Headache and Neck Pain

What Does a Sinus Headache Feel Like?

This article is written to answer the common question: What Does a Sinus Headache Feel Like?

A sinus headache is often characterized by a deep, dull and throbbing pain affecting the front part of your face and neck. It is mainly caused by inflamed sinuses or air-filled cavities surrounding your cheeks, nose, and eyes. The pain tends to worsen during damp and cold weather or when you lean over or bend down. Sinus headaches normally result from the inflammation of the ducts connecting your sinuses at the back of your nose. The reason behind this is that it reduces the ability of your sinuses to normally drain, thereby causing the pressure in your blocked sinus to build up. This might also lead to inflamed and swollen sinus lining and increased fluid secretion and mucus production. This worsens and increases the number of sinus headache symptoms.

A sinus headache often attacks its sufferers after getting up in the morning. It should be noted that the condition is quite difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to migraines and tension headaches. But it is still helpful for you to take note of the following Sinus Headache Symptoms since this will enable you to immediately take the correct action when the condition strikes:

  1. Pressure-like pain often affecting a specific area of your head or face such as behind your eyes
  2. Pressure and fullness affecting your forehead, cheeks, and brow
  3. Pain that tends to worsen when lying down or bending forward
  4. Stuffy nose
  5. Fever
  6. A cough
  7. A sore throat
  8. Blood tinged or yellow-green nasal discharge
  9. Excessive fatigue
  10. Painful feeling in the upper part of your teeth
  11. Reduced smelling or tasting ability
  12. Tender to the touch face
  13. Worsened pain, especially in the morning or when making sudden movements
  14. Sudden changes in temperature
  15. Swollen and red nasal passages

Signs and Symptoms of a Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are also triggered by a number of risk factors. Among these is a history of allergies including hay fever and asthma, swollen nasal passage, nasal polyps, facial or nasal tumor, cleft palate, deviated septum, nasal bone spurs, frequent flying or climbing high altitudes, and regular diving or swimming. The condition is also triggered by a recent upper respiratory tract infection, cold, environmental allergies to molds or dust, smoking and certain activities that involve changes in air pressure inside your facial sinuses.

To diagnose a sinus headache, a physical examination is often conducted. This is done to reveal tenderness to tapping or percussion on the affected sinus that tends to produce pain. An ear examination is also executed to determine if there are fluid levels or serous otitis behind your eardrum that imply that there are drainage problems in your sinuses and face. Nose examination is also used to reveal nasal discharge and swollen nasal passages. Your chosen doctor might also conduct imaging studies with the help of a CT scan. This is done to determine if there are any fluid collections in your sinuses or if your mucous membranes already start to thicken. There are also doctors who perform X-rays of the sinuses.

If you are suffering from the condition, then be aware that the first step towards treating it is to reduce inflammation in your sinuses and assist them in proper draining. Once proper drainage takes place, you can expect to obtain relief from pressure and pain. It also requires the administering of treatment for Sinus Headache Symptoms in a more comfortable way.

One of the most effective ways to reduce congestion inside your nasal passages is to regularly drink plenty of fluids. This is a good way to generally hydrate your entire body. You can also take advantage of salt water nasal spray and humidified air in eliminating the congestion. You can also use net pots. These are effective in providing your nasal passages with enough humidity while also aiding your sinuses to properly drain. This works in preventing infection and inflammation and in treating the sinus headache.

Sinus headaches can also be cured with the help of over-the-counter medications designed to treat sinusitis and reduce the inflammation in your sinuses. These medications also promote proper drainage. Make sure, however, that you first ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take these medications, especially if you are suffering from high blood pressure or heart ailments. If your sinus headache is triggered by allergies, then note that the best way for you to treat the condition is to use inhaled nasal steroids.

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