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Sinus Headache & Pain

According to the National Headache Foundation, sinus headache pain is a constant dull ache. This differs from tension headaches, which tend to come on gradually, or migraines, which come on very suddenly and are often only on one side of the head. Sinus headaches can be caused by sinusitis, allergies, tumors, colds or infections. Do not self-diagnose the cause of your sinus headache and pain. Only by getting an accurate diagnosis can you expect to get effective treatment.

  1. Location

    • Sinus headache pain is usually located to the front of the head over the eyebrows, along the cheeks and even down to the upper jaw. These are all areas where the sinuses are located. When the sinuses are extremely clogged, it may feel as if you have an ache in your upper row of teeth. This is because the inflamed sinuses are pressing down near the tooth roots.

    Position

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the pain of a headache caused by a sinus condition will worsen considerably when the person either leans forward or lies down. In order for the person to get any sleep, he or she may have to elevate the upper body. Sleeping in a recliner or chair may be preferable than trying to sleep in a bed.

    Other Symptoms

    • Sinus headaches often come with other pains such as swelling or tenderness of the face, a sore throat and a sore or heavy-feeling nose. If there is any nasal discharge, it's often colored green or yellow and may be laced with blood. Blood vessels in the nose commonly burst when a person has to blow their nose a lot. Placing a cold compress on the nose usually helps stop bleeding in about ten minutes.

    Treatment

    • CT scans or X-rays may be necessary if a nasal tumor is suspected. The sinuses are then treated with decongestants or vasoconstrictor medications. The pain and headache can be treated with over the counter painkillers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol). Antibiotics are given in cases where clogged sinuses are due to bacterial infection. Using a humidifier to keep the air moist can help make breathing easier. Steam from hot water can also help make breathing easier.

    Warning

    • According to "Migraines For Dummies" by Diane Stafford & Jennifer Shoquist, MD, any headache lasting over 72 continuous hours should be treated as an emergency. Call a doctor immediately. Also, call a doctor if the sinus headache suddenly worsens or if the headache is accompanied by visual problems, coordination problems or numbness in part of the body. This could be something potentially lethal such as a stroke.

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