraines. I know, it sounds crazy but “sinus infections” and migraines actually have a lot of overlapping symptoms and if you have been struggling with pain and discomfort for years without improvement it may be worth your while to consider the alternative.
First of all, how can you tell if the source of your pain is really your sinuses? Typical symptoms include pain and swelling due to sinus inflammation. This can also cause annoying congestion. For one, the pain will be linked specifically to an infection (look for signs of discolored mucous, a fever, and a time duration of around 12 days or so) or a specific allergy season. The pain will not be constant off and on for an extended period of time – this is not a normal symptom of legitimate sinus infection.
Where the pain is located -
Many people who suffer from sinus infections feel pain in the sinus area that may also radiate out into their teeth. The pain is usually constant and moving one’s head around usually makes the pain worse. Other symptoms can include typical allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, etc.
Signs your sinus infection may be migraine
Throbbing pain sensations.
Chronic sinus headaches all year round.
It would not usually be typical for a sinus infection to consistently cause nausea.
It would also not be typical to experience sensitivity to light or sound.
Avoid Medication Overuse
It is not common knowledge among sinus headache sufferers, but common allergy and decongestant medications will also cause rebound headaches (in addition to the “rebound” congestion effects that are more commonly known) when taken excessively and then discontinued.
