Sinus Headache – How to Diagnose and Treat

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Sinus Headache – How to Diagnose and Treat

Sunday, May 6th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Sinus headaches often feel the same as others such as migraines or those caused by tension. However, because each of these variations of head pain has different causes, they’ll have different remedies. Therefore, it is essential to know what different headaches feel like so that you will know which remedy will be most effective. For example, prescription drugs may be required to successfully treat a migraine. Others have found that resting in the dark with an icepack on the forehead is effective. Tension headaches are a sign that you are too stressed out, and therefore the best remedy is to relax and exercise more. On the other hand, sinus headaches are caused by infected sinus cavities, and therefore the best approach is to treat the infection.

What Characterizes a Sinus Headache?

Sinus headaches are easily distinguishable from other kinds of headaches with pain usually appearing in the face. Like some migraines, the pain increases as blood rushes to the head when bending or lying down. If your headache is accompanied by nasal discharge then it’s most likely sinus related. A fever, cough and rough throat may also be present. Due to these symptoms, a sinus headache is usually easy to identify. You may want to see a doctor if you think you have an infection. If you are not feeling any of these flu-like symptoms then it’s probably a sinus headache but not an infection. In this case, a decongestant may relieve your pain.

Treating an Infection

The first thing your doctor will do if you are complaining of a sinus headache will be to first rule out an infection. The doctor will press around your sinus region to see if it’s painful to you. She will look at your sinus passages as well. She will also ask if you have had cold symptoms. If the doctor’s diagnosis reveals that it is indeed a sinus headache, she will most likely want to prescribe an antibiotic. It is well-known know that antibiotics are harmful because they kill the good bacteria as well. Some would take a probiotic instead, which floods your system with good bacteria. They claim that it will get rid of your sinus headache just as well. If you are unable or unwilling to tolerate the pain while your sinuses recover, a typical over-the-counter pain reliever will do.

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