Nearly everybody has experienced a headache at one time or another, but many confuse migraines and sinus headaches as they have similar symptoms. So how do you know if you are suffering from a sinus headache or if you have a migraine?
Is My Headache a Sinus Headache?
Figuring out if you suffer from a sinus headache or a migraine is important because the proper diagnosis can help you get the proper treatment. Sinus headaches can be caused by an infection or allergy and might feel like a sinus infection with pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Oftentimes though, these can be symptoms of a migraine, not a sinus headache.
Signs and symptoms include:
· Pain and pressure in your face, including the cheeks, brow, or forehead
· Pain gets worse with coughing, bending forward, or lying down
· Ache in the upper teeth
· Congestion with green or yellow mucus
· Fatigue
· May be accompanied by a fever
· Sometimes, the headache will last days or longer
This type of headache is not associated with nausea or vomiting, and it is not aggravated by noise or light.
How to Treat It
Directing the treatment depends on the diagnosis. If a sinus headache does not cause too much pain, you may be able to manage it at home with rest, staying hydrated, and taking painkillers. At home remedies for managing the symptoms of a sinus headache include:
· Breathing in steam to open up the sinuses and nasal passageways
· Cleaning the nose with a saltwater solution
· A warm cloth over the face
If you have a sinus headache, your treatment should focus on draining the fluid from the sinuses to relieve the pressure, pain, and inflammation. Oftentimes, your doctor will prescribe antihistamines, antibiotics, and decongestants as part of this treatment. If your symptoms last longer than a few days or you experience worsening pain and symptoms, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Because sinus headaches and migraines are often confused with one another, pay attention to your symptoms and what helps to provide relief. When putting together a treatment plan for your headache, knowing the underlying cause will help provide faster and more effective relief.
