Waking Up Tired? What Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Could Be Telling You
When “I didn’t sleep well” becomes your daily reality, it’s time to look beyond the usual culprits.
Sinus Headache or Migraine Headache? You might be surprised.
You have probably been told by someone, be it a doctor or good ol’ Mom, that a headache accompanied by facial pain is a sinus headache. Research has shown that more often than not, if you get frequent sinus headaches, you are actually suffering from migraine headaches.
A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic looked at 100 people who self-diagnosed themselves as having sinus headaches. It found that:
- 63 had suffered migraine headaches
- 23 of the remaining people had probable migraine headaches
- 9 had unclassifiable headaches
- 3 had sinus infections as the cause of the headache
- 1 had cluster headaches
- 1 had a rare type of headache, called a hemicranias continua
What makes this a bit more interesting is that 98 percent of the people in the study had pain over the sinuses, which is traditionally associated with sinus woes. In addition, 56 percent had nasal congestion and 25 percent had a runny nose.
Sadly, most of the study participants had to wait over 25 years to learn they actually suffered from migraine headaches, which could have been properly treated had they been diagnosed- meaning they suffered needlessly. If you have chronic headaches, regardless of the symptoms, visit your ear, nose and throat specialist to determine if your sinuses are really the problem.
At Atlanta ENT, we have found that many patients have a combination of migraine headaches and sinus headaches due to a structural narrowing of the nasal and sinus passageways. It is also common for patients with migraine headaches to have their headaches made worse by sinusitis.
By Ramie A Tritt, MD, President, Atlanta ENT
You Might Also Enjoy...
Pillar Implants: A Tiny Fix for Big Snoring Problems
Loud, chronic snoring isn’t just annoying—it can affect sleep and relationships. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, we offer Pillar® Implants, a simple, minimally invasive solution for lasting relief.
Sniffling but Not Sick? When Runny Nose is a Chronic Problem
Always stuffy or runny but not sick or allergic? You may have non-allergic rhinitis. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, we find and treat the cause—so you can finally breathe easy!
Sinus Headaches vs. Migraines: How to Tell the Difference
Pressure behind the eyes, facial pain, and a stuffy nose? You might think it’s your sinuses—but it could be a migraine. Many confuse the two, and getting the right diagnosis is the first step to real relief.
Acid Reflux and ENT Symptoms: What’s the Connection?
Acid reflux (GERD) doesn’t just cause heartburn—it can also trigger ENT symptoms like sore throat, hoarseness, or a chronic cough. Surprised? Your stomach might be behind it. Here’s how reflux impacts your airway and what helps.
The Atlanta Allergy Season Survival Guide
Atlanta’s charm comes with a price: year-round pollen. From spring blooms to fall ragweed, allergy season here seems endless. But with the right plan, relief is possible. Check out our Atlanta Allergy Season Survival Guide and breathe easier!