Sinus Headache Symptoms
Sinus Headache – Is it Real?
Many people experience sinus pain. The cause of this pain is usually attributed to inflamed or infected sinuses. This is due in part to common wisdom, which indicates that if your sinuses hurt, then your problem lies with your sinuses. Many people with these symptoms also test positive for allergies. What many people do not realize is that sinus pain, congestion, post nasal drip, etc can be caused by migraines which can cause the blood vessels anywhere in your face, head, and neck to swell.
Signs that you have a headache due to the pressure of a sinus infection (sinusitis) include:
- A sore face.
- Painful eyes.
- Teeth that hurt.
- Nausea from post-nasal drip.
- You suffer from allergies.
- You currently have a cold.
If you have been experiencing chronic sinus infections with no signs of pus or discharge, consider that the cause is likely migraines. The simple act of the migraine triggered blood vessel swelling can even trap bacteria in your sinuses leading to infection. Human nature tends to associate the cause of pain with the location of pain. In this case, since the pain is located in the sinuses, it is only natural to assume an associated infection of sort is responsible. In addition, many people also note that their “sinus” headaches are brought on by cigarette smoke, strong perfume, or inhaled chemicals. This only serves to emphasize the supposed sinus connection. However, migraine is also caused by sensory triggers such as strong scents and chemicals – people just usually do not make the connection.
Instead of determining one’s condition is due to migraine, many chronic sinus headache sufferers self treat with decongestants. Unfortunately, what these people do not know is that overuse of decongestants can lead to rebound headaches and the return of their sinus inflammation. This starts most people on a vicious cycle of taking more medication more frequently while experiencing less benefit. What is really needed is a treatment which helps the cause of the headaches, not just the symptoms.
Sinus Headache Relief
The idea migraine treatment program involves a preventative approach as well as abortive (migraine stopping) therapy, and in worst case scenarios – emergency pain medication. The best course of action is to speak with your doctor regarding your ongoing sinus problems and see if the two of you can come up with a treatment plan which really works. This treatment plan can include over-the-counter and prescription drugs, but it can also be drug free and rely on trigger avoidance, natural therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Drug-free treatments for sinus pain:
- Buy and use a humidifier
- Nasal irrigate regularly using a neti pot or squeeze bottle filled with lukewarm saline solution. See here for more information on using a neti pot: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal-lavage/MM00552 and here for the NeilMed Nasal Wash (this is what I use as it is so simple and easy) http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php.
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