Sinus Headache
What is it?
A sinus headache is a headache that occurs when
the sinuses become congested. The sinuses are the
bony, air-filled cavities in the head that connect
to the nose through small openings. During a cold
or allergy attack, the openings can become blocked
by excess mucus and may become infected.
Who gets it?
Anyone who has a cold or prone to allergies may
get a sinus headache. In addition, people who have
an injury to the bones in the nose or a deformity
of the nose may be at greater risk of getting
sinus headaches.
What causes it?
Colds and allergies are the usual causes of a
sinus headache. The sinuses become congested and
can become infected, a condition called sinusitis.
Sinusitis usually occurs after a cold due to
bacteria and viruses infecting the lining of the
sinuses.
Additionally, sinus headaches can be caused by an
injury to the bones, a deformity of the nose, or
any condition that hinders the draining of the
sinuses.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a sinus headache include pain or
pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead;
tender skin and bones over and under the eyes; and
pain when bending over, during jarring movements
or nose blowing.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a sinus headache, a doctor will
check the patient’s medical history and perform a
physical exam. If sinusitis is suspected, the
doctor may confirm diagnosis with an x-ray or a CT
scan. These tests can show if there is swelling or
fluid in the sinus tissue.
In some cases, a sinus headache may actually be a
migraine headache. It is important to distinguish
between the two, because treatment for each type
of headache will vary. A recent study reveals that
only a small percentage of people who think they
have sinus headaches actually have one; in most
cases it is a migraine. A migraine headache
treated with a migraine-specific medication will
more quickly relieve the headache pain and
symptoms.
What is the treatment?
A sinus headache may be treated with aspirin,
acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to temporarily relieve
pain. The doctor may also prescribe a decongestant
if the sinuses are blocked. If the patient also
has sinusitis, the doctor may prescribe an
antibiotic. In addition, the doctor may recommend
antihistamines if allergies are the cause of
sinusitis.
A sinus headache should disappear once the
sinuses are clear, but some patients may need
additional treatments.
Self-care tips
A sinus headache should be relieved by
medication in about three to five days. If the
patient still has a headache, or has an oral
temperature above 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C),
bleeding from the nose, increased swelling over
the forehead, eyes, nose, or cheek, blurred or
double vision, or balance problems, they should
see their doctor again.
Sinus headaches can be prevented by treating
underlying problems such as allergies and treating
headaches promptly. In addition, using oral or
nasal decongestants before flying, traveling to
high altitudes, or swimming in deep water may
help. Using a humidifier in the home if the air is
particularly dry may also help prevent sinus
headaches.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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