All About Sinus-Related Headaches
Nearly 12% of adults in South Carolina are officially diagnosed with sinusitis, and many of them experience headaches that stem from it. With spring kicking off and summer around the corner, it’ll only get rougher thanks to all the seasonal allergies. Interestingly, many cases get self-diagnosed as a sinusitis headache when it’s just a migraine. So, how can you tell them apart when they can be so similar?
Is it Sinusitis or Just a Migraine Headache?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell the difference at first glance. Especially when we’re in the middle of spring and summer. This is allergy primetime, so a lot of people just chalk their runny nose and head pain up to being the result of sinusitis. According to the American Migraine Foundation, only 2% of reported headaches are actually caused by sinus problems.
Some of the key differences are nausea and sensitivity to light, which are characteristic of migraines, but not of sinus headaches. Other ways you can tell are by the presence of a fever, thick green/yellow mucus, coughing, ear pain, or toothache, all of which are indicative of a sinus headache rather than a migraine.
In short, if you are experiencing cold-like symptoms, you’re more likely suffering from sinusitis than a migraine. The only way to know for sure is to visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, like the ones at The Charleston Sinus Center.
Why Sinusitis Can Cause Headaches
Essentially, it all happens because of mucus overproduction. You may have noticed that when you’re sick, you produce more mucus, which causes that signature runny nose. The sinuses do this to trap harmful bacteria and expel it by dripping out. This can also lead to congestion at the sinus opening, which prevents the mucus from draining properly.
When this happens, the harmful bacteria that the sinuses sought to expel ends up multiplying. This, in turn, leads to more inflammation and swelling in the sinuses and around the sinus openings. The root of a sinus headache is this swollen sinus tissue that leaves you feeling achy all across the face.
What You Can Do at Home
There happens to be a whole playbook of home remedies for sinus problems like headaches. One of the oldest tricks in the book is literally thousands of years old. It’s called the neti pot, and you can find one at most pharmacies and major stores. It looks like a miniature watering can or teapot, which you fill with saline solution. Next, place the end in one nostril and tilt it, until the solution comes out through your other nostril. This washes out the mucus and other pollutants to relieve congestion — just make sure to lean over a sink.
Another way to relieve sinus pressure is to use a warm compress. It should go over your eyes for only a couple minutes at a time. This will heat up the mucus and cause it to thin, similar to the steam inhalation trick.
When to Go to an ENT
Sometimes you need a professional’s opinion, especially when home remedies aren’t working out. If your symptoms have lasted a week without improving, it could be a sign that something serious is going on, like a bacterial sinus infection. If your symptoms keep coming back, it could be indicative of chronic sinusitis. These require attention beyond simple remedies, which you can learn more about during a consultation with one of The Charleston Sinus Center’s ENT specialists. Call 843-863-1188 to schedule an appointment today.