Sinus Headache

When is a Headache a Sinus Headache?

If you feel pain in your forehead, the bridge of your nose, or your cheekbones accompanied by sore throat, nasal discharge, fever, a feeling of fullness inside the ears, and some degree of facial swelling, it’s very likely that you are suffering from a sinus headache.

Here’s a refresher on basic anatomy.  The sinuses are cavities located in the forehead, behind the bridge of the nose, and the cheekbones.  These cavities are filled with air and produce mucus that drains into the nasal passages.  An inflammation of the sinus, caused by an infection, an allergic reaction, or a tumor prevents the mucus from flowing out and causes sinus pain or sinus headache.

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How do you know if your headache is a sinus headache?

The pain of a sinus headache is felt in the forehead, the bridge of the nose, and/or the cheekbones and is dull, deep, and throbbing.  Certain movements, such bending down, and cold, damp weather usually make the pain more pronounced.  The pain is usually felt upon waking up in the afternoon and gradually gets better as the day wears on.  Sinus headaches are often mistaken for migraine headaches or tension headaches because they share similar symptoms.

Other symptoms of a sinus headache include:

• Pressure in a specific area of the face, such as behind the eyes, or the head;
• Pain becomes worse with sudden movements of the head or sudden changes in temperature;
• Pain is worst in the morning compared to other times of the day;
• A feeling of facial tenderness when face is touched;
• Pain is usually felt immediately following a cold or during a cold.

What triggers a sinus headache?

A sinus headache is often associated with chronic sinusitis or acute sinusitis, a condition characterized by congestion and inflammation of the sinuses.  A respiratory infection and an allergic reaction are the main triggers of chronic sinusitis.  When you have the flu or a cold or suffer from an allergy, the sinuses become inflamed and the Ostia – the sinus openings into the nasal cavities – get blocked.  Mucus is prevented from flowing into the nasal cavities, providing a hospitable environment for bacteria, fungi, and viruses to grow.  Anything that prevents mucus drainage can cause sinusitis and, in turn, lead to sinus headache.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Postnasal drip;
• Nasal congestion;
• Sore throat;
• Fever;
• Malaise;
• Fatigue

What factors increase the risk of a sinus headache?  People with asthma or allergies are more prone to sinus headaches.  Those with a deviated septum, cleft palate, nasal or facial tumors, nasal polyps, or nasal bone spurs also have increased risk of experiencing sinus headaches.  Activities such as frequent swimming, diving, climbing high altitudes, or flying are also risk factors of sinus headaches.

Effective treatment of a sinus headache involves treating the underlying sinus infection and reducing the inflammation.

You can opt for medications to help relieve the symptoms and treat the condition.  The most common medications for a sinus headache are prescription or over-the-counter decongestants.  Antihistamines are often used when the sinus headache is caused by allergies.  Nasal corticosteroids can be used to help relieve a runny nose, sneezing, and inflammation.  When your acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor.

There are also some home remedies that can help relieve sinus pain and other symptoms associated with a sinus headache.  Use a saline nasal spray or a humidifier to decongest your nasal cavities.  Inhale steam, take a long and hot shower, or soak in a warm bath.  Try adding aromatic oils, such as peppermint or eucalyptus oil, to the steam or bath water to help clear up your sinuses.  Relaxation techniques are also great remedies for sinus headaches.

The Best Treatment For A Sinus Headache

Winter has started and many people dread the winters not because its cold but for the sole reason that many people suffer from sinus headache and some have to bear it throughout the season. The sinus headache is different from other types of headaches and it is basically a feeling of a constant and dull pain around the cheek bones, eye sockets or forehead.  The sinus headache is accompanied by other signs of sinusitis including nasal discharge, facial swelling, fever and ear ache. The headache intensifies on bending forwards. Before you reach out for over the counter medicines for your symptoms it is better to check with your doctor first. A doctor will determine the extent of the sinusitis and will treat you accordingly. He may order a CT scan or MRI if he suspects blockage.

If you have any of the symptoms that are mentioned above then you have sinus headache and you must see the doctor as soon as possible. But there are many home remedies that you could try .But you should only try these remedies when you don’t have fever, a facial swelling or ear aches. If any of these symptoms are present then the infection is severe and you need medical treatment for the sinus headache.

The home remedies that are good for sinus headache include a nasal drainage using saline nasal drops. They are very good for relieving the congestion and when warm compresses are applied for 5 minutes along with the nasal drainage, the headaches are usually gone. Another thing that most people don’t know about is the use of humidifiers for sinus headache. The moist air will cure the sinus headache and will prevent further sinus headaches form developing. If you don’t have humidifiers just keep bowls of water in every room. Other remedies that can be used include taking a hot shower and inhaling steam for about 10 minutes. You can add eucalyptus oil to the water for further relief.

But like I mentioned before that if your sinus headache persists or get severe, you have fever, nausea, vomiting or stiff neck then you must go to the doctor immediately. The medical treatment options include antibiotics, antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, pain relievers and decongestants. Antibiotics are given if the doctor suspects super imposed bacterial infection. Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viral infection so antibiotics don’t work anyway. Anti histamines are given to people who have allergies to pollen or other natural things. Nasal corticosteroids help relieve congestion and cure the sinus headache.

If your sinus head ache is caused by an anatomical problem then you might need surgery to get it corrected. An endoscopic surgery is also used to relieve the congestion and during the surgery, the surgeon may remove any obstruction that is causing the sinusitis. There are many treatment options for sinusitis and the best form of treatment depends upon the severity and cause of your problem. For those who have sinusitis in every winter season, they must use humidifiers in the office and home regularly as it really helps relieving the congestion.

I hope this helps you get relief from your sinus headache.