According to Dr. Le Hong Anh, Head of Neurology Department, Central Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, headaches accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose or a feeling of tension in the forehead and around the eyes easily make many people think they have headaches due to sinusitis. However, these symptoms can also appear in migraines, making the two conditions easily confused.
Headache associated with sinusitis
Headaches related to sinusitis often appear along with symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Patients may feel pain or tension in the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes, or the nasal area.
When the sinus mucosa is inflamed, nasal congestion, increased discharge and reduced ability to drain fluid in the sinuses can occur. These changes cause a feeling of tension or pain in the face. Acute sinusitis often appears after a cold or respiratory virus infection.
However, not all cases of headaches accompanied by nasal congestion are caused by sinusitis. Migraines can also cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, or feeling of pressure on the face.
Migraine headache
Migraine pain is a form of headache related to the activity of the nervous system. The pain is usually moderate to severe, can appear on one or both sides of the head, with rhythmic, jerking, or beating pain.
Unlike common headaches, migraines are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, light or sound sensitivity. Some people may experience changes in vision or sensory disorders before or during the pain.
