Sinus Headache Symptoms

If you've ever had sinusitis, you've probably experienced a sinus headache. It's quite common to experience them when a sinus infection is present. Cure the sinusitis and that dull, throbbing pain in your sinus area, will go away. Below is information pertaining to the causes, symptoms, cures and steps for preventing sinus headaches.

Causes

• Sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis can be caused by many things such as allergies, colds, infections, problems with the structure of the nose, or a weakened immune system. With sinusitis, the lining of the membranes of the sinuses, are swollen and inflamed. When this happens, the normal mucus the sinuses produce, can't drain properly. The sinuses then experience pressure changes, bringing on a headache.

Symptoms

• A sinus headache is usually a constant, throbbing pain that seems to reach deep into your head, never wanting to stop. It's generally felt in the cheeks, forehead, or through the bridge of your nose. The pain can become suddenly become worse by moving your head a certain way, or straining. It's not uncommon to have actual facial swelling. The headache is generally accompanied by other symptoms such as yellow-green nasal discharge, fever, cough, feeling fullness in your sinus area and ears, as well as a sore throat.

Risk

• Though anyone can get sinusitis and a sinus headache, being affected by other conditions may make you more prone. People who have asthma, nasal polyps, cystic fibrosis, allergies, smoke, or a weakened immune system, are more likely to develop sinusitis and suffer from sinus headaches. Many times by keeping on top of the other condition, you have a greater chance of preventing sinusitis and sinus headaches.

Tests/Diagnosis

• Since a migraine can sometimes mask itself as a sinus headache, you will want to seek medical treatment if your condition lasts longer than ten days, or an infection is present. The doctor will ask you questions about your health and frequency and severity of your headaches. They will also do a physical exam in which your sinuses will be examined for inflammation. An endoscope may be inserted into your nasal passages, to see further up into the cavity. There are even times a CT or MRI will be used to study the images of your sinuses. The doctor may also test the mucus from inside your nose for signs of an infection caused by bacteria or fungus.

Treatment

• By treating the sinusitis, you will be treating the headache. If an infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed. When dealing with sinusitis, it's best to take all your medication even if you think the problem has gone away. Antihistamines or decongestants might also be prescribed. If you aren't truly suffering a sinus headache, decongestants will make your headache worse. In that case, you are more than likely suffering from a tension or migraine headache instead of a sinus headache.

  You might also be prescribed a corticosteroid nasal spray to help decrease the inflammation in your sinus area. Pain relievers will more than likely be prescribed to help ease the pain. If your sinus headache and sinusitis are caused by allergies, treatment for your allergies will also be prescribed.

  Once the sinusitis starts going away, so should the headaches. The two are tied together. You can't have one without the presence of the other one. Once a course of treatment is undertaken, you should start to notice the headaches getting a little less bothersome, day by day.

Prevention/Solution

• In order to not get a sinus headache, you need to try to prevent sinusitis. If you are on a allergy treatment plan, stick with it. That old wives tale of washing your hands, is true. Wash them often to prevent bacteria and viruses from infecting your respiratory system. It might also help to get a flu shot every year. Avoid substances that can irritate your sinuses such as cigarette smoke or other pollutants. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, will help decrease your chances of getting sinusitis and ending up with a sinus headache.