1. Early Symptoms
If you can recognize the early symptoms of a sinus headache before it hits you full on, you are well on the way to dispelling it without having to suffer the full effects. While sinus headaches can be as painful as other headaches--even migraines--their symptoms are localized to your sinus area. Although, in severe cases, you may feel some referred pain. One of the most obvious signs of an impending sinus headache is congestion and a blocked nose.
2. Areas of Pain
You will begin to feel intense pain throughout your forehead, where the upper region of the sinus cavity is located. The pain will gradually spread along the bridge of your nose and through your upper cheek area. You may also feel referred pain in your jaw. Leaning forward or bending down can often be excruciatingly painful during a sinus headache, as can making a sudden movement with your head.
3. Ear Problems
You may also feel congestion in your ears, akin to being on an airplane. This can make it slightly more difficult than usual to hear things clearly. You may also notice a slight ringing or buzzing in your ears.
4. Other Symptoms
In severe cases, you may experience swelling of your face around the sinus area, a mild fever and discharge from your nasal passages or eyes.
5. Differentiating Sinus Headache from Migraine
Some of the symptoms of a sinus headache overlap those of a migraine. The main differences are: A sinus headache will usually follow symptoms of seasonal allergies or fever; they may temporarily alter your sense of smell and taste; you may feel referred pain in your jaws and teeth; pain begins more slowly than a migraine and is not usually quite as intense; and sinus headaches can occur more often, sometimes three to four times per year.
