Paranasal sinuses or simply known as sinuses are those air-filled spaces in your forehead, cheekbones and bridge area of your nose. The word sinus is a Latin word, which means "pocket." The sinuses produce a thin mucous that usually drains out down the nose. When it's inflamed, the flow of mucus is hampered causing inflammation and headache. Some possible reasons for inflamed sinuses include infections, allergy reactions and tumors.
The role of sinuses is a hotly debated topic. However, we do know that sinuses prevent a direct impact in case something should hit your face, aids in voice resonance, protects your eyes from sudden change of temperature in the nasal cavities and protects sensitive structures such as the roots of your teeth. Other similar interesting theories include the role of sinuses to warm the air you breathe and decreasing the weight of the skulls, particularly the facial bones.
If the cause of your headache is due to inflamed sinuses, then what you need is a sinus headache relief. Generally, people who are suffering for recurring headaches are said to have a condition known as sinusitis. Sinus ostia are the small holes that join the sinuses. A simple allergic reaction or nasal lining swelling is enough to block them. For instance, if you have a common cold, the normal emptying of the mucous is no longer possible and hence sinusitis develops.
Sinus Headaches and Migraines
The differences between the two, at times, are hard to tell. Is it a headache caused by sinusitis or migraine? Here's a quick way to differentiate the two.
In most cases, the pains associated with migraines are far more severe than sinus headaches. You may also experience vomiting, nausea and sensitivity to light with migraines. In addition, the headache is pulsating or throbbing accompanied with severe pain on one side of the head only. You will be incapacitated from your daily routines and physical activities such as exercise are next to impossible.
A constant pain in your forehead, bridge of the nose and cheekbones are the common symptoms of sinus headaches. Most of the time, you'll experience nasal discharge, fullness in the ears and worst, facial swelling.
Should you consult your doctor or healthcare provider for a sinus headache relief?
Personally, the idea of consulting your doctor or a healthcare professional for a sinus headache relief is highly encouraged. Without proper examination, you can't tell whether your sinuses are inflamed, or it's already a migraine. Even physical examination won't suffice, and you may be required to undergo CT scan or MRI.
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