[21F] Experiencing severe headache and nasal congestion

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, several conditions may be considered:

• Sinusitis: This is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue. The pain above your right eye could be due to pressure from your sinuses.

  • Treatment often involves over-the-counter remedies, prescription medication, and ensuring good sinus hygiene.

• Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The pain can cause significant pain for hours to days, and can be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down.

  • Treatment often involves medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

• Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache, and it causes a constant ache and pressure around your head, temples, or the back of your head and neck. It's often described as a feeling like a tight band around your forehead.

  • Treatment often involves over-the-counter pain relievers, lifestyle changes, and stress management.

• Cluster headache: This is a rare type of headache that affects less than 1% of the population. It's one of the most painful types of headache, with intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye, and it can be steady or throbbing. The pain is so severe that most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack.

  • Treatment often involves medications, as well as certain procedures if medication isn't effective.

What you can do

While waiting for your doctor's appointment, you can try the following to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of fluids. This can help your body recover and can also help alleviate some of your symptoms.

2. Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with your headache. However, they should be used sparingly, as overuse can lead to rebound headaches.

3. Avoid triggers: If certain activities or situations worsen your headache, try to avoid them if possible.

4. Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your forehead or the back of your neck may help relieve headache pain.

5. Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or nasal irrigation system can help clear your nasal passages and relieve congestion.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your headache is sudden and severe
• You have a headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
• You have a headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• You have chronic headaches and they're getting worse or you have a headache that's unlike any you've had before

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.