The Myth and Truth About Sinus Headaches

If you think you have sinus headaches, think again. The fact is, the idea of sinus headaches is a myth.

There is no such thing as a sinus headache. The fact is, your sinus headache is caused by something associated with your sinuses. What generally happens is that your sinuses become inflamed as the result of an infection or an allergy. This inflammation stops the outflow of mucus which, in turn, causes a pain similar to a headache.

Not a sinus headache but sinusitis
Most people who say they have sinus headaches have headaches caused by a condition called sinusitis. This happens when our ostia - which join our nasal cavities to our paranasal sinuses - become blocked by an allergic inflammation or a swelling of our nasal linings. This can happen as the result of a cold or allergy. When the ostia become blocked, the drainage of our mucus is interrupted and we develop sinusitis. While sinusitis is not a serious illness, it can be very annoying. The symptoms can include bad breath, coughing, fever, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, fatigue and pain.

Other sinus problems
Actually, you might consider yourself lucky if you do have sinusitis, because there are far worse things that could be affecting your sinuses. For example, the second most common cause of a sinus problem - and sinus headaches - is an allergy such as allergic rhinitis. This occurs when you are allergic to something in your environment - dust, pet dander, mold or pollen. If you're allergic to plant pollen, you have what's usually called hay fever. If so, we don't have to tell you about the sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; swelling; and the runny, stuffy nose caused by hay fever.

Nasal polyps
Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis can also result in nasal polyps. These polyps grow in your nasal passages and sinuses. The most common symptoms of nasal polyps are that you have to breathe through your mouth, having the sensation that your nasal passages are blocked, a runny nose, and a loss of sense of smell. People who have nasal polyps may think that they have a cold that's lasted months or even years - as the symptoms of nasal polyps are so similar to those caused by a cold.

Anosmia
One of the more serious sinus diseases that can occur is anosmia - a loss of the sense of smell. A cold, sinusitis or nasal polyps, as mentioned above, can cause you to lose your sense of smell.If you're lucky, it will be temporary and last just a few days or weeks. This loss of can be permanent if the olfactory receptor neurons in your nose have died.

Is there a fungus up your nose?
If you have or think you have chronic sinusitis, the villain may be a fungus or fungi causing a condition that's known as fungal sinusitis. In 1999, the Mayo Clinic released a study demonstrating that 93% of all chronic sinusitis is actually fungal sinusitis. The simplest explanation of this condition is that it's a delayed immune reaction to mold. If you believe you have chronic sinusitis, the best person to see is an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) as he or she is best qualified to help determine what is causing your problem. In summary, the idea that you are having sinus headaches is a myth. The truth is that there are diseases related to your sinuses that can cause your headaches. So, if you are suffering from headaches related to your sinuses, make sure you get to your health care provider and get to the root of your problem.