Health Library

Sinus Headache

Definition

Sinus headache refers to head and facial pain associated with inflammation of the sinuses (called sinusitis). The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull that have openings into the nose. Colds and allergies cause inflammation of the nasal passages and can lead to sinusitis. Sinus headache is a symptom of sinusitis.

Sinus Headache: Areas of Pain

Causes

Allergies and viral upper respiratory infections increase nasal secretions and cause tissue lining the nasal passages to swell. This results in nasal congestion and stuffiness. The nasal passages become blocked and normal drainage cannot occur. Secretions that are trapped in the sinuses may become infected with bacteria or, rarely, fungus. The swollen tissue or infection may create pain and pressure.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for sinus headache include:

Allergies

Asthma
Persistent cold or upper respiratory infection
Ear infections
Nasal polyps
Tooth abscess or infection
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Nasal deformities, such as a deviated septum
Cystic fibrosis
Problems with immunity
Prior sinus surgery
Facial injuries that block sinus passages
Traveling in an airplane if you have an upper respiratory infection
Swimming in dirty water

Symptoms

Symptoms of sinus headache may include:

Pain and tenderness behind the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes and ears

Pain in the upper teeth

Pain ranging from mild to severe

Pain that is more intense first thing in the morning

Pain that may worsen when you bend over

Headache occurring with other symptoms of sinusitis, including:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Puffiness around the eyes

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your nasal secretions may be tested for allergies and infection.

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, tests may include:

CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
Nasal endoscopy—uses a thin, lighted tube to look inside your nose and possibly take samples of drainage to be tested

Treatment

Sinus headache treatment aims to:

Open the nasal passages
Treat any infection
Allow sinus cavities to drain

Treatment may include:

Medications may include:

Pain relievers
Decongestants to open clogged nasal passages, which allows the sinuses to drain—Do not use longer or more often than directed. Overuse of decongestant nose sprays may increase swelling and make your symptoms worse.
Steroid nose spray to reduce inflammation
Drugs that thin secretions
Antibiotics—only if a bacterial infection has developed

Self-care includes:

Breathe warm, moist air. Try inhaling steam.

Try a mist of saline nasal spray to moisten the nasal passages and help remove crusty secretions. A saline spray can be used up to six times per day.

Ask your doctor for directions on how to perform nasal irrigation that you can do at home.

Do not smoke. If you smoke, quit.
Avoid second-hand smoke and polluted air.

Surgery is usually not required. Patients with a structural abnormality or chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medications may benefit from surgery. The doctor may perform one of several procedures to clean out your sinus cavities.

If you are diagnosed with a sinus headache, follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention

The following strategies may reduce the risk of getting a sinus headache:

Avoid exposure to anything that triggers allergy or sinus symptoms.
Seek medical treatment for allergies.
Wash your hands frequently to avoid colds.
Seek treatment for a persistent cold before sinusitis sets in.
Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can cause swelling of nasal and sinus tissues.
Check with your doctor about using a decongestant before air travel.

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

http://www.entnet.org

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

http://www.aafa.org

Allergy Asthma Information Association

http://aaia.ca

Calgary Allergy Network

http://www.calgaryallergy.ca

Cady RK, Dodick DW, et al. Sinus headache: a neurology, otolaryngology, allergy, and primary care consensus on diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic Proc. 2005;80:908-816.

Dambro M, Griffith J. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2006.

Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co; 1999.

Goroll AH, Mulley AG. Primary Care Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000.

National Headache Foundation website. Available at: http://www.headaches.org/. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Sinus headache. American Academy of Otolaryngology website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadache.cfm. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Sinus headaches. American Rhinologic Society website. Available at: http://www.american-rhinologic.org/. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Sinus problems. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.aafa.org. Updated 2005. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Last reviewed September 2011 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.