Difference Between Migraine and Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are not normally disabling and migraine headaches are disabling. True sinus headache or sinusitis is associated with a pus-like or purulent nasal discharge that represents a potential infection in the sinuses. Migraine may be associated with watery eyes and runny nose, but the fluid is clear.

1. Can a sinus headache feel like a migraine?
2. What does a sinus headache feel like?
3. How do you treat sinus migraines?
4. What is the difference between migraine and headache?
5. What is best for sinus headache?
6. Why am I suddenly getting migraines?
7. How do you get rid of sinus pressure headaches?
8. Can you have a sinus headache without being congested?
9. What gets rid of sinus pressure?
10. Can blocked sinuses cause migraine?
11. Which is better for sinus headache Tylenol or ibuprofen?
12. Why do I wake up with a sinus headache every morning?

Can a sinus headache feel like a migraine?

The bottom line. Sinus-related pain — that feels like a headache — and migraine can have very similar symptoms, such as pain in the front of your head and runny or stuffy nose.

What does a sinus headache feel like?

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs. However, many people who assume they have headaches from sinusitis, including many who have received such a diagnosis, actually have migraines.

How do you treat sinus migraines?

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1. Decongestants. These medicines, which you can buy without a prescription, help open your blocked sinus cavities. ...
2. Nasal steroid sprays. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe these sprays and other drugs to reduce your congestion and pain.
3. Antihistamines. ...
4. Think moist. ...
5. Use salt water.

What is the difference between migraine and headache?

Headaches cause pain in the head, face, or upper neck, and can vary in frequency and intensity. A migraine is an extremely painful primary headache disorder. Migraines usually produce symptoms that are more intense and debilitating than headaches. Some types of migraines do not cause head pain, however.

What is best for sinus headache?

What OTC or Prescription Medications Cure a Sinus Headache? OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) and ibuprofen (Motrin and others) can help control pain. Decongestant medications such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may be useful in promoting drainage of the sinuses.

Why am I suddenly getting migraines?

Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells — including perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others — trigger migraines in some people. Sleep changes. Missing sleep, getting too much sleep or jet lag can trigger migraines in some people.

How do you get rid of sinus pressure headaches?

Here are the top 10 at-home treatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

1. Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. ...
2. Spray. ...
3. Hydrate. ...
4. Rest. ...
5. Steam. ...
6. Spice. ...
7. Add humidity. ...
8. OTC medication.

Can you have a sinus headache without being congested?

It's possible to have a sinus headache without any congestion, especially if you have a history of allergies and other sinus issues. However, a sinus headache is usually associated with allergies, colds, or an infection. Migraines are commonly misdiagnosed as sinusitis.

What gets rid of sinus pressure?

Home Treatments

1. Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
2. Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
3. Drink lots of fluids. ...
4. Use a nasal saline spray. ...
5. Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe. ...
6. Place a warm, wet towel on your face. ...
7. Prop yourself up. ...
8. Avoid chlorinated pools.

Can blocked sinuses cause migraine?

Sinus pressure may be somewhat linked to migraines, however. If you have allergic rhinitis, your nasal passages can become inflamed and irritated in response to an allergen. It's thought that the histamine release that occurs as part of the allergic reaction can cause migraines.

Which is better for sinus headache Tylenol or ibuprofen?

If you have a sinus headache, reach for a bottle of ibuprofen or naproxen instead of acetaminophen. They are both anti-inflammatory drugs that can help ease the inflammation in your sinuses. A nasal decongestant can provide relief for your other symptoms. "If you use ibuprofen, it would help temporarily.

Why do I wake up with a sinus headache every morning?

A: Headaches that occur when you wake up in the morning could be caused by several things. First, the nasal congestion you are experiencing could produce sleep apnea. If you cannot breathe through your nose at night then you are likely “mouth breathing” and snoring becomes more likely.