It’s surprising how many patients suffer from sinus headaches without even knowing it. This is partly due to the fact that some of the symptoms of sinus headaches are quite similar to those produced by migraine headaches, though these two forms of headaches are actually quite different and must be treated using different modalities. Read on to find out about the symptoms of a Sinus Headache in Allentown PA and how they differ from those associated with migraines.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of sinus headaches include pain and pressure in the forehead, brow, or cheeks that usually worsen when patients bend forward or lie down, stuffy noses, fatigue, and an achy feeling in the upper teeth. Not all patients experience all of these symptoms, but those who are suffering from them often find that they have a negative impact on patients’ abilities to perform daily tasks.
How to Tell the Difference
Sinus headaches usually occur after a patient has contracted a cold or a viral upper respiratory infection. They typically come with a thick, discolored nasal discharge, a decrease in the ability to smell normally, and tend to last for days or longer. Migraine headaches, on the other hand, usually last only a few hours and are typically accompanied by nausea or vomiting. They’re also made worse by noise and bright light, which sinus headaches are not.
When to See a Doctor
The occasional Sinus Headache in Allentown PA can usually be treated at home, especially if the symptoms are not severe and it is not the first time the patient has suffered from sinusitis. However, more serious cases that are persistent or are not responsive to over-the-counter medications should be treated by a specializing doctor such as an otolaryngologist, also referred to more colloquially as an ear-nose-throat doctor or an ENT doctor. Patients who are finding that their headaches are interfering with their daily lives, are experiencing symptoms for more than 15 days out of any month, or find that their symptoms disappear then reappear repeatedly without explanation, may want to visit us to learn about local doctors who can help.
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