Headache is one of the most common ailments that has affected about 47% of the population worldwide. Approximately 1.7-4% of the global adult population is affected by headaches every month for fifteen or more days. Though typical, a headache is a severe health issue and should never be ignored, especially one of longer duration. For the appropriate management of headache disorders, an accurate diagnosis by specialist health professionals who prescribe cost-effective medicines is of utmost necessity.
In addition, patient awareness and lifestyle modifications, including dietary habits and regular physical exercise, help prevent the symptoms of headache disorders. There are many different types of headache disorders that the International Classification of Headache Disorders classifies. Of all the headache disorders, Tension-type headache is the most common and is caused by bilateral, band-like tightness in the head and neck muscles.
Migraine is usually experienced unilaterally and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. In general, headaches are benign, but about 5% of the patients are estimated to have some severe underlying disorder like temporal arteritis, neurologic deficits, and others. Hence, headaches should never be ignored, and a timely diagnosis and management will help improve the symptoms and prevent any serious illness.
Other types of headaches include cluster headaches and sinus headaches.
Among the different types of headaches, cluster and sinus headaches are also found to occur among patients. Cluster headache, also called histamine headache, is primarily a neurovascular type. Cluster headache includes a group of headache that occurs for about several weeks. Cluster headache is experienced unilaterally and is the most painful of all kinds, with an attack duration lasting from 30 minutes to approximately 2 hours. Stress, seasonal changes, allergens, and pathogens aggravate the symptoms of headaches. Various studies have shown that about 80% of the patients suffering from cluster headaches are heavy chain smokers. The patient suffers from pain around the eyes with reddening and lacrimation from the looks. The patients also experience nausea and nasal stuffiness.
Sinus headache is caused due to sinus infection or nasal blockages. The patient suffers from pain and pressure in the face and sinus region. It may be associated with migraine or other types of headaches. A sinus headache is aggravated by cold and allergies affecting the nasal passages and sinuses. Viral or bacterial infection is the main cause of sinus headaches leading to thick, discoloured nasal discharge. The headache symptoms will wear off after the viral infection subsides, i.e., within seven days.
Conclusion:
A large population globally is nowadays suffering from headaches. Still, the signs and symptoms of headaches should always be addressed. Often, there is an underlying severe disease like temporal arteritis, any serious bacterial or viral infection, or a neurologic problem that remains undiagnosed and may prove fatal. Hence, if the symptoms last for more than a week, complete investigations under an expert’s supervision is a must.
