Sinus headaches – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs.

But, this pain might actually be caused by a migraine.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sinus headaches may include:

• Pain, pressure and fullness in the cheeks, brow or forehead
• Worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth

Sinusitis or migraine?

Migraines and headaches from sinusitis are easy to confuse because the signs and symptoms of the two types of headaches may overlap.

Both migraine and sinusitis headache pain often get worse when you bend forward. Migraine can also be accompanied by various nasal signs and symptoms — including congestion, facial pressure and a clear, watery nasal discharge. These are due to involvement of the autonomic nervous system in a migraine attack. In fact, studies have shown that most people who see a health care provider for sinus headaches are found to have migraines instead.

Sinusitis, however, usually isn’t associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light — all common features of migraines.

Sinusitis usually:

• Occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection or cold
• Includes thick, discolored nasal mucus
• Is associated with a decreased sense of smell
• Causes pain in one cheek or upper teeth

Headaches due to sinus disease often last days or longer, and migraines most commonly last hours to a day or two.

When to see a doctor

Consult your provider if:

• Your headache symptoms occur more than 15 days a month or require frequent pain medicine available without a prescription
• You have a severe headache, and pain medicine available without a prescription doesn’t help
• You miss school or work because of frequent headaches or the headaches interfere with your daily life

Causes

Sinus headaches are usually associated with migraines or other forms of headaches.

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms. Most of these headaches are not caused by sinus infections and generally should not be treated with antibiotics.

Risk factors

Sinus headaches can affect anyone but may be more likely if you have:

• A previous history of migraines or headaches
• A family history of migraines or headaches
• Hormonal changes associated with headaches

Prevention

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of headaches. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

• Avoid triggers. If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid them. Your provider may recommend you reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.

  In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress.

• Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent headaches. If your provider agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling.

  Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

  Obesity is also thought to be a factor in headaches, and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

• Reduce the effects of estrogen. If estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, you may want to avoid or reduce the medications you take that contain estrogen.

  These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your provider about the appropriate alternatives or dosages for you.

Sinus headaches – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs.

But, this pain might actually be caused by a migraine.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sinus headaches may include:

• Pain, pressure and fullness in the cheeks, brow or forehead
• Worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth

Sinusitis or migraine?

Migraines and headaches from sinusitis are easy to confuse because the signs and symptoms of the two types of headaches may overlap.

Both migraine and sinusitis headache pain often get worse when you bend forward. Migraine can also be accompanied by various nasal signs and symptoms — including congestion, facial pressure and a clear, watery nasal discharge. These are due to involvement of the autonomic nervous system in a migraine attack. In fact, studies have shown that most people who see a health care provider for sinus headaches are found to have migraines instead.

Sinusitis, however, usually isn’t associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light — all common features of migraines.

Sinusitis usually:

• Occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection or cold
• Includes thick, discolored nasal mucus
• Is associated with a decreased sense of smell
• Causes pain in one cheek or upper teeth

Headaches due to sinus disease often last days or longer, and migraines most commonly last hours to a day or two.

When to see a doctor

Consult your provider if:

• Your headache symptoms occur more than 15 days a month or require frequent pain medicine available without a prescription
• You have a severe headache, and pain medicine available without a prescription doesn’t help
• You miss school or work because of frequent headaches or the headaches interfere with your daily life

Causes

Sinus headaches are usually associated with migraines or other forms of headaches.

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms. Most of these headaches are not caused by sinus infections and generally should not be treated with antibiotics.

Risk factors

Sinus headaches can affect anyone but may be more likely if you have:

• A previous history of migraines or headaches
• A family history of migraines or headaches
• Hormonal changes associated with headaches

Prevention

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of headaches. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

• Avoid triggers. If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid them. Your provider may recommend you reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.

  In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress.

• Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent headaches. If your provider agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling.

  Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

  Obesity is also thought to be a factor in headaches, and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

• Reduce the effects of estrogen. If estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, you may want to avoid or reduce the medications you take that contain estrogen.

  These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your provider about the appropriate alternatives or dosages for you.

Sinusitis, chronic, symptoms – Health Clinic 365 Yekaterinburg

With chronic sinusitis (sinusitis) , the cavities adjacent to the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. This makes it difficult for mucus to pass and it accumulates inside the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis is a common condition also called chronic rhinosinusitis. Depending on which sinuses are inflamed, sinusitis is divided into sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis and sphenoiditis.

In chronic sinusitis, it becomes difficult to breathe through the nose and the facial area, especially around the eyes, becomes inflamed. There may be throbbing pain in the face or headache.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or a deviated nasal septum. Most people have a short-term form of sinusitis (acute sinusitis), but if the condition lasts more than eight weeks or recurs periodically, it is chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Thick, colorless discharge from the nose or running down the back of the throat
• Nasal obstruction and, as a result, difficulty in breathing through the nose
• Pain, tenderness, swelling or fullness around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
• Reduced sense of smell and taste

Other signs and symptoms also occur:

• Ear pain
• Pain in the upper jaw and toothache
• Sore throat
• Cough worse at night
• Bad breath
• Tiredness or irritability

Signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis are similar to those of acute sinusitis, but chronic sinusitis lasts longer and causes more fatigue. Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts more than eight weeks or recurs intermittently. Unlike acute sinusitis, fever is not among its symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

Chronic sinusitis may be preceded by several episodes of acute sinusitis lasting less than four weeks.

Call your doctor:

• If you have had sinusitis several times and treatment does not help
• If your illness lasts more than 10 days
• If your condition does not improve after consulting your doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs and symptoms that could lead to a serious infection:

• Fever
• Pain or swelling around the eyes
• Puffiness in the forehead
• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Double vision or other visual disturbances
• Stiff neck
• Shortness of breath

Serious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare but may include:

• Vision problems due to inflammatory eye disease. Keratitis and some other diseases can occur if the infection spreads to the eye area. As a result, visual acuity may decrease, and in some cases complete blindness may develop.
• Infections. For example, meningitis is possible if the infection spreads to the lining of the brain.

For more information about chronic sinusitis, please contact the otolaryngologists of the Health 365 clinic in Yekaterinburg.

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngologist

ENT for children

ENT for patients older than 70

Appointment with endoscopy

Diagnostics

Ambulatory

Hospital operations

symptoms, causes and treatments

Contents

• 1 Sinusitis: symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention
  • 1.1 What is sinusitis
  • 1.2 Sinusitis: symptoms, causes and treatments
    • 1.2.1 Symptoms of sinusitis
  • 1.3 Causes of sinusitis
  • 1.4 Types of sinusitis
    • 1. 4.1 Acute sinusitis
    • 1.4.2 Chronic sinusitis
    • 1.4.3 Recurrent sinusitis
    • 1.4.4 Purulent sinusitis
  • 1.5 Diagnosis sinusitis
  • 1.6 Treatment of sinusitis without drugs
    • 1.6.1 Oxygenation
    • 1.6.2 Regular air humidification
    • 1.6.3 Nasal warming
    • 1.6.4 Cleaning the nose through biting the tongue
  • 1.6.4 7 Treatment of sinusitis with drugs
  • 1.8 Antibiotics for sinusitis
  • 1.9 Surgery treatment of sinusitis
    • 1.9.1 Indications for surgical treatment
    • 1.9.2 Methods of surgical treatment
    • 1.9.3 Complications after surgical treatment
  • 1.10 Prevention of sinusitis
  • 1.11 Conclusions
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What are the symptoms of sinusitis? take into account?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the causes of sinusitis?
      • 1.13.0.3 Which sinusitis treatments can be used at home?
      • 1. 13.0.4 Which sinusitis treatments are used in hospitals?
      • 1.13.0.5 How often can sinusitis treatment lead to a relapse?
      • 1.13.0.6 When should I see a doctor if I have symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a disease in which there is inflammation of the mucous membrane in the area of ​​the sinuses. Sinusitis symptoms can be very painful and interfere with normal life. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this disease.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in one of the sinuses. This is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors such as allergies, infections, deformities of the nasal septum, and head trauma. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic, and in both cases there are many symptoms associated with it.

Acute sinusitis often presents with severe headaches, runny nose, burning nose and cough. Chronic sinusitis tends to last longer and may be accompanied by more complex symptoms such as loss of vision, hearing, smell, etc. If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to various complications such as inflammation of the brain, abscesses, etc.

There are many ways to treat sinusitis, depending on the type and cause. Treatment may include antibiotics, nasal and mucosal irrigations, anti-inflammatory drugs, and local immune agents. In some cases, surgery may be required to resolve the problem.

What is sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membranes of the paranasal (paranasal) sinuses – Krupnyk’s, frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses.

Sinusitis can be due to a variety of causes, including a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, a fungal infection, or a polypous growth. The main symptoms of sinusitis are soreness in the nose, headache, portable stuffy nose, stinging eyes and fever.

Treatment of sinusitis may include antibiotics, vasoconstrictor drops or sprays, nasal irrigation, or surgery. To avoid sinusitis, you must take care of your health, lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid contact with people who have respiratory infections.

Sinusitis: symptoms, causes and treatments

Symptoms of sinusitis

Runny nose. One of the first signs of sinusitis is a runny nose. Long and painful, it can proceed both from one nasal cavity, and from both.

Headache. Headache is one of the adverse symptoms of nasal disease. Depending on which sinus is involved, the pain can manifest itself as before the eyes, deep, on the forehead or back of the head.

Body temperature. Sinusitis can also lead to fever. Be sure to measure it to accurately determine this factor.

Wrinkled face. The face may resemble a tightened tourniquet. This is usually due to pressure caused by swelling of the mucosa on the corresponding nasal cavity.

• nasal discharge
• conjunctivitis
• impaired sense of smell
• pain in the teeth
• blood when blowing nose

Causes of sinusitis

90 002 infections are the most common cause of sinusitis. They can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

Allergy – the body’s reaction to various allergens can lead to the development of sinusitis. Allergens can be different – dust, pollen from flowers, pet hair, etc.

Other diseases – Some diseases, such as polyposis rhinosinusitis and cystic fibrosis, can lead to sinusitis.

Nasal deformities – Various deformities such as nasal septal deviation can lead to sinusitis.

Smoking – Tobacco smoke can cause irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinuses.

Immunodeficiencies – People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing infections, including sinusitis.

Types of sinusitis by cause: Cause Types of sinusitis

903 08

Types of sinusitis

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a sudden inflammation of the mucous membrane of paranasal sinuses, which is accompanied by a runny nose, swelling of the face, increasing body temperature and general weakness. Acute sinusitis can occur with varying degrees of severity and requires timely treatment.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that lasts at least three months. Chronic sinusitis can cause a number of serious complications such as meningitis, sepsis, dementia, heart and lung disease.

Recurrent sinusitis

Recurrent sinusitis is a recurring inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that occurs several times a year. Recurrent sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors such as allergies, upper respiratory infections, smoking, and nasal congestion.

Purulent sinusitis

Purulent sinusitis is a severe type of sinusitis in which purulent inflammation occurs in the paranasal sinuses. Purulent sinusitis causes an acute metabolic disorder, severe headache, visual disturbances, a decrease in transparency over time – dissolution and trauma to the bones of the orbit. Purulent sinusitis requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis of sinusitis

For the diagnosis of sinusitis, first of all, attention is paid to the symptoms of the disease. However, for an accurate diagnosis, a number of studies are necessary.

Computed tomography is prescribed for a detailed study of the condition of the sinuses. In this case, you can see even small changes that are not visible on the x-ray.

X-ray is not always indicative, as it can hide minor changes. However, in chronic sinusitis, x-rays can be an additional criterion for establishing a diagnosis.

In case of questionable X-ray and/or tomography results, endoscopic examination methods are prescribed. This allows you to assess the condition of the nasal mucosa and sinuses, as well as to make a biopsy, analysis for microflora and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Based on the results, the doctor diagnoses and prescribes treatment for sinusitis.

Treatment of sinusitis without drugs

Oxygenation

Oxygenation is very useful for sinusitis. To do this, you can carry out regular breathing exercises and ventilation of the room.

Regular air humidification

Dry air in the room can adversely affect the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. To prevent this effect, it is necessary to humidify the air in the room where the person is.

Nasal warming

An old but very effective technique is nasal warming. For example, you can put a woolen scarf on your nose or a warm bowler with mustard powder. Heat will help get rid of congestion in the sinuses.

Cleaning the nose through a bite of the tongue

A technique that can also be considered the oldest. It is necessary to squeeze the tip of the tongue and stick it out of the mouth. Then forcefully inhale air through the nose, trying to suck out the mucus along with it. The action may not seem very pleasant, but it is effective and instantly makes life easier with sinusitis.

It is important to understand that treatment without drugs can only be an additional technique. When the symptoms of the disease worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor and use the recommended drugs and methods of treatment.

Drug treatment of sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition that often requires medication. Medications can help reduce symptoms and cure illness if used correctly and in a timely manner.

Antibiotics is the most common category of drugs used for sinusitis. They are usually used when bacteria is the cause of sinusitis. Best of all, when the choice of antibiotic is based on the result of a microbiological study.

Vasoconstrictor drops are nasal drops containing the appropriate active ingredients to help reduce swelling and improve nasal breathing. They can reduce the symptoms of sinusitis and provide relief to the patient. However, frequent use is not recommended, as it can lead to addiction and deterioration.

Mucolytics are medicines that make it easier to pass mucus. They help clear the sinuses, leading to less symptoms and faster recovery. They can be taken as tablets, syrups or inhalations.

Hormonal drugs – may be used when sinusitis is caused by an allergic reaction. They help reduce swelling and reduce mucosal inflammation. However, their use must be prescribed by a doctor.

• The use of drugs should only be carried out under the direction of a physician.
• It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations for the use of drugs and not to break the regimen.
• Before using medicines, you should consult your doctor and find out about possible side effects

Antibiotics for sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease that can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In some cases, antibiotics for sinusitis may become necessary to clear the bacterial infection.

It is important to remember that the misuse of antibiotics can lead to a decrease in their effectiveness, as well as to the development of allergic reactions. Therefore, before starting antibiotic treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.

• Examples of antibiotics used to treat sinusitis:
  1. Amoxicillin—often prescribed by primary care physicians for mild to moderate sinusitis;
  2. Clavulanic acid – the combination of clavulanic acid and amoxicillin can fight bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics;
  3. Cephalin is a second generation drug that can be used to treat more severe sinusitis;
  4. Azithromycin – This drug may often be used by doctors to treat patients with more severe sinusitis.

In some cases, patients may experience a number of side effects from antibiotics, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, most patients tolerate antibiotics without any problems or side effects.

Surgery for sinusitis

Indications for surgery

Sinusitis is a disease that may require surgery when conservative treatment fails. Surgery may be needed for:

• chronic sinusitis;
• acute purulent sinusitis, which develops against the background of general poisoning of the body and can lead to complications;
• polypous rhinitis – a disease accompanied by hyperplasia of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses.

Methods of surgical treatment

The most common methods of surgical treatment of sinusitis are:

• endoscopic sinus surgery is a low-traumatic operation that is performed using an endoscope that allows you to examine the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses;
• classical cavernous sinusotomy is an operation in which the mucous membrane of the outer wall of the nasal sinus is removed.

Complications after surgery

Sinus surgeries are high-tech interventions, sometimes associated with risks of developing serious complications:

• bleeding;
• infections;
• damage to the vessels and nerves of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses;
• respiratory failure.

However, due to the use of modern equipment and qualified doctors, the risk of complications is minimal. Patients after surgical treatment quickly recover, return to normal life a few days after the operation.

Prevention of sinusitis

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent sinusitis. It is important to eat right, consume enough vitamins and minerals. Stress and physical overwork must also be avoided.

Avoid contact with infectious patients and avoid exposure to excessive cold. When it comes to working in unheated rooms, it is necessary to use any means to preserve heat.

In the event of any respiratory illness or influenza, seek qualified medical attention immediately to prevent complications and the possible development of sinusitis.

Conclusions

Sinusitis is a disease that requires timely and correct treatment. If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor to avoid possible complications. Do not neglect diagnostics and self-treatment.

The main causes of sinusitis are respiratory disorders, allergies, infections and other diseases. For successful treatment, it is necessary to establish the correct diagnosis and conduct complex therapy.

Treatment options for sinusitis include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, topical agents, and physiotherapy. It is also necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease and take preventive measures to prevent relapse.

• Reminder for sinusitis:
• Mandatory medical consultation;
• Use of drugs only as directed;
• The importance of following a daily routine and nutrition;
• Deletion of the causes of the disease.

It is important to remember that treatment should be complex and continue until complete recovery. And only with this approach it is possible to prevent possible complications and relapses of the disease.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What symptoms of sinusitis should be considered?

The main symptoms of sinusitis are nasal congestion, morning headache in the forehead, cheeks, teeth and nasal cavity, fever, general weakness, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances.

What are the causes of sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungal infection, allergic reaction, viral infection, breathing problems from various causes, genetic factors and other factors.

Which sinusitis treatments can be used at home?

Treat sinusitis at home with heating pads, hot compresses on the face, inhalations, salt water drops, sinus eviscerations, fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and more.

Which sinusitis treatments are used in hospitals?

Hospitals take a more aggressive approach to treating sinusitis, using medications such as antibiotics, hormones, antiparasitic drugs, as well as surgery, perhaps even a sinusotomy.