Sinus Headaches

As soon as the weather changes it seems that people all over are complaining about having a stuffy head. They may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead. If so, that’s a sinus headache. What are they? How do they differ from a normal headache? And what can you do about them?

Sinus headaches are caused by the sinus cavity (the bony air-filled cavities connected to your nose) becoming inflamed and congested with excess mucous which could lead to infection. This creates pressure in your head which is the reason you have pain and headaches.

Whereas a headache is normally felt around the skull, behind the eyes, and running into the neck, those suffering from sinus headaches may experience a totally different set of symptoms. These include one or more of the following:

• A headache with congestion or feeling stopped up
• An achy feeling in the upper teeth or the roof of the mouth
• Pain and pressure around, not behind, the eyes, across the cheeks, and up onto the forehead
• Nasal stuffiness is also common
• Fever and cold shivers

You may also experience coughing, fatigue, and a yellow or green mucous discharge. Even if you aren’t experiencing these symptoms, it is still possible that you’re having a sinus, rather than a normal, headache. If the pain gets worse when you lie down or when you bend forward, you most likely have a sinus headache.

Sinus headaches can be triggered by cooler, dryer weather. How severe and long they last can also be affected by things in the environment such as pollen, mold, and cigarette smoke.

Once you have determined that you’re actually experiencing a sinus headache rather than a migraine or other type of headache, your goal is to reduce sinus swelling and inflammation. You’ll also need some way to aide in draining the sinuses of mucous. There are several over-the-counter, herbal, and prescription medications. If your headache symptoms last for a long time, you’ll want to see your doctor.

Doctors will usually try to relieve the symptoms of a sinus headache and treat any accompanying infection. You may be prescribed an antihistamine, decongestant, or even an antibiotic. Of course, if you erringly take a decongestant without having an actual sinus headache, you may make the headache worse. Check with your doctor before taking any medicines as they may not be needed, as in the case of a decongestant.

Sinus headaches are common to men, women, and children all over the world. Pay attention to the symptoms you have to help you determine which type of headache you have and then speak to your doctor to receive the correct treatment. Once the sinus headache is gone, you’ll be glad you listened to your doctor.