Sinus Headache

Causes

Allergies and viral upper respiratory infections increase nasal secretions and cause tissue lining the nasal passages to swell. This results in nasal congestion and stuffiness. The opening into the sinuses become blocked and normal drainage cannot occur. Secretions that are trapped in the sinuses build up and may become infected with bacteria or, rarely, fungus. The swollen tissue, mucous build-up, or infection may create pain and pressure.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of a sinus headache include:

• Allergies, such as allergic rhinitis or asthma
• Persistent cold or upper respiratory infection
• Ear infections
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Nasal polyps
• Nasal deformities, such as a deviated septum
• Cystic fibrosis
• Problems with immunity
• Prior sinus surgery
• Facial injuries that block sinus passages
• Traveling in an airplane if you have an upper respiratory infection
• Tooth abscess or infection
• Swimming in dirty water

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness behind the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes and ears
• Pain in the upper teeth
• Pain ranging from mild to severe
• Pain that is more intense first thing in the morning
• Pain that may worsen when you bend over
• Headache may occur with other symptoms of sinusitis, including:
  • Nasal stuffiness and congestion
  • Thick nasal drainage
  • Postnasal drip
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Stuffy ears
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Puffiness around the eyes

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

For recurring problems, testing may include:

• CT scan—to look for sinus fluid
• Nasal endoscopy—to look inside your nose and possibly take samples of drainage to be tested

Treatment

Sinus headache treatment aims to:

• Open the nasal passages
• Treat any infection
• Allow sinus cavities to drain

Treatment may include:

Medications

Medicines may include:

• Pain relievers
• Antihistamines to treat nasal allergies
• Decongestants to open clogged nasal passages, which allows the sinuses to drain
• Steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics—only if a bacterial infection has developed

Self-care for a Headache

Self-care includes:

• Breathe warm, moist air. Try inhaling steam.
• Mist of saline nasal spray to moisten the nasal passages and help remove crusty secretions. A saline spray can be used up to 6 times per day.
• Ask your doctor for directions on how to perform nasal irrigation that you can do at home.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use warm or cool compresses on your face.
• Do not smoke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how you can quit.
• Avoid second-hand smoke and polluted air.

Surgery

Surgery is usually not required. People with a structural abnormality or chronic sinusitis that do not respond to medications may benefit from surgery. The doctor may perform one of several procedures to enlarge the opening to your sinuses or clean out your sinus cavities.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of a sinus headache:

• Avoid exposure to anything that triggers allergy or sinus symptoms.
• Seek medical treatment for allergies.
• Wash your hands frequently to avoid colds.
• Seek treatment for a persistent cold before sinusitis sets in.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can cause swelling of nasal and sinus tissues.
• Check with your doctor about using a decongestant before air travel.