Headaches are very common and come in various forms. It is important to know what kind of headache you may have. For example, the symptoms of a sinus headache can also mimic other types of headaches. A migraine has many of the same symptoms as a sinus headache, however it is of a vascular nature. This determination is a key factor in getting the correct treatment for your symptoms.

The human sinus cavities are found in the bones of the head. Air passes and mucous drains through them. These cavities actually open into the passages of your nose. Four pairs of these cavities can be found between your eyes, behind your eyes, in your cheekbones, and lastly in your forehead. The size of these sinus cavities are vast which causes pain in so many different areas of our face and head when they come under attack.

If bacteria or fungi is present or if you have allergy issues, sinus cavities can become irritated and inflamed. Even the common cold can aggravate your sinuses to this point. Structural problems such as a deviated septum can also be a culprit. In any case, the sinuses can become blocked and the mucous is not allowed to pass. Pressure changes occur, thus the onset of pain and the beginning of sinus headache symptoms.

Sinus headache symptoms begin with pain affecting the area/areas of your sinus cavities. These symptoms can vary among sufferers depending on the cause of the blockage. Usually a distinct symptom of a sinus headache is if you were to bend or lean over, you will feel extreme pressure in your head and face. Even moving your head suddenly in any direction will cause deep, throbbing pain. You may also have nasal drip, runny nose, congested nasal passages, swelling of the eye lids, ears have a bloated feeling, cough worsening at night. Sometimes your upper teeth will ache as well.

Some at-home techniques can help alter the pain of a sinus headache. Breathing moist air with a steam vaporizer or humidifier, using hot and cold compresses on and around the affected areas, nasal irrigation to help shrink swollen membranes, pain relievers, and decongestants are several to try. If you don’t get adequate relief from these at-home measures, a condition called sinusitis may be present. Sinusitis is an infection of your sinuses which usually will cause you to become feverish. Your mucous discharge will become thick, and if it is green or yellow in color, then infection more than likely has set in. With a full blown sinus infection, you will feel miserable, tired, and uncomfortable to say the least. It may even affect your normal daily activities. This would be a significant sign to go ahead and see your doctor for a diagnosis. If sinusitis is present, it is urgent that it be treated medically. Infection can spread and with the sinuses in close proximity of the brain, it would be a definite target, thus further complications are possible.

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