Headaches, in general, are a big bother. They can hold you back from enjoying the quality of life. The thing about headaches is that they result in other consequences, including eye pain, fatigue, dizziness, to mention a few. Ideally, there are different types of headaches. Without professional help, it can be difficult to conclusively determine which type of headache you are suffering. The most common types of headaches are migraines and sinus headaches. It is important to know the difference between the two, so you can have the proper treatment. Today here, we learn about sinus headaches and how you can identify them.

What is Sinus Headache?

It is a headache that follows an infection of the sinuses. Sinuses are spaces in your cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead that are air-filled. When they get infected, the condition is called sinusitis. An allergic reaction can also cause the sinuses to be inflamed, having the same effect on your head. Headaches that result from sinuses are caused by the build-up of pressure in these areas. The pressure when the drainages for mucus are blocked, following the inflammation of the sinuses. Distinguishing between sinus headaches and migraine headaches is not as straightforward as most patients think. Often, patients that have sought after sinus headache treatment soon find out that they have migraines instead of sinus headache. Before you seek to self-prescribe medication for sinus headache relief, you must consult an expert to ensure you do not have a misdiagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Sinus Headaches?

Even before establishing the underlying cause of sinus headaches, it is important to note the sinus headache symptoms that indicate this disease. Some of the signs you should be looking out for include the following:

• Running nose
• Fever
• Swelling of your face
• Pressure and feeling of fullness in your cheeks, ears or even forehead.
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Discomfort and aches in your upper jaw
• More pain and discomfort when you bend forward or lie down
• Thick nasal mucus – that is often discolored
• Headache and pain that lasts longer than a day

What Causes Sinus Headaches?

A consultation session with Dr. Mark T. Agrama will help you understand that the sinus headaches are closely associated with other types of headaches. The main difference is that sinus headaches result from an infection of the sinuses of your body. The infection results from an allergic reaction that could be from food items, catching a cold, to mention a few. The triggers for your sinusitis may be different from those of other people. Still, some of the risk factors for this condition include:

• Genetics – if you have a family history of sinusitis and headaches thereof, you have a higher chance of getting it.
• Hormonal changes that cause an imbalance of estrogen levels in the body. In this case, some women may get sinus headaches based on the intake of birth control pills that increase the levels of estrogen in the body.
• Certain foods like highly caffeinated drinks.
• Alcohol and tobacco intake

Treatment Options for Sinus Headaches

According to South Florida ENT Associates, the treatment options for sinus headaches largely depend on the cause. For most patients, prevention works best than cure because their sinusitis is as a result of an allergic trigger. Some of the treatment options offered un our medical facilities for sinus headaches consist of the following:

• Lifestyle changes – a change in the things you do every day can help reduce the allergic reactions these changes may involve quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, to mention a few. Your doctor may even advise you to refrain from caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea.
• Pain relievers – these are prescribed to help alleviate the headache and discomfort in the rest of your face. Such pain relievers may include corticosteroids.
• Allergy treatment – preventive allergy medication may be prescribed as a way to contain the flare-ups of your sinuses in allergic reactions.
• Nasal decongestants – this is especially for patients who experience blockages in the flow of mucus, making it even difficult to breathe.
• Antibiotics – they help relieve pain, reduce the inflammation and treat the infection if any. You may have to use decongestants or antihistamines for a while until your sinuses are better.