Sinus headache is felt in the forehead and face when the inflammation in the sinuses (hollow air spaces in the bones of the face and skull) results in the buildup of inflammatory products and exert pressure known as sinus headache pressure. The pain is primarily felt in the forehead, cheeks, eyes, upper jaw, and nasal bridge that aggravates upon bending and lying down.
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Complications
- Allergies and sinus headache
- Migraine and sinus headache
- Management
- Prevention
- Home remedies
Symptoms of sinus headache
- Constant feeling of pain and pressure in cheeks, forehead, around the eyes, and nasal bridge
- Running nose with greenish or a yellow pussy discharge
- Postnasal dripping and cough
- Swelling in your face
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever and chills
- Decreased sense of smell
- Fatigue
- Radiation of pain to temples, top of the head, or even back of the head
- The pain aggravates upon moving, lying down, or bending forward
The duration of headache may vary according to the cause. Sinus headaches due to sinusitis may last from a few days up to a week.
Causes of sinus headache
The most likely cause is Inflammation of the mucosal surface of sinuses (hollow cavities in the skull) known as sinusitis. In some cases, these sinuses become so inflamed that they block the drainage ducts resulting in the failure of the inflammatory products to drain. This accumulation of products builds up a pressure that causes pain in the forehead and face known as sinus headache.
Inflammation can be caused by a bacterial, viral infection, or an allergic condition along with several other predisposing causes and is known as sinusitis.
Complications of sinus headache
A sinus headache develops as a result of an infection and inflammation thus it can give rise to a number of complications:
- Eye problems if the orbit is involved
- Ear infections like otitis media as the infection can spread through the eustachian tube
- Persistent infection may also lead to the erosion of sinus walls
- Recurrent headaches may develop into medication overuse headache due to increased intake of over the counter painkillers
Allergies and sinus headache
Inflammation of sinus mucosa as a result of the immune system’s reaction to pollen, dust, animal dander, or other allergens may result in sinusitis. Some of the allergens can cause sinus problems all year round and cause chronic sinus infections. Such people experience sinus headaches and other symptoms throughout the year.
Recurrent sinus infections weaken the immune system and damage the sinus mucosa making them vulnerable and prone to other infections. A person who experiences recurrent sinus infections and headaches must see his doctor immediately to find out the underlying cause.
Migraine and sinus headache
People who experience recurrent allergies are more prone to have migraine. Sinus headache is one of the most common misdiagnoses of a migraine attack. This is because their symptoms are very alike.
Symptoms mutually found in migraine and sinus headache:
- Headache in the forehead
- Pain aggravates on bending down
- Fatigue
- Pain, pressure, and heaviness behind the eyes
- Runny nose
- Nausea
Symptoms that differentiate a sinus headache from a migraine:
- The presence of fever, allergy, colored or watery nasal discharge may indicate sinusitis-associated headache. While migraine can be diagnosed by the presence of pain in the neck, pain in half of the head, auras which are associated symptoms of migraine
- If the headache does not go away with over-the-counter painkillers then it is most likely to be a sinus headache and needs antibiotics to treat the sinusitis which is the underlying cause
Management of sinus headache
Diagnosis:
It should be diagnosed as soon as possible. The patient may present with a history of recurrent headaches during cold and pain located around the forehead and face. A complete diagnosis can be made after conducting a few tests.
- Detailed examination of nose and ears
- An X-ray of paranasal sinuses
- CT Scan is often recommended
Medical treatment:
Headache and its underlying cause are treated at the same time.
- For pain: Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen can give relief for sinus headaches
- Antipyretics: For fever
- Antihistamines: Help treat allergic conditions
- Decongestants: Oral decongestants shouldn’t be taken for more than 7 days and one should discontinue using a decongestant spray after 3 days of use
Surgical treatment:
Balloon sinuplasty is employed for people who begin to have recurrent sinusitis and sinus headaches.
How to prevent a sinus headache
- Sinus headaches can be prevented by taking good care during the cold season.
- Wearing a mask and staying indoors during spring when there is a lot of pollen
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid any sort of air travel during a sinus infection
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
- Take steam; it keeps your sinus mucosa moist
- Add eucalyptus oil to your bath water; it reduces nasal stuffiness and aids in clearing your pathways
- Use saline water nasal sprays to flush out your stuffy nose.
- Avoid irritants like perfume, cigarette smoke, and certain chemicals that may worsen the symptoms
- Use pillows to elevate your head while you are sleep, this prevents the accumulation of inflammatory products in your sinuses and allows comfortable breathing
- Stay hydrated; drink more water, have soups and broth, eat water-based fruits and vegetables
- Pineapple juice is said to thin the nasal secretions allowing their drainage
- Apply heat using a heating pad to the sinus areas to help drainage of inflammatory products
FAQ
When do i need to see a doctor for sinus headache?
If your headache doesn’t go away with an over-the-counter painkiller and you’ve had more than three episodes of sinus headaches and sinusitis over the year. You must see your doctor.
What are some of the home remedies for sinus headache?
- Take steam; it keeps your sinus mucosa moist
- Stay hydrated; drink more water, have soups and broth, eat water-based fruits and vegetables
- Elevate your head while you are asleep, this prevents the accumulation of inflammatory products in your sinuses
How do i know if i’m having a sinus headache or a migraine?
If the headache does not go away with over-the-counter painkillers and symptoms involve fever, allergy, colored or watery nasal discharge. It is most likely to be a sinus headache and you need to take antibiotics to treat the sinusitis which is the underlying cause.
Can allergy cause sinus headache?
Inflammation of sinus mucosa as a result of the immune system’s reaction to pollen, dust, animal dander, or other allergens may result in sinusitis. The buildup of inflammatory products exerts pressure on the sinuses and results in sinus headache.
When would my sinus headache go away?
Duration of the headache may vary according to the cause. Sinus headaches due to sinusitis may last five to seven days.
