Sinus headaches are usually an after effect of the disease sinusitis. This is a condition which occurs when the membranes lining your sinus become swollen and inflamed. A person feels tremendous pressure around his eyes, cheeks and forehead. So when this head throbbing condition occurs, do not worry, do consult your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Sinus can affect anyone. More likely if you are an asthmatic, have nasal growths, a weak immune system or are exposed to active or passive smoking, the chances of contracting chronic sinusitis are even high. But not only are there many tests for its diagnosis but also various medicines for treatment. So do not worry to consult a doctor, if symptoms last longer than 10 days, severe headache and over the counter pain medicine does not help and your body temperature is greater than 100.5º F (38º C).
Causes
Headaches are usually a result of swelling of the membranes lining the sinus. Sinus can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, a weak immune system, or structural problems in the nasal cavity. Moreover changing pressures in the sinuses can result in headaches. Environmental causes could be exposure or allergy to dust, sand particles or pollen. Also exposure to smoke like cigarette smoke, or smoke from chimneys can also trigger the disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of sinus are easily discoverable and easy to recognize. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- Swelling and pain in cheeks, brow region or forehead.
- Extreme headache when bending forward or lying down
- Yellow-green or blood-tinged nasal discharge
- Sore throat, fever and cough and fatigue
- Achy feeling in the upper teeth
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, the doctor will ask questions about your headaches and do a physical exam. He would need to know, if you smoke, have had a recent cold or about your allergies.
Following are the tests for sinus diagnosis.
1. Nasal endoscopy
In this test, a thin tube with a light (endoscope) is used to examine the nasal passages. If tender sinuses are observed, it could be one signs of sinusitis.
2. Mucus testing
Here the doctor takes the mucus from inside your nose for examination to detect any bacterial or fungal infection.
3. Scanning tests
They could be CT or MRI scans. While the former uses a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and head (including your sinuses), the latter combines a magnetic field and radio waves to do the same. Both these tests expose your sinus for the doctor to detect any kind of inflammation.
Treatment
Once diagnosed with sinus, your doctor may recommend any of the following:
1. Antibiotics
These are the medicinal correction to eradicate the germs causing the disease. It is important that even if your signs and symptoms disappear before the medicines are exhausted, you finish the entire course of medication prescribed.
2. Corticosteroid nasal sprays or pills
If your sinus is related to inflammation or allergies., this is the best medication.
3. Over-the-counter medications
Medications like pain relievers, decongestants, saline nasal spray might help you feel better. Just have them as directed and make sure to drink plenty of fluids as well.
4. Surgical rectification
If there is any defect in your nasal cavity which is a cause of this disease, surgical correction may be recommended.
Prevention
Like every other diseases, sinus can also be prevented if taken the following things in consideration:
1. Wash your hands often
This is to prevent any kind of dust, germs or bacteria entering your nasal cavity. An yearly flu vaccine is also very effective.
2. Avoid irritants
Reduce your contact with cigarette, cigar, pipe or chimney smoke. Air pollutants of this sort can also cause sinus membranes to swell.
3. Use a humidifier
But make sure it’s a cast free one. You can also add moisture to dry indoor air, but be careful so as to not overdo it. If the humidity levels are high, mold and dust mite can grow in your home. So ensure the humidifier is clean mold free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does headache imply sinus?
No all headaches do not imply sinus. A lot of headaches are just normal headaches due to migraines or tension.
2. What is the difference between sinus and migraine?
Sinus should not be confused with migraine. Though there are a lot of symptoms which overlap in both, they are two different diseases with different diagnosis and cure. Unlike migraine sinus headaches are not associated with nausea or vomiting, or aggravated by noise or bright light.
3. I do not smoke, but my brother does. Can I contract sinus?
Mostly yes. Exposure to any kind of smoke, active or passive can lead to swelling of sinus membranes and trigger the disease.
4. What shall I do before an appointment with my doctor?
Before an appointment, make a list of symptoms you are experiencing. Even which are not related to the disease. Write any stress factors or recent lifestyle changes. Also list down all medications, even vitamins or supplements if any, that you might be taking.Take a family member along to avoid missing out on any vital information. Make sure to list down or remember all the questions to ask your doctor.
5. What questions shall I ask my doctor?
Ask the doctor about the causes, diagnosis, other possible symptoms and treatment for the disease. Ask him about further prevention and diet plan that you need to follow. Also make sure to take home some booklets or website which you should refer for expert guidance.
6. What shall I expect from my doctor?
Your doctor will ask you a lot of questions like when did you first experience your headache? Has it been continuous or occasional? Has anyone in your immediate family experienced migraines? So be prepared to answer all of them. It is only then that he will be able to recommend proper cure and course of action for the disease.
