How to recognize if it’s a true sinus headache

I have a sinus headache. It’s a common misconception that most headaches are associated with sinus problems. In reality, just because you have pain in your sinus area doesn’t mean you have a sinus problem. But real sinus disorders, also called sinusitis, are worth learning about so you can recognize and avoid them, or get the care you need if you really do have one.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) says a headache — especially one with pain and pressure around the eyes, across the cheeks and forehead — is one of the key symptoms of sinusitis. In addition to a headache, sinusitis sufferers may experience the following:

• An achy feeling in the upper teeth;

• Fever and chills; • Facial swelling;

• Nasal stuffiness; • Yellow or green nasal discharge;

• A diminished sense of smell;

• Cough;

• Fatigue;

• Ear fullness/clogging; • Bad breath or taste in the mouth.

However, the AAO–HNS says that some cases of sinusitis do not include the upper respiratory symptoms, which means you still may have sinus trouble when it appears to be a tension or migraine headache. Sinus headaches are related to the swelling of the membranes that line the sinuses (areas adjacent to the nasal passages). The pain occurs when air, pus and mucus become trapped in the sinuses. A sinus headache often worsens if you bend forward or lie down.

When should you see a doctor for a sinus infection?

Sinusitis can be as minor as the sniffles or, in rare cases, as serious as a life-threatening infection. Most sinus discomfort and trouble can be alleviated with home care, but if you have an underlying medical condition that makes it harder for you to fight infection, or an underlying lung disease, call your doctor right away when you notice sinus infection symptoms.

If you’re normally a healthy person whose cold symptoms persist for more than seven to 10 days, you may have a sinus infection. If you experience facial pain, fever, severe cough, or ear or throat discomfort, visit your doctor for an examination.

And now it’s possible to see your Northwest Health provider using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Telehealth or virtual visits allow you to talk with a provider just as you would in the doctor’s office, but without leaving the comfort of home.

Appointments are available for new and existing patients. Many insurance plans cover telehealth visits. Video visits are typically required, although some payers will cover visits by phone only.

Check your plan coverage or ask when you make an appointment. Call 833-757-WELL (9355) or your physician’s office to request a telehealth appointment, or visit NWPhysicians.com for more information. The practice will provide instructions about your telehealth visit when you schedule the appointment.

Preventing sinus headache pain

The key to relieving the symptoms of a sinus headache, according to the AAO-HNS, is to reduce sinus swelling and inflammation and to facilitate mucous drainage from the sinuses. Here are a couple of steps you can take to alleviate the pain of a sinus headache:

• Breathe moist air — Breathe in the moist air from a steam vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier, from a basin of hot water, or from a hot shower.

• Alternate hot and cold compresses — Place a hot compress across your sinuses for three minutes and then a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure three times per treatment two to six times a day.

• Nasal irrigation — Over-the-counter nasal rinse products will wash away mucus and allergycreating particles and irritants. Sinus membranes will shrink and drainage will increase. Normal mucosa will fight infections and allergies better and will reduce symptoms.

• Decongestants — Headaches caused by allergies can be treated with over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.

About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed-bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customerfocused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.