Facts on Sinus Headache Symptoms

1. How Sinuses Work

Sinuses are cavities located in the front of the face in the forehead, cheeks, between the eyes, and behind the nasal cavity. The lining of the sinuses produces mucus which normally drains through your nasal passages. Allergies or sinus infections can prevent this drainage leading to the cavities becoming blocked with air, mucus, and fluid. This causes congestion of the nasal passages and post-nasal drip, which is experienced when laying on your back trying to sleep or relax. This process leads to the pain you experience as part of a sinus headache.

2. Sinus Congestion Signals Trouble

Sinus congestion may make you feel stuffed and drippy. Your mucus may become thicker than usual and look yellow or green instead of clear. Sinus headaches can also cause feelings of fatigue. You may experience blurry vision and tender skin around your eyes and nose. If you start to feel warm, take your temperature as you may have developed a fever. Usually these symptoms will be worst in the morning and will lessen during the course of the day.

3. Localized Headache Pain

Pain caused by a sinus headache is usually localized around the eyes and nose. This is due to the location of your sinuses. Once your sinuses are clear the pain should go away. Sometimes sinus headaches include pain behind the ears or in the back of the head. You may also notice that your upper teeth ache. If you are feeling pain in other parts of your head you may be experiencing a different type of headache, such as a migraine.

4. Or Is It a Migraine?

While many symptoms of migraines and sinus headaches overlap, sinus headaches usually last longer than other types of headaches and may lead to feeling increasingly sick over time. Sinus headaches may cause you to develop a fever and may be accompanied by a cold or allergy attack. Migraine pain tends to be spread throughout the head while sinus headache pain is more localized. If you are unsure about what type of headache you are experiencing consult with your health provider, who can help you determine the type of headache and the best course of treatment for your pain.

5. Symptoms Can Be Alleviated

The pain and discomfort that accompanies a sinus headache may be alleviated by breathing moist air through the use of a warm steam spa or a cooling mist humidifier. You can also take a hot shower with the door closed. The alternate use of hot and cool compresses may also relieve some of the pain, as can over-the-counter painkillers. People who suffer chronic sinus headaches sometimes undergo surgery to alleviate the problem, but the risk of facial nerve damage make this option only a last resort for those who cannot find relief in any other way.