Sinus Headache

The sinuses are empty spaces in the skull located around the forehead (the frontal sinuses), cheeks (maxillary sinus), and between the eyes (ethmoid sinuses). An increase in pressure in these air-filled spaces can cause pain, resulting in a sinus headache. Due to their non-specific symptoms, sinus headaches may often be confused with other similar presentations such as migraines or a tension headache.

What causes sinus headaches? 

A sinus headache can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the pressure within your sinuses. These include:

• Sinus infection(though this is not as common a cause as many people think)
• Hayfever and other allergies
• Nasal polyps
• A deviated nasal septum
• Dental conditions

Sinus headaches can also be triggered by other factors, such as strong perfumes, cigarette smoke, alcohol or caffeine, and estrogen-containing medications. Individuals with a personal or family history of previous migraines and other headaches may be more at risk of a sinus headache.

Symptoms of a sinus headache

Sinus headaches are characterized by facial pain and pressure around the sinuses. This pain may feel like it’s originating behind the cheekbones, around the eyes, or in the forehead, and is often exacerbated by bending forwards or lying down.

Other symptoms of sinus headaches can depend on the underlying cause of the headache, and include:

• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Aching in the upper teeth
• Fever
• Facial swelling
• Decreased sense of smell

True sinus headaches are relatively uncommon and usually occur as a symptom of sinusitis (sinus infection). In addition, many of the symptoms of a sinus headache overlap with migraines. Almost 90% of people who think they have a sinus headache actually have migraines. Your headache is more likely a migraine if it comes with nausea and light sensitivity, or is triggered by changes in the weather, menstrual periods, or stress.

How to manage a sinus headache

Effectively managing a sinus headache involves identifying what has caused it. For example, you may need a course of antibiotics to treat an infection, or antihistamines or decongestants to manage sinus pressure from hay fever. If nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum are contributing to frequent sinus headaches, a corrective procedure performed by Berger Henry ENT doctors (otolaryngologists) may help.

More immediate symptom relief can come in the form of pain relievers or stronger steroid medications prescribed by your doctor to address sinus inflammation. You can also consider non-drug remedies, such as placing a warm compress over your face, rinsing your sinuses with a neti pot or nasal spray, elevating your head during sleep, and breathing in steam to alleviate sinus congestion and pressure.

You may be able to prevent or reduce the frequency of your sinus headaches if you can pinpoint the triggers and take steps to avoid them. This can involve cutting out caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, or being cautious around triggering odors and foods.

Living with sinus headaches can be challenging and painful. At Berger Henry ENT, we’ll diagnose and then work with you to develop a treatment plan that delivers. From diagnosis to treatment, we’re here to help you find relief from facial pain and pressure. Don’t wait until your symptoms start impacting your daily life — contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert ENT doctors.