With review and feedback from CEENTA ENT doctor Brett Heavner, MD (Steele Creek)You’re feeling pressure around your eyes and cheeks, and your head is throbbing. It looks like you have another sinus headache. What’s causing it, and what can you do to treat it?What causes sinus headaches?Sinus headaches can be a symptom of sinusitis but can also be related to allergies, migraines or other headache disorders, CEENTA ENT doctor Brett Heavner, MD, said.What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?In addition to the symptoms listed in the beginning of this blog, sinus headache symptoms include a stuffy nose, fatigue, an aching in the upper teeth, green or yellow nasal discharge, pain when leaning forward, fever, and facial swelling.What is the relationship between sinus headaches and migraines?While sinus headaches are more likely in people with a personal or family history of migraines, sinus headaches and migraines are different. That said, many people who are diagnosed with migraines often think they have sinus headaches because of the similarity in symptoms. Migraines often include nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity.How are sinus headaches treated?Headache medicines may temporarily ease your discomfort, but treating sinus headaches requires treating the cause. If they’re caused by sinusitis, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics as treatment. If you need antibiotics for your sinuses more than four times in one year, you may have chronic sinusitis and additional treatment may be necessary. If allergies are causing your sinus headaches, over-the-counter medicines or immunotherapy might be necessary. If you have the migraine symptoms listed above, a neuro-ophthalmologist could ensure that is the correct diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.Can CEENTA help me?CEENTA has ENT doctors who care for sinuses and allergies as well as eye doctors who specialized in migraine care. Whatever the cause of your pain, we’ll help you find the relief you deserve.This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. Would you like an appointment with Dr. Heavner? Call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
