Chronic Sinus Headaches X posted in Allergies

[KittyDanger]

I've had chronic sinus headaches since I was in middle school. I have never mentioned them to any dr- not sure why...but off and on I get concerned about them. I get at least 1 but sometimes 3 or more a week. Sometimes they hurt so badly that I have to put a cold washcloth over my forehead/back of my neck and just lay down.

I always get them in advance of a pressure system moving into my area. For instance, if rain or a snow storm are moving in...sometimes 2 days in advance. The greater the change in the barometric pressure the worse the headache.

Sometimes I get them for what seems like no reason at all.

I carry around a bottle of Tylenol with me at all times. I'm not sure why but i have always just dealt with them. I figured you knowledgeable ladies would be a helpful resource.

Should I be concerned? Do you think this is an environmental allergy/food allergy? Something more serious? I don't take any allergy medication but do suffer from post nasal drip and other environmental allergies like dust/pollen/mold. I tried Flonase for a couple of days and it gave me migraines . I'm not really interested in taking any sort of daily med.

Thanks

[mizznicole]

There are several studies showing that sinus headaches are actually migraines in most cases! I have a similar problem. The migraine triggers a nerve near the sinuses that causes congestion. As to the cause of the migraine...something you might want to research with a doctor.

[sunnysandiegan]

Originally Posted by mizznicole

There are several studies showing that sinus headaches are actually migraines in most cases! I have a similar problem. The migraine triggers a nerve near the sinuses that causes congestion. As to the cause of the migraine...something you might want to research with a doctor.

Really??? I have never heard this before and would love to read more about it since I have a long history of sinus troubles. Do you have any links or book suggestions? Thanks!

[pragmaticme]

Originally Posted by sunnysandiegan

Really??? I have never heard this before and would love to read more about it since I have a long history of sinus troubles. Do you have any links or book suggestions? Thanks!

I should become a meteorologist. Significant changes in barometric pressure cause my migraines. Sometimes they are severe enough to keep me in bed for a day.

Ibuprofen usually keeps them at bay, but Imitrex really knocks it back into submission. If I am crying and writhing in pain, I take a half dose. I've only taken a full dose once.

I know how debilitating these can be. I left them untreated for years.

There's lots of evidence that indicates weather is the leading cause of migraines:

http://headaches.about.com/od/trigge...weath_trig.htm

[kjbrown92]

Have you had allergy testing to see if it's environmental/food related?
Have you tried keeping a food journal to see if there's a pattern?
I would think barometric pressure headaches were more migraine-ish than sinus too. Though since you have post-nasal drip, etc., it sounds like you could be experiencing both kinds of headaches.

[~*max*~]

I have this exact thing also. The weather changes really bother me. I have been to all kinds of doctors, including a full neurological work up. For me it is migraine. I've tried numerous natural techniques to treat them (accupuncture, massage, homeopathy, herbs, essential oils), but with little success. Some make me more comfortable, but they have not decreased them. When I start to feel the throbbing & I can tell it is a sinus thing, I take Tylenol Sinus. That often helps. I also take prescription meds when necessary. OP, I tried Flonase too - that is some nasty stuff!

I hope you are feeling better soon.

[WuWei]

I ate tylenol and benedryl daily for 20 years for sinus headaches. Grew up on prescription antihistamines since age 10. I was told by an immunologist that taking these every day was a bad idea. It seemed like a good idea to me! After I quit working in the hospital environment with all of the cleaning chemical exposures, and quit wearing makeup after ds was just born, and removed dairy and wheat from my diet due to his food intolerances, some time later I noticed that I never had headaches anymore! Years and years now---no more headaches.

As I added back wheat or dairy, or products with fragrances, and make up with synthetic chemicals, I noticed the headaches intensely again. So, I don't do that, mostly, lol.

I had had a CT of my head, saw an ENT, had full allergy testing, rounds and rounds of antibiotics, and was told nothing could really help the "vasomotor response". It wasn't migraines, just a constant stabbing ache under my forehead.

Also, 96% of all sinus infections are fungal. And I have all kinds of reasons for fungal infections, with taking tylenol, benedryl and antihistamines and antibiotics all these years (plus a mouthful of mercury fillings).

With all natural house and body care products, eliminating wheat and dairy and doing gut healing, I never have headaches unless I eat wheat/dairy (not sure which 'cause they always seem together). I do learn, but sometimes I don't listen to myself.


Pat