Headache between the eyes and nose is a common problem that can be caused by some medical conditions, such as sinus infections, allergies, stress, and eye strain. The pain can be mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and congestion. In this article, you will learn about causes of headache between the eyes and nose and how each cause is diagnosed and treated.
What disease causes headache between the eyes and nose?
One of the following diseases can cause headache in the area between the eyes and nose.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a common cause of headaches between the eyes and nose. When the sinuses become infected or blocked, pressure builds up, leading to pain.
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause the sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation contributes to the characteristic headache.
Allergic reactions to substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can also cause inflammation in the sinuses, leading to headaches. The immune system response triggers the release of histamines, which result in sinus congestion and pain.
Diagnosis: To diagnose sinusitis, a healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and consider symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge. Additional diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies (e.g., sinus X-rays or CT scans), may be employed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment: To treat sinusitis, doctors will treat the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate the infection.
- Decongestants: Nasal decongestant sprays or oral decongestants can reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms.
- Nasal irrigation: Saline nasal rinses or irrigation can help flush out mucus and alleviate congestion.
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory medications, available as nasal sprays or oral tablets, may be prescribed to reduce sinus inflammation.
- Allergy management: If allergies are causing the sinusitis, identifying and avoiding allergens, or using allergy medications, can prevent recurrence.
Migraine headache
Migraine headache is a severe headache characterized by pulsating pain, often localized to one side of the head. While migraines can occur anywhere in the head, they can also manifest as pain between the eyes and nose. The exact cause of migraines remains elusive, but researchers believe multiple factors contribute to development of migraine headache, including:
- Genetics: Family history and genetic predisposition play a significant role in migraine development. Certain gene variants have been identified as potential contributors to this condition.
- Neurochemical imbalance: Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, have been associated with migraines. These imbalances can affect blood vessel dilation and inflammation in the brain, triggering pain.
Diagnosis: Diagnosing migraines is performed with a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and exclusion of other potential causes. The International Headache Society provides criteria for migraine diagnosis. Additional tests, such as brain imaging, may be ordered to rule out other underlying conditions.
Treatment: Migraine treatment aims to prevent headache attacks and relieve symptoms when they occur. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Identifying triggers, such as stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes, help you manage and reduce the frequency of migraines.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or prescription medications, such as triptans or ergots, may be recommended to alleviate acute migraine symptoms.
- Preventive medications: If migraines are frequent or severe, healthcare professionals will prescribe preventive medications, including beta-blockers, antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, or CGRP inhibitors.
- Non-pharmacological approaches: Complementary therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be considered as adjunctive treatments to manage migraines.
Cluster headache (clu8xst8xer hea8xdac8xhe)
Cluster headache is intense, excruciating headache that occurs in cyclical patterns, often described as a stabbing pain. While cluster headaches typically manifest around or behind one eye, they can radiate to the area between the eyes and nose. The exact cause of cluster headaches remains unknown, but several contributing factors have been identified:
- Hypothalamic dysfunction: The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, is believed to play a significant role in cluster headache development. Dysfunction in this area may disrupt the body’s internal clock and trigeminal autonomic reflexes, leading to cluster headaches.
- Trigeminal nerve involvement: The trigeminal nerve, responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain, may become hyperactive during cluster headaches. This hyperactivity results in severe pain and other associated symptoms.
Diagnosis: Diagnosing cluster headaches is performed with a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and medical history. Healthcare professionals may also order imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to rule out other underlying conditions. The characteristic pattern of intense, recurring headaches and accompanying symptoms helps differentiate cluster headaches from other headache types.
Treatment: Cluster headache management focuses on relieving acute headache attacks and preventing future headache episodes. Treatment options include:
- Acute headache attack relief: Inhalation of high-flow oxygen, sumatriptan injections, and triptan nasal sprays are often effective in relieving the severe pain associated with cluster headaches.
- Preventive medications: Various medications, including verapamil, lithium, corticosteroids, and antiepileptic drugs, may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and intensity of cluster headache cycles.
- Nerve stimulation: Occipital nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation techniques may be considered for individuals who do not respond to conventional treatments.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding triggers such as alcohol, smoking tobacco, and certain foods help manage and prevent cluster headaches.
Conclusion: Headache in the area between the eyes and nose can have multiple causes, including sinusitis, migraines, and cluster headaches. If you are experiencing a headache between the eyes and nose, you need to see a doctor to determine the exact cause. Once the cause is known, the doctor can recommend treatment options. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers may be sufficient. In other cases, the doctor may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments, such as physical therapy or acupuncture.
