Sinus headache is one of the most common reasons of patients visit to the physician’s office.
During the winter months, wind, cold air and abundance of viruses aggravate this condition. In the spring, however, allergy to trees and grasses and in the fall, weed pollens, could all be culprits for allergies and consequently sinusitis or a sinus infection.
The symptoms include headaches and facial pain, which is located mostly on the cheeks, eyebrows and corner of eyeballs. The pain aggravated when the head is in a downward position. Other symptoms are nasal congestion, discolored nasal discharge, post-nasal drip and bad breath. Sometimes a mild fever is present.
If sinusitis is not appropriately treated, it becomes chronic. In that case, the sinus headaches will be constant and treatment is more difficult, but not impossible.
According to recent studies, 35 million Americans are suffering of this very annoying and possibly dangerous illness. Therefore, a prompt and proper medical treatment is advisable.
Sinus headaches should not be mistaken with other types old headaches, in which sinus infections and allergies do not play a major role.
Migraines are very common and seen mostly in young and middle age women. This condition is manifested by periodic attacks of severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and photophobia (light sensitivity). The cause of these headaches is not always known, but sometimes it could be due to a hormonal imbalance or even stress.
Cluster headaches are more common in meddle age men and appear as bouts of severe and throbbing headache. These types of headaches come and go without any warning and episodes could last several days to several weeks.
Stress headaches are more common in young women and are associated with depression and stress. Stress headaches are manifested by dull pain, usually on the back of the head and may be accompanied by neck pain and spasm of the neck muscle. These headaches are persistent, i.e. the person goes to bed with headache and wakes up with the discomfort.
Finally, less common, but more dangerous type of headaches is caused by a neurological problem. This could be due to a brain tumor, cerebral aneurysm, subdural hematoma (due to head trauma), meningitis, encephalitis and brain edema (due to drugs or a metabolic disorder).
There is so much more to say about the cause of headaches, but it would be feasible in this narrative article.
If you have any question, you may call the “Valencia Allergy And Asthma Center” at 661-259-6996 and speak to Dr. Farhadian directly or one of the friendly staff will be glad to help you.