Chronic Diseases – Chronic Disease information to learn and live by

Sinus headache is caused when there is inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. So before coming to know about sinus headache let us understand what paranasal sinuses are.

PARANASAL SINUSES

Paranasal sinuses are air filled cavities which are located behind the nose at the base of the forehead and below the eye sockets.

The paranasal sinuses are of four types:

• Frontal
• Ethmoidal
• Maxillary
• Sphenoidal

Infection to any of these areas will cause localized pain.

SINUS HEADACHE CAUSES

The inflammation to the sinuses is called sinusitis.

There are various causes of sinus infection. They are:

• Allergic sinusitis
• Infective sinusitis
• Chronic sinusitis
• Acute sinusitis

Note: Allergy alone will not cause sinus headache however allergy is one of the reasons for causing sinusitis

Usually there will be marked tenderness over the sinuses in the forehead or below the eye socket. Post nasal drip (mucous collection in the throat when lying on the back) commonly accompanies this problem.

Sinusitis has to be treated well. In case if not treated properly the infection may escalate and may cause infection in the brain and it’s covering membranes which may lead to a serious condition called meningitis.

In acute infection of the sinuses the frontal sinuses refer pain to the forehead, the ethmoids and maxillary sinuses to the overlying areas, and the sphenoid to the top of the head.

Sinus headache may occur at any time of the day but more frequently when the person wake up in the morning.

SINUS HEADACHE SYMPTOMS

Sinus headache symptoms are as follows:

• Post nasal drip
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Thick mucus
• Headache soon after cold

These symptoms are very much useful to differentiate sinus headache from migraine headache. In most of the cases sinus headache may not actually be a sinus headache. It may be migraine. So it is important to diagnose the cause of the headache properly.

SINUS HEADACHE DIAGNOSIS

Sinus headache diagnosis is done by a doctor. The doctor examines the patient physically and checks for pain around the bridge of the nose radiating into the forehead.

Sinusitis can be confirmed by undergoing:

• X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT –SCAN)
• Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI-SCAN)

If the doctor found any swelling or inflammation in the sinuses then sinus headache is almost confirmed.

WHO ARE AT RISK OF SINUS HEADACHES?

• Asthmatics
• Injury to the nasal bones
• Cold
• Poor immune system
• Dust allergy
• Lot of Swimming

SINUS HEADACHE TREATMENT-

Sinus headache treatment can be done by antibiotics.

Sinus headache pain can be relieved by taking analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen.

If there is allergy then nasal decongestants and antihistamines are prescribed by doctor.

Sinus headache relief can be obtained by placing hot and cold towel on the affected area if the patient needs immediate relief.

The main aim remains to clear the sinuses which may occasionally involve surgical draining if there is any structural problem in the nasal cavity which is causing sinus headaches.

SINUS HEADACHE PREVENTION

• Avoid smoking cigarettes
• Stay away from air pollutants like dust, gases, fumes
• Eat healthy, stay healthy so that your immune system remains good
• Drinking lot of water

Everybody knows prevention is better than cure. So if you follow the above advice then you can prevent sinus headaches.