A sinus headache is experienced as gnawing pain over or under both the eyes, the cheeks and the forehead. In most cases it accompanies blocked sinuses which have been caused by a bad cold, flu or allergic rhinitis. The sufferer may become feverish during a bad attack. The areas that are affected may be very painful and hot when touched. As the day continues the headache may become more severe and will begin to throb if you bend forward. A sinus headache can occur at any time and there is no particular pattern involved with this type of headache.
A ‘sinus’ is an air-filled space in the facial bones around the nose and is a part of the respiratory system. Sinus headaches are a symptom of sinusitis, a condition in which your sinuses become infected and inflamed, usually due to the action of viruses and bacteria.
Who Gets Sinus Headache?
Any person who has a cold or allergic rhinitis can get a sinus headache. If you have an injury to the bones in the nose or a deformity of the nose you may also be at greater risk of getting this type of headache.
How is Sinus Headache Diagnosed?
Your doctor will take a detailed history and if he suspects a sinus headache he will perform a physical exam. He may confirm his diagnosis with an x-ray or a CT scan which will show if there is any evidence of swelling or fluid in the sinus tissue. He will also rule ot the possibility of migraine headaches which are sometimes confused with those caused by sinusitis.
How is Sinus Headache Treated?
It is advisable to stay indoors in a room with an even temperature. Dry, overheated rooms or very cold environments will make the symptoms of nasal congestion and fever even worse. Steam inhalations may ease your symptoms.
Aspirin, paracetamol or acetaminophen / ibuprofen is usually prescribed to relieve the headache but if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, see your doctor. He or she may prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic if your sinuses are badly infected and a nasal decongestant to help clear your nose. If allergies are the cause you may be prescribed an antihistamine.
If your symptoms are still persistent you may need to undergo a minor operation to remove any obstruction from your sinuses but this is not usually necessary.
Coping with Sinus Headache at Home
Your medication should relieve the pain in about three to five days. If you still have a headache or have an oral temperature above 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) or any bleeding from the nose, increased swelling over the forehead, eyes, nose, or cheek, blurred or double vision, or balance problems you need to see your doctor for advice.
If you treat the underlying problems such as allergies, colds and flu and treat sinus headache as soon as symptoms occur, you should be able control symptoms and stop your sinus headache from impacting on your well-being. Using oral or nasal decongestants before flying, traveling to high altitudes, or swimming in deep water may be helpful. Consider using a humidifier at home if the air is very dry.
