Sinus headaches

Your sinuses are the air-filled cavities (spaces) located in your forehead, cheekbones and behind the bridge of your nose. The sinuses produce a thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. When a sinus becomes inflamed - usually as a result of an allergic reaction, a tumour or an infection--the inflammation will prevent the outflow of mucus and cause a pain similar to that of a headache.

Sinus headache symptoms

Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movements or straining. The pain is usually accompanied by other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, a feeling of fullness in the ears, a temperature, and facial swelling.

Sinuses

Whether your headache symptoms can actually be attributed to your sinuses is a matter for your doctor to determine. History, physical examination (and sometimes) CT or MRI scan are conducted to determine if there is a blockage in your sinuses.

Sinus headache treatment

Treatment of sinus headaches usually concentrates on symptom relief and treating any inflammation and infection. Treatment might include antibiotics for the infection, anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation, as well as a short period of antihistamines or decongestants to treat the symptoms. If you take decongestants, always follow the instructions as too much decongestant use can cause rebound symptoms. Be sure to seek medical advice before taking any medicines.

Allergies can cause sinus congestion, which can lead to a headache. When an allergen is causing the sinus flare-ups, preventive allergy therapy is often needed. If you have allergies, the treatment for your allergy is unlikely to directly relieve your headache, but should relieve sinus congestion and in turn prevent further headache occurring. Seek medical advice about the best treatment.