Sinus vs Migraine Headache: What Are the Differences?

Headaches are a common ailment. It’s estimated around 45 million adults suffer from chronic headaches each year.

If you’re someone who suffers from headaches on regularly, you know how debilitating and miserable it can be.

Often, it’s divided into two different categories. A sinus vs migraine headache. But what are the differences between the two types? Is it even different from your average headache?

Read on to learn more.

What Are Migraine Symptoms?

A migraine headache is a type of headache that is characterized by intense throbbing or pulsing pain in one area of the head. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches can last for hours or even days.

Migraine headaches are much more severe than sinus headaches and can be disabling. Migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the brain, including the release of certain chemicals.

What Is A Sinus Headache?

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinuses, which are the cavities around the nose and eyes. They can be triggered by allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. Symptoms include pressure or pain in the forehead, cheeks, or bridge of the nose, and may be worse when you bend over or lie down.

Sinus headaches are usually less intense than migraine headaches, but can still be quite painful. Sinus headaches are also often accompanied by other symptoms, such as congestion, runny nose, and fever.

How They Are Treated

When comparing a sinus headache vs a migraine headache. Treatment-wise, a sinus headache can often be alleviated with over-the-counter decongestants, whereas a migraine headache may require prescription medication.

Additionally, certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers, getting enough sleep, and managing stress will help to prevent or lessen the severity of migraines. 

There is also medication to manage pain before or while treatment. Headache relief is now common and there are a lot of ways to do it too, even through chiropractic care.

What Makes Them Similar?

Both can cause pain in the head, but they have different symptoms. Sinus headaches are usually caused by an infection or allergies, and they are characterized by pain in the forehead or temples, a stuffy nose, and sometimes watery eyes.

Migraine headaches, on the other hand, are usually caused by stress or hormonal changes, and they are characterized by a throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Although they have different causes, sinus headaches and migraine headaches can both be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

Sinus Vs Migraine Headache, To Make Sure You Get The Accurate Treatment

If you experience frequent headaches, it is important to know about sinus vs migraine headaches. Sinus headaches are usually due to congestion and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Migraine headaches are usually more severe and may require Prescription medication.

It is important to be aware of them so that you can get the proper treatment. If you think you may be suffering from either type of headache, it is best to consult with a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis.

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