1. Diagnose Your Pain
A sinus polyp headache shows the same symptoms as a sinus headache caused by bacteria or viruses. Only a doctor can determine the exact precipitating factor. If you do have nasal polyps or other obstructions to your breathing, they will engender head pain and further symptoms.
Polyps or infection can affect the four major sinus groups. You will feel pressure, throbbing or dull pain centered on the frontal sinuses in your forehead, perhaps radiating to the top of the head. Affected ethmoid sinus cells exert pressure behind the eyes and at the nose and temples. Sphenoid sinus trouble is felt also at the temples and ears. Maxillary sinus discomfort expresses in the cheek, upper teeth and jaw areas.
2. List Additional Symptoms
The pressure felt in the sinuses is a result of abnormal mucus production. Fluid eventually fills and clogs the cavities, occasionally draining down the nasal passages or throat. If you blow your nose and see a thick discharge or cough up phlegm that is yellow or green, these symptoms indicate that any connected headache pain is sinus-induced in nature.You may also feel extreme lack of energy, nausea and reduced appetite.
3. Rule Out Other Headache Causes
If you get headaches from time to time due to caffeine withdrawal, eye strain or other stresses, consider the conditions that led to your pain. If you haven't skipped your daily coffee or sat at the computer all day, it may not be a chemical dependency or tension headache. Perhaps you suspect that you have a simple head cold combined with a normal headache, or migraine symptoms that are returning. If you don't have a fever or the usual migraine light sensitivity, a sinus polyp condition may be more likely.
To gauge whether your sinus cavities are under undue pressure, tilt your head forward or bend over at the waist. If your throbbing or facial sensitivity increases for a few moments, you are probably showing sinus headache symptoms.
