Sinus headache is a common compliant. Most medical authorities would agree that acute sinusitis can cause facial pressure. However chronic sinus headache is very controversial. This article will identify common types of headaches and try to clarify chronic sinus headaches and when to seek treatment. There are some 300 different kinds of headaches. A headache is defined as pain that occurs in the head, face, mouth or neck. The frequency can be occasional, recurrent or chronic. Pain can be mild to severe. The face has pain sensitive nerves with receptors that can be stimulated by inflamed sinuses or nasal passages, dilated blood vessels, stress/muscular tension, or other headache triggers. These receptors send messages to the brain that we later interpret as pain. The most common types of headaches are: * Tension headaches (80-90%) * Migraine Headaches (12-18%) * Cluster Headaches (1%) Sinus headaches are considered uncommon to many medical experts. They are "secondary" headaches because they are the result of an infectious condition. However many patients and physicians alike diagnose them frequently. Sinus headache develops because of inflammation and congestion in the sinuses. It is usually described as dull/pressure around the forehead, eyes, cheeks or teeth. Sinus headache lasts for several days but resolves with appropriate treatment. Along with facial pressure, sinus headache is associated with at least one of these symptoms: * Pressure, worse with bending over. * Ear fullness or pressure * Fever * Nasal congestion/thick drainage, worse in the morning * Inability or decreased ability to smell Many times chronic migraine headaches can be mistaken for sinus headaches. There are symptoms that both sinus and migraine headaches have in common. These include: * Nasal congestion * Clear nasal drainage * Watery/tearing eyes * Sensitivity to weather Sinus headaches are not associated with these symptoms: * Gradual onset, becomes progressively more painful * Worse with activity * Experience moderate to severe pain * Throbbing headache on one side of the face, sometimes both sides * Nausea/vomiting * Sensitivity to sound * Sensitivity to light In fact the above symptoms describe migraine headaches. However sinus infections can can trigger migraine headaches. To determine if your headache is related to sinusitis or another cause there are diagnostic tests that can confirm this. CT of the sinus is the "gold standard" and the most sensitive test to diagnose sinus conditions. It visualizes the sinuses along with the nose. Other diagnostic tests are nasal endoscopy which directly inspects the sinuses and MRI. The MRI can be too sensitive and the nasal endoscopy not sensitive enough Treatment for sinusitis includes antibiotics, nasal sprays and supportive care. If you experience recurrent sinusitis, sinus headache or a headache with recurrent facial pain with nasal symptoms several times a month you should see your doctor. A specialist in this field is an ears, nose and throat doctor or Otolaryngologist. They can evaluate your headache symptoms and order the appropriate treatment. |