What is a sinus headache?

A sinus headache is a headache that occurs because your sinuses are congested. Sinuses are bony air-filled cavities in the head and face that connect with the nose through small openings. The sinus lining, like the nasal lining, normally produces mucus. Mucus drains through these small openings to the nose. If you have a cold or allergies, the openings of your sinuses may be blocked by excess mucus or a swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. When the sinus cavities are blocked, they may become infected.

How does it occur?

If a cold or allergy causes your sinuses to become congested, you may get a sinus headache.

You may also get a sinus headache if you have sinusitis (inflammation of one or more sinuses). Sinusitis often develops after a cold. Bacteria, viruses, and allergies can cause sinus infection.

If you have injured the bones in your nose or have a deformity of the nose that causes the sinuses not to drain properly, you may be more likely to get sinusitis.

What are the symptoms?

Some symptoms of a sinus headache include:

• pain or pressure in the forehead or around the eyes and cheek(s)

• tender skin and tender bones over and under the eyes.

Stooping down, jarring your head (including with exercise, such as jogging or aerobics), or blowing your nose may make your headache feel worse.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will check your medical history and give you a physical exam. If the doctor suspects you have sinusitis, he or she may confirm the diagnosis by taking an x-ray and possibly a CT (computed tomography) scan. The x-ray or CT scan can show swelling or fluid in the sinus tissue.

How is it treated?

Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen are helpful for temporary relief of pain. Your doctor may prescribe a decongestant. If your doctor suspects you have a sinus infection, he or she may also prescribe an antibiotic. Antihistamines may also help if allergies are causing sinusitis.

How long will the effects last?

Your headache should disappear when the sinuses are clear.

If you continue to have the headache a few hours after you start taking decongestants or antihistamines, you may have an infection, or you may need additional treatment for allergies. In this case you need to talk to your doctor again.

How can I take care of myself?

If your headache is not relieved by the medication and your symptoms do not go away in 3 to 5 days, tell your doctor. Other reasons to call your doctor include:

• oral temperature over 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C)

• bleeding from the nose

• increased swelling over the forehead, eyes, nose, or cheek

• blurred or double vision, or balance problems.

What can be done to help prevent sinus headaches?

• Treat underlying problems such as allergies.

• Treat headaches promptly.

• Use oral or nasal decongestants before you fly or travel to high altitudes or swim in deep water.

• See your doctor for persistent headache, especially if you have the headache when you wake up each morning.

• Use a humidifier in your home if the air is particularly dry (for example, if you awake in the morning with a dry mouth).