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Sinus Headaches in Children

Most everyone gets headaches, and this includes children. Sinus headaches are one example of a headache that can plague children. Sinus headaches can be tricky to diagnose since the symptoms are similar to those of tension and migraine headaches.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of sinus headaches include a headache that starts after having a cold, worsening pain with head movements and bending over, and a painful pressure in a specific area of face or head.

    Causes

    • Sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis (sinus congestion and inflammation). Children with a deviated septum, allergies or asthma are at more of a risk for developing sinus headaches.

    Diagnosis

    • A doctor will check the child's nose to look for congestion. They will also press on the face to look for areas of tenderness. Sometimes an allergy test or referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor might be necessary.

    Treatments

    • Commonly recommended treatment approaches for children include using a humidifier, using a saline nose spray and inhaling the steam from running water.

    Medications

    • An actual diagnosis of sinusitis must be made by a physician, so medications to treat the infection can be prescribed. Decongestants can be used depending on the age of the child. Some doctors do not recommend using them for children younger than 2, so consult with your doctor prior to use.

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