Michael Benninger, MD, Chairman, Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, discusses myths surrounding sinus disease. Headaches are not caused by sinus infection, and postnasal drip is often mistaken for sinus infection when it is more often a result of GOR or nasal allergy.

Summary:
1. Sinus infections do not cause classic headaches. Migraines can, however, cause nasal congestion and rhinorrhea as part of a trigeminal nerve response.
2. Mucus in the throat is not caused by sinus disease. Gastroesophageal reflux and nasal allergies should be excluded in patients who complain of postnasal drip.

References and Resources
Gaude GS. Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Ann Thorac Med. 2009 Jul;4(3):115-23.
Nguyen HT, Sharma V, McIntyre RS. Teratogenesis associated with antibipolar agents. Adv Ther. 2009 Mar;26(3):281-94. Epub 2009 Mar 28.

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