What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache of the Paranasal Sinuses
• Headache of the Sinuses

What is Sinus Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sinuses are small air-filled spaces inside the cheekbones, forehead, and behind the nose. An inflammation of the sinuses may be caused by any infection or allergy that results in blocked sinus openings and improper mucus drainage. This condition is commonly termed sinusitis
• It leads to facial pain and other symptoms such as nose block, discharge from the nose, swollen face, and upper jaw pain. Sinus Headaches occur from the building up of pressure due to blocked drainage channels (congestion) and production of more mucus in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tracts
• Sinus Headaches can be felt as a throbbing pain on one side or both sides of the head. Any sudden movement of the head, or leaning forward, can lead to an increase in pain. The condition may resemble migraine headaches, but is not very commonly noted unlike migraines
• And, on the contrary, per American Migraine Foundation, a majority of the individuals who think they have Sinus Headaches actually may have migraines. Mayo Clinic informs that this may be observed in as many as 90% of the cases
• Although, individuals with sinus inflammation may also have migraines, it is important to note that in Sinus Headaches, the individual may also have other signs and symptoms that include fever, altered sense of smell and taste, foul-smelling breath, and discharge of pus from one’s nose. In the absence of these symptoms, the condition may be likely diagnosed as migraine
• Treatment of the underlying allergy or infection usually resolves Sinus Headaches. The prognosis of the condition is usually good with suitable treatment. However, it can recur on return of the causative condition despite therapy

Who gets Sinus Headache? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sinus Headaches may be observed in individuals of any age; although, children and women have a higher risk for sinusitis
• Both males and females are affected
• The condition is seen worldwide across individuals of all racial and ethnic groups

What are the Risk Factors for Sinus Headache? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Sinus Headache may include conditions causing inflammation of the sinuses such as:

• Hay fever and other allergic conditions
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Smoking
• History of asthma
• Tumors in the nose
• Deviated nasal septum
• Previous injuries to the nose or cheeks
• Infected tooth

Individuals having a previous history/family history of migraine headaches are also at risk for Sinus Headache.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sinus Headache? (Etiology)

• A Sinus Headache is caused by blocked sinuses that occurs from inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, and throat, termed rhinosinusitis (when nasal passages are also involved)
• The inflammation blocks the sinus openings and does not allow mucus to drain properly causing mucus accumulation and increased pressure within the sinus cavities. This leads to facial pain and other symptoms which are normally part of sinusitis

Common conditions causing sinusitis includes infections, allergies, and nasal tumors or polyps.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sinus Headache?

The signs and symptoms of Sinus Headache may include the following:

• Constant throbbing pain in the forehead
• The pain involves the cheekbones and nose too; facial pain
• The pain increases with sudden head/neck movements, or while bending one’s head down, or on lying down
• Nasal and sinus congestion, which may result in breathing difficulties
• Sensation of pressure in the face

Other signs and symptoms associated with the accompanying (causative) condition include:

• Thick yellow, greenish discharge from the nose, or from the back of the throat
• Pus-like discharge from the nose
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead
• Pain in the upper jaw and teeth
• Watery eyes
• Sense of smell and taste is reduced
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Bad breath
• Fatigue and body aches
• Fever

How are Sinus Headache Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Sinus Headache is made based on the information gathered from the following:

• Complete physical examination and assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• Thorough analysis of personal and family medical history, including one’s history of migraine (if any)
• Nasal endoscopy: A tube is inserted into the nose using the aid of a fiber-optic light. This helps the physician check the inside of the nose very easily
• Nasal and sinus cultures, if necessary
• Allergy tests, if necessary
• Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans (of the head and neck region)

It is important to distinguish between a migraine headache and a Sinus Headache, since the two are frequently confused and misdiagnosed.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sinus Headache?

The complications of Sinus Headache may include:

• Decreased performance at school and work
• Vision issues
• Complications that arise from an underlying condition, if any present
• Side effects of medications used; some medications may cause a flaring-up of the condition

How are Sinus Headache Treated?

The management of Sinus Headache mainly involves addressing the underlying causative infection or allergy based on the diagnosis and treating the symptoms. This may include the following measures:

• Use of antibiotics, antiviral agents, or antifungal medications for infections caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy), if the underlying cause is allergy; administration of antihistamines
• Surgery to remove nasal polyps or other tumorous obstructions in the sinus tracts
• Use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
• Administration of tryptamine-based drugs to treat migraines and relieve accompanying symptoms
• Use of over-the-counter decongestants in the form of oral medications, nasal sprays, and liquids
• Saline nasal spray may be sprayed into the nose several times, to clear the nasal passages
• Steam inhalation or placing warm wet towels on the face (for unclogging sinuses)
• Nasal corticosteroids may provide relief and help by containing inflammation in the nose
• Drinking plenty of warm fluids

Identifying and treating the underlying condition causing the headache and other symptoms is important.

How can Sinus Headache be Prevented?

The onset of Sinus Headaches is from sinus tract inflammation and blocked paranasal sinuses. Hence, avoiding factors causing the condition (sinusitis) may help prevent Sinus Headaches:

• Avoid close contact with individuals having the common cold
• Frequent washing of hands with soap and water is recommended
• Avoid places that are polluted and overcrowded, especially during flu season
• Avoid smoking
• Individuals with known allergic conditions or seasonal allergies should avoid the allergens/triggers
• Use humidifier at home to add moisture to the indoor spaces
• Exercise regularly; aerobic exercises are known to be beneficial in some
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Women may consider altering the dosage of hormone therapy, or reducing the intake of birth control pills, if these factors are responsible for worsening headaches

What is the Prognosis of Sinus Headache? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Sinus Headache is typically good, though it mostly depends on the underlying condition causing the headache
• In a majority of individuals, infections or allergies causing the Sinus Headache tends to get cured within 5 to 7 days with appropriate treatment

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Sinus Headache:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/neurological-institute/