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Sinus Infection Headache Symptoms

Headaches from a sinus infection are very painful and affect many people of all ages. A sinus headache is normally the first indication that you may have a sinus infection. The headache, caused by inflammation of the sinus cavity, usually originates in the front of the face in the temple area and radiates across the forehead and down under the eyes.

  1. Headache Symptoms

    • The symptoms of a sinus headache usually start in the early morning and improve as the day goes on. You may feel a throbbing, dull pain in the front of the head that goes down into the sinus cavity, occasionally affecting the area above your cheeks. You may feel as if your head is going to burst. Bending forward and leaning over tend to make the pain more intense. Cold and damp weather can also intensify the pain.

    Treating the Sinus Headache

    • You can try pain relieving over-the-counter medication such as Sudafed or Ibuprofen. These medications will decrease the swelling and inflammation of the sinus area, reducing the headache pressure. You can also inhale warm steam to decrease the pressure in your sinus cavity. Drinking a warm beverage or applying a warm heat pack can also help with the pain.

    Other Symptoms

    • A sinus headache may be accompanied by many other symptoms that indicate a sinus infection, including post nasal drip, a sore throat, yellow/green mucous and fever and fatigue.

    Causes

    • There are few things that can bring on a sinus infection such as a viral or bacterial infection, bad cold, allergies and pollutants. People with a weak immune system may suffer from chronic sinusitis due to exposure to fungi.

    Diagnosis

    • It is very important to see a qualified health care provider if you think you may have a sinus infection that could be contributing to the headaches. If you do have an infection and it goes untreated it could lead to more serious complications such as a blood clot in the sinus area. The infection could also be so severe that it gets into the brain and causes coma or even death.

      Diagnosing a sinus infection may be difficult. Frequently, the symptoms are the result of a migraine or tension and stress.

      A physician can accurately diagnose whether or not the headaches are due to a sinus infection by performing a medical history and a physical exam. If he feels that it is a sinus infection he may prescribe an antibiotic. Only an infection caused by a bacteria can be treated with an antibiotic. Viral induced infections will not respond to antibiotics.

    Self Care

    • There are a few things that you can do to relieve sinus pain and pressure. Drinking plenty of fluids to keep membranes of the sinus cavity loose and inhale steam to loosen membranes. Robitussin, an over the counter decongestant, can also help.

      It is important to take action to prevent the sinus infections in the first place. Get your yearly flu vaccine, wash your hands to prevent germs from making you sick and stay hydrated.

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