Sinus Headaches vs. Migraines: What New Orleans Patients Should Know

If you're experiencing head pain, facial pressure, nasal congestion, and a runny nose, your first thought might be: sinus headache. That’s a common assumption—but if you live in New Orleans and struggle with these symptoms, you could actually be dealing with a migraine.

Sinus headaches and migraines share similar symptoms, which makes misdiagnosis very common. But these are two very different conditions with different causes—and treatment paths.

Sinus Headaches vs Migraines: Learning the Difference

What are they?

Sinus headaches are caused by sinus infections (viral or bacterial). They typically come with facial pressure, congestion, and thick nasal discharge. The pain is often felt in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes. These headaches usually last up to 10 days and improve as the infection resolves.

But here’s the catch—“true” sinus headaches are actually rare. Many New Orleans patients who believe they have sinus headaches are actually suffering from a migraine.

Migraines are a throbbing pain in the face, temples, forehead, or the back of the head. More than just a simple headache, a migraine is a chronic neurological disease and is one of the most historically overlooked yet one of the most disabling diseases on the planet (while sinus headaches are not normally disabling). The American Migraine Foundationestimates that at least 39 million Americans live with migraine. However, many people do not get an accurate diagnosis, so the actual number is likely higher.

Migraine episodes typically last between four hours to three days.

What are the symptoms? How do they differ and overlap?

Here are common symptoms of a migraine and a sinus headache New Orleans residents must know:

A key migraine indicator is aura, or visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag patterns that may appear before the headache begins.

What Causes These Headaches?

●      Sinus headaches are linked to sinus infections, allergies, or nasal polyps.

●      Migraines can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, bright lights, weather changes, strong smells, or certain foods and drinks. Genetics and neurological factors also play a role.

What are the causes?

Sinus headaches result from a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, which causes irritation and inflammation in the sinus passages. Allergies and nasal polyps may also be contributing factors.

The actual cause of migraines is still unknown. However, potential triggers include changes in the weather, missing a meal, exposure to bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, stressful events, or alcohol and caffeine. Genetics, hormonal changes, medications, and heavy physical activities may also be contributing factors.

What Is the Role of Local Environmental Triggers in New Orleans?

●      Pollen triggers allergies, and allergies can cause irritation and inflammation in the sinus passages. This can make one susceptible to sinus infections, potentially triggering a sinus headache.

●      New Orleans is the most humid city in the US. High humidity creates the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, potentially triggering allergy-induced sinus headaches.

●      Sudden weather changes can cause migraines or trigger sinus issues.

Migraine vs Sinus Headache: Why Self-Diagnosis Is Often Wrong

According to the American Migraine Foundation, self-diagnosed sinus headache is 90% of the time migraine. A “true” sinus headache is rare and oftentimes misdiagnosed. Additionally, numerous over-the-counter medications market themselves as effective treatments for sinus headaches, reinforcing the belief that they are common. This leads to the common misdiagnosis, especially without professional help.

How ENT & Allergy of New Orleans Can Help

If you find yourself dealing with recurring pain and throbbing pressure in your head, it might be the perfect time to look for an ENT for headaches New Orleans communities can trust.

At ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, we focus on finding out the root cause of your headaches. We use a strategy of in-office exams and consultations, in-office sinus scans, and allergy testing to find out what’s causing your troubles.

Based on our findings and diagnosis, some local treatment options we can recommend include sinus medications, balloon sinuplasty, and allergy care, treatment, and management.

If you’re ready to seek the professional help of a sinus pain specialist, New Orleans residents don’t need to look further than our very own ENT & Allergy of New Orleans. Schedule a consultation with our team and find relief from headaches today!

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