In the realm of throbbing head discomfort, the commonly used term “sinus headache” may be a misnomer, according to insights from Dr. John McGinn, an otolaryngologist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
When grappling with what feels like an inflated balloon inside the face for an extended period during a head cold, the culprit is often a bacterial sinus infection, rather than a classic sinus headache. While facial and head pressure is a symptom, it tends to be overshadowed by more pronounced nasal issues such as congestion, runny nose, or a diminished sense of smell.
Dr. McGinn underscores the misconception surrounding this discomfort, stating, “We acknowledge that some patients do experience a mild degree of head discomfort when they are actively in the midst of a sinus infection, but it is not a predominant symptom.” He further points out the common misperception of associating dominant facial pain with a “sinus problem” rather than categorizing it as a headache.
In emphasizing the distinction, Dr. McGinn humorously points out that the head encompasses more than just the hairline or the area where a hat rests. “The half-lighthearted thing I try to explain to patients is, you know, your face is part of your head, too,” he notes. “So, pain in your face is a headache, just as it is if the pain is in the top of your head or the back of your head.”
This isn’t merely a matter of semantics; it’s crucial for appropriate treatment. Patients experiencing consistent facial pressure and pain without concurrent nasal symptoms are likely not dealing with a sinus headache, as commonly believed. Dr. McGinn suggests considering alternative causes such as migraines and tailoring the treatment accordingly.
“For most people who claim to have sinus headache issues, they are talking about chronic, recurrent, frequent, or even severe headaches, things that are affecting their quality of life and their day-to-day functioning,” explains Dr. McGinn. “And that is almost never actually related to their sinuses. That’s the big point of this misconception.”
