Sinus HeadachesSo-called sinus headaches are most often migraine headaches. Distinguishing these from actual sinus disease can sometimes be difficult. We must also realize that occasionally people are suffering from sinus disease that is triggering migraines. Acute SinusitisAcute sinusitis refers to inflammation of the lining of the sinuses from an infection, usually viral or bacterial. Symptoms include sinus fullness, pressure, fever, and discolored drainage from the nose. Patients may also experience pain in any part of the face but especially over the cheeks or forehead. Irritation of the sinuses could also serve as a trigger for migraine.TreatmentsAcute sinusitis is often due to a viral infection and in such cases the virus must ‘run its course.’ If the symptoms do not resolve after 7-14 days and/or the nasal drainage is discolored, then the infection may be bacterial and a coarse of antibiotics can be helpful. Sometimes a person starts out with a viral infection that becomes ‘superinfected’ with bacteria.Whether or not antibiotics are used, any pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine will help reduce sinus swelling and pain. Allergic RhinitisPatients with allergic rhinitis may experience sinus fullness and clear drainage from the nose, usually in response to environmental allergens. Fever is absent. Sometimes eye tearing is also associated. Pain in the sinuses or thoughout the head may also occur. Sometimes sinus irritation from alleric rhinitis will also server as a trigger for a migraine headache.TreatmentsTreatment of allergic rhinitis can be complicated, but simple measures include avoiding the allergens that are causing the symptoms (if possible), taking prescription or over-the-counter anti-histamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Clarinex, Astelin Nasal Spray, etc..), using saline nasal washes, and for the longer-term, using steroid nasal sprays. Migraine headache with sinus symptomsMost often those who see a doctor for significant headaches associated with sinus symptoms are in fact suffering from migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are usually associated with nausea, significant throbbing head pain, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Occasionally, though, migraine will cause facial pain or even a runny nose, without there being a sinus infection or allergic rhinitis.People who suffer from migraines with sinus symptoms can be convinced that their problem is with the sinuses. Sometimes this is because some medications used to treat sinus congestion (such as pseudoephedrine) also treat migraine headaches. Headache specialists know though that many migraine specific remedies and preventatives work much better than the decongestants. TreatmentsIf you think your sinus headaches may in fact be migraine associated with sinus pain and/or a runny nose, then review the migraine headaches page to learn more about migraines and available treatments.Return from SINUS HEADACHES to HOME
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