Sinus Headache Symptoms

By
James
– September 23, 2009Posted in: ENT, Nose

Sinus headache is caused when the sinuses (air-filled bony cavities in the eyes, nose and cheeks) get inflamed. The sinuses allow the mucus to drain the air to flow freely around the nasal passages. However, when the sinuses are blocked, we experience sinus headaches.

Sinus Headache & Infection Characteristics:

Sinus headaches cause sharp pain near the forehead and other specific areas the face. Sudden movement of the head or bending of the face aggravates the headache. Exposure to cold temperature worsens the headache. Also, the face would be swollen and tender to touch.

Sinus Headache & Infection Symptoms:

Following are some of the signs symptoms of sinus infection & sinus headache:

  • Pain on specific areas of the face (such as behind the eyes, brow or the forehead)
  • Pain on sudden movement of the head
  • Increased headache on bending
  • Increased headache on exposure to cold temperature
  • The headache would be worse in the morning. This occurs because the mucus collects throughout the night causing worse pain in the morning
  • Facial swelling
  • The face would be tender to touch
  • Headache accompanied with cold
  • Nasal congestion
  • Postnasal drip
  • Sore throat
  • Yellowish or greenish discharge from the nose
  • Mild fever
  • Fatigue

    • Sinus headache is caused due to the inflammation of sinuses (sinusitis). Sinusitis is in turn caused due to an infection caused due to bacteria or virus. It can also be caused due to allergies.

    Sinus Headache Treatment:

    Sinus headache can be relieved through simple home treatment.

    Inhaling steam can loosen up the mucus and bring relief. For this you would have to take a bowl of boiling water and inhale its steam. You can put on a towel to keep the steam from escaping.
    You can also use a saline nasal spray which can help in relieving the nasal congestion and headache. Using a neti pot can help in clearing the sinuses
    You can also use a humidifier in your room to relieve your sinus headaches

    If the headache is persistent, do consult your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe decongestants, anti-histamine and corticosteroids to treat the sinusitis and the headache. If your sinus headache is caused due to allergy, treatment of allergy would relieve the pain.

    You might also like this:

    1. Chronic Sinus Headache
    2. What is Sinusitis?
    3. Home Remedies for Sinusitis
    4. Sinus Infection Symptoms
    5. Headache – Causes and Symptoms of Headache