[25F] Experiencing daily headaches with facial pain and runny nose

Patient Description

A 25-year-old female reports suffering from daily, throbbing headaches with an intensity of 7 out of 10. The headaches are not consistently triggered but sometimes begin upon waking or during work. They are described as a constant dull pain in the middle and front of the head. The patient finds some relief from Excedrin. Accompanying symptoms include a runny nose and facial pain around the cheeks, but no sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, or fever. The patient does not have any known pre-existing conditions, medication allergies, or other medications in use.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your symptoms include:

  • Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and can be triggered by stress, anxiety, poor posture, or skipping meals. It usually presents as a constant dull ache on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band around the forehead or at the back of the head.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers such as Excedrin, rest, and stress management techniques.
  • Sinusitis: This is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, often caused by an infection. Symptoms can include a headache, facial pain, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

    • Treatment usually involves the use of over-the-counter decongestants, nasal sprays, and pain relievers. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.

Please note that these are only possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Here are some suggestions that may help you manage your symptoms:

  1. Continue to take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, but be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage.
  2. Try to identify and manage any potential triggers for your headaches, such as stress or poor posture.
  3. Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to help clear your sinuses.
  4. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe headache that comes on suddenly
  • Headache accompanied by a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
  • Headache that worsens after a head injury
  • Headache that is progressively getting worse and does not improve with rest or medication.

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of tension headaches?

Common symptoms of tension headaches include a constant dull ache on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band around the forehead or at the back of the head. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, poor posture, or skipping meals.


How can sinusitis be distinguished from other types of headaches?

Sinusitis can be distinguished from other types of headaches by symptoms such as facial pain, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Unlike migraines, sinusitis headaches are not typically accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.


What are some effective home remedies for managing sinusitis symptoms?

Effective home remedies for managing sinusitis symptoms include using a humidifier, taking hot showers to help clear the sinuses, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter decongestants and nasal sprays.


When should someone seek medical attention for a headache?

Medical attention should be sought for a headache if it is severe and comes on suddenly, is accompanied by a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, worsens after a head injury, or is progressively getting worse and does not improve with rest or medication.


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