Headaches are incredibly common, with most people experiencing them on occasion. According to the World Health Organization, 40% of the global population experiences headache disorders - headaches that recur and often cause quality of life impacts.
While common, not every headache is created equal. Sinus issues, migraines, and tension headaches can overlap in symptoms, but each requires different treatments.
This article will help you identify which type of headache you may be experiencing and when to consider seeing an ENT doctor for relief.
Sinus Headache or Migraine? Key Differences
Not sure if you're dealing with a sinus headache or migraine? While both can cause facial pressure and pain, they have different root causes. Understanding these differences can help you pursue the right treatment and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
What Causes a Sinus Headache?
A sinus infection is typically caused by inflammation of the sinus cavities, often due to infection or allergies. This leads to additional mucus production, which in turn can lead to blockages. With nowhere for the mucus to drain, fluids and bacteria can build up, causing you to feel pressure and pain.
Most people feel sinus headaches in their forehead, cheeks, and nose bridges. Unlike the sharp and pulsating pain brought on by migraines, sinus headache discomfort is generally a deep throbbing pressure that worsens when you bend over or lie down.
As a sinus headache is a sign of underlying sinus issues, you may also experience congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip.
What Causes a Migraine?
Migraines are a type of severe headache that affect roughly 11-15% of Americans. Unlike sinus headaches, migraines are neurological in nature. They are often genetic, but triggers like light, sound, stress, or certain foods can cause them to flare up.
In addition to pulsating pain (often on one side of the head), other symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blurry vision.
Because migraine symptoms can resemble sinus headaches, it's easy to misdiagnose the underlying issue. If you don't have nasal congestion or an infection but do have sensitivity to light, nausea, or throbbing pain, a neurological cause may be to blame. A medical professional can evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Tension Headache vs. Sinus Headache
As both can cause similar feelings of pressure and discomfort, many people confuse a tension headache vs sinus headache. However, like migraines, they're distinct conditions with different triggers.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are usually caused by muscle strain. While they can come on suddenly, stress, poor posture, and chronic dehydration can lead to more regular tension headaches over time.
While sinus headaches throb and migraines pulsate, tension headaches feature a dull, aching pain. Most people feel them in their foreheads, temples, and in the back of their heads. If your discomfort feels like a tight band after a stressful work day, it could point to a tension headache.
Tension headaches vary in duration - shorter flareups can last just several minutes, while persistent ones can go on for days. If your headache doesn't respond to hydration or rest, it may be time for a medical professional to evaluate you.
Sinus Headaches
Unlike tension headaches, which feel like a tight band around the head, sinus headaches are localized in the face. As sinus pressure builds overnight, the pain is often worse when you first wake up or bend forward.
Another key differentiator are the symptoms - sinus headaches often come with nasal congestion, facial tenderness, and post-nasal drip. If your headache is accompanied by cold-like symptoms or exists alongside a known sinus infection, it's likely sinus-related rather than muscular.
Do You Have a Sinus Infection With a Constant Headache?
If your headache is unrelenting and accompanied by nasal congestion, facial pressure, or a reduced sense of smell, you may have a sinus infection. A sinus infection constant headache is often a sign that your sinuses are inflamed and struggling to drain properly. This is especially true if the discomfort lingers for several days or weeks.
As mentioned, this pressure results from a buildup of mucus and inflammation in the sinus cavities, with the pain worsening when you bend forward or lie down. In some cases, bacterial infections may be present, requiring medical treatment.
While over-the-counter nasal sprays and decongestants can provide temporary relief, they don't always address the underlying issue. If your symptoms, including your headache, persist for longer than 10 days, it's a good idea to consult with an ENT specialist as soon as possible.
When to See an ENT About Headaches
If you've suffered from a headache that over-the-counter medication hasn't been able to alleviate, it may be time to visit your local ENT physician. Facial pain and pressure along with a stubborn sinus infection can all be signs that something deeper is going on. An ENT doctor can determine whether your headaches stem from sinus issues, infections, or other underlying ENT conditions, and put you on path to feeling better.
Find the location closest to you and book an appointment with our knowledgeable team of ENT experts today!