Chronic Sinus Headaches, Or Could It Be Something Else?

Article by Ann Marier

Many people believe they suffer from chronic sinus headaches because they frequently suffer from sever pain around their sinus areas in their face and head. It is possible to have chronic sinus headaches however the condition is rare and can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

A chronic sinus headache would not be as painful as the more common acute sinus headache which occurs during a sinus infection. When sinuses are clogged bacteria can grow in the nasal passages creating an infection of the nasal passages commonly known as a sinus infection.

The headache associated with a sinus infection is quite severe and common treatments such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen will not help the pain. Chronic sinus headaches and acute sinus headaches will often require antibiotics to kill the infection as well as medications to alleviate the sinus pain.

Migraine Headaches

Many self-diagnosed chronic sinus headache suffers could actually be suffering from migraine headaches, the pain occurs in much the same places in the face and head. However, the cause of migraine headaches are varied and rarely are related to an illness.

Some people who believe they suffer from chronic sinus headaches believe the change in weather or pollution such as chemical smells or smoke are the cause of their sinus headache. In fact, these are triggers of migraine headaches.

If an allergy does exist it would not cause a sinus headache, because with allergies such as pollen, dander, or dust which cause nasal drainage. The fact that there is drainage omits the possibility of chronic sinus headache occurrences.

Moreover, many people take over the counter medications for sinus headaches such as sinus relief medicines, allergy medicines, or other pain relieving medication. However, these medications often will have no effect on the headache.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are also often thought to be pain masquerading as chronic sinus headaches. Tension headaches can cause pain in the temples and across the forehead. Because of this many people do mistake tension headaches for chronic sinus headaches.

Many tension headaches are accompanied by pain in the neck and shoulders. Sometimes the pain is right at the base of the head. Because there are also glands here, this can confuse many people into believing that they are suffering from chronic sinus headaches instead of tension headaches.

A doctor can perform tests to determine if a person has chronic sinus headaches. If someone believes they have chronic sinus headaches they should immediately contact a physician as medial treatment is necessary to relieve the pain and kill the infection.

About the Author

Ann Marier has written articles on general health issues providing helpful tips and advice. Read all about her latest articles on types of headache and how to stop headaches by identifying the causes.

Learn how to do scalp calisthenics, or a scalp massage, to relieve headaches with expert medical tips in this free online headache relief video clip. Expert: Dr. Susan Jewell Bio: Dr. Susan Jewell is a British born educated bilingual Asian with a British accent and can speak Cantonese. Filmmaker: Nili Nathan
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Related Sinus Headaches Articles

Truth About Sinus Headaches – What Can You Learn

Sinusitis is a pretty common ailment that afflicts millions of individuals worldwide. The reason for sinusitis is that the paranasal sinuses within our skulls are irritated either by bacteria or allergies that cause the sinus passages to swell and constrict. When this happens, a sinus headache ensues. The areas affected by a sinus headache can be found where the swollen sinuses are which happen to be in the face or check areas, between the eyebrows, and behind the eyes.


Sinus headaches can be very sever and is always accompanied by stuffy nose and a persistent green or yellow colored nasal discharge. There are several very effective over the counter cures for sinus headaches and sinusitis. Unfortunately, these treatments have been known to fail among individuals who have mistakenly diagnosed themselves to have sinusitis and therefore suffer from sinus headaches.


In severe rare cases, one may also experience ear aches, neck and top of the head pains as part of the sinusitis headache symptoms. It is important to take note of all the symptoms of sinusitis because a lot of individuals only think that they have sinus headaches when in fact, they are actually suffering from migraines instead.


It is important to note that sinusitis headache is not the only symptom of sinusitis. If it is indeed sinusitis, you will experience inflammation and tenderness of tissues around the eyes resulting in swollen eyelids and red eyes. Aside from this, there can be a loss of smell from a congested nasal passage.


Furthermore, aside from sinus headaches and other symptoms already mentioned here, sinusitis could trigger fever and cough. The cough can sometimes be a result of a post nasal drip from the draining of the sinuses that irritate the upper windpipe which causes it to be sore and encourages us to cough as a result. Sinusitis is also always accompanied by general weakness and tired feeling.


While it is true that up to 97% of individuals who think they suffer from sinusitis headache symptoms are mistaken because they are actually suffering from migraine, it is very important to make the correct distinction between the two. First, one needs to be properly diagnosed for illness specific medication treatment. It can be quite frustrating to be taking sinus medication to treat sinus headache symptoms when in fact; the headache is cause by a migraine.


With this said, one must never take the sinus headache symptoms for granted and haphazardly assume that it is a migraine. In some rare instances of complications, sinus headache symptoms may be a signal of acute sinusitis, which results in brain infection.It is therefore very important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment whatever the cause of the headache.


Studies have been reported to produce results that show that among individuals who think they suffer from sinus headaches, up to 97% of them actually suffer from migraine instead. It was found that people and sometimes doctors mistake migraine for sinus headaches, resulting in false and useless treatments. Imagine suffering needlessly with these supposed headaches and not getting the much sought after relief from use of sinusitis medication. Naturally, if you suffer from migraine and not sinus headaches, you must get migraine specific medication.


Otherwise, you will continue to suffer from migraines without getting proper treatment and this of course can result to a serious impediment on the quality of life you deserve to enjoy. It is quite easy to mistake migraines for sinus headaches because some individuals who suffer migraine also suffer from sinusitis like symptoms such as pain in the face area as well as a stuffy nose and ref puffy eyes. Although, people must keep in mind that if it is indeed a sinus headache induced by a sinus infection then along with the other symptoms, the person with sinusitis will have constant yellow or green nasal discharge. Without this, it is not a sinus headache from sinusitis. It could be migraine.


To help you and your doctor be able to correctly diagnose the root cause of your headache and determine whether it is indeed sinus headache or migraine, it has been said that it is helpful to keep a headache diary. Keeping tabs and taking notes every time one experiences a headache can help one accurately log the experience and details that may otherwise have been neglected will be highlighted and will help in proper diagnosis.

Low Jeremy maintains http://Headache.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.


Article from articlesbase.com

The Anatomy of a Sinus Headache

Article by Lynn Fugaro

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located in your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When your sinuses become swollen or inflamed due to a cold, infection, tumor or other structural problems in the nasal cavity, the resulting pressure changes in the sinuses (also known as Sinusitis) can trigger a headache.Sinus headache or migraine?

Sometimes, it can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose your headache as either a sinus headache or a migraine headache, because the signs and symptoms of both overlap. Studies have shown that 90 percent of those with “sinus headaches” actually have migraines. The main variation between a sinus headache and a migraine is that sinus headaches aren’t typically associated with nausea or vomiting, or aggravated by noise or bright light – all common features of migraines.

Sinus Headaches Symptoms

If your headache is caused by a sinus blockage, such as an infection, you will likely have a fever. When it comes to sinus headaches and sinusitis, CT scan, MRI and physical exams are the best ways to determine if there is a blockage happening in your sinuses.

Sinus headache signs and symptoms may include: * Pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow or forehead* Nasal discharge* Ear pain * Pain may worsen when bending forward or lying down * Yellow-green or blood-tinged nasal discharge * Sore throat * Fever * Cough * Fatigue * Achy feeling in your upper teeth

Is Sinusitis Causing My Headache?

Sinusitis can affect anyone. You may be more likely to develop chronic sinusitis if you have: * Asthma * Nasal growths (polyps) * Allergies to dust, mold or pollen * A weak immune system * A condition that affects the way mucus moves within your respiratory system, such as cystic fibrosis * Exposure to first- or secondhand cigarette smoke

Treating Sinus Headaches

The treatment of sinus headaches begins with symptom relief. Treatment might include antibiotics, antihistamines, pain relievers, corticosteroids or decongestants. However, if you take decongestants, but do not have a true sinus headache, the medication could make your headache worse. When an allergen is causing the sinus flare-ups, preventive allergy therapy is often needed.

Allergies and Sinus Headaches

Allergies themselves don’t cause sinus headaches. They are responsible for sinus congestion, which can lead to headache pain. Ironically, if you have allergies, the treatment for your allergies won’t necessarily relieve your headache pain. An allergist will be the best resource for helping you find relief from both the allergy and headache symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if:* Your symptoms last longer than 10 days * You have a severe headache, and over-the-counter pain medicine doesn’t help * You have a fever greater than 100.5 F (38 C)

If you suffer from sinus headaches and are having a hard time finding relief, please visit the website ofI Hate Headaches today to learn more about what may be causing your headache and how it may be treated.

About the Author

If you suffer from sinus headaches and are having a hard time finding relief, please visit the website ofI Hate Headaches today to learn more about what may be causing your headache and how it may be treated.

Related Sinus Headaches Articles