Sinus Headache

If you suffer from headaches, they might be caused by a variety of factors comprising sinus congestion. Sinusitis (sinus infection) can cause discomfort and pressure in your face.

What is a sinus headache?

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located inside your forehead, cheeks and behind your nasal bridge. When they become inflamed, generally as a result of an allergic response or an infection, they enlarge, produce more mucus, and the drainage channels might get clogged.

The buildup of pressure in your sinuses generates discomfort like sinus headache. 

What are the symptoms encountered in sinus headaches?

1. Sinus headaches are frequently associated with the following symptoms:
2. Pain and pressure in face or head (often areas behind eyes, in cheekbones or forehead, or at the bridge of your nose)
3. Pain that worsens when you bend down make a quick movement or lie down
4. Severe pain in the morning
5. Intense pain when exposed to abrupt temperature fluctuations
6. Your face is swollen
7. Nasal congestion or runny nose
8. Fever
9. Post-nasal drip and a painful throat (the feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
10. Nasal discharge that is yellow or green
11. Fatigue
12. Upper tooth discomfort

What factors contribute to sinus headaches?

Sinus infections lead to sinus headaches. Sinus infections can be caused by anything that causes mucus accumulation in the sinuses, such as:

• Common cold
• Seasonal allergies cause mucus to be produced.
• Nasal polyps are abnormal nasal or sinus growths, which can obstruct mucus drainage.
• Deviated septum is a condition in which the line of cartilage and bone along the middle of the nose is off-centre. A deviated septum might hinder mucus from draining correctly.
• Too much mucus provides a breeding ground for pathogens. Germs irritate the sinuses as they accumulate. As a result, nasal tissue expands, obstructing mucus flow. Your face feels painful and achy due to swollen, inflamed sinuses packed with fluids.

What are some sinus headache treatments and therapies?

Let us understand how to get rid of sinus infections with simple remedies.

Drinking extra fluids, using a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air, and utilising a saltwater nasal spray are some at-home lifestyle therapies you might try. You might also try placing a warm, moist cloth on your face to relieve the pain.

In addition, some typical kinds of sinus headache treatments include:

• Antihistamines – If your sinus headaches are caused by allergies, Antihistamines can assist since they lower or block histamines and thereby reduce inflammation and swelling. They are accessible without a prescription and over-the-counter and come in tablet or nasal spray.

• Decongestants are drugs that may be taken orally or via the nose to decrease swelling and mucus in the nasal passages. They should not, however, be used indefinitely.

• Nasal steroid sprays are available with or without a prescription and can help relieve discomfort and congestion.

• Antibiotics may be prescribed if your doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection as the cause of your sinusitis. On the other hand, most infections are viral, and medications will not help. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen sodium can be utilised. If drugs do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery, depending on the reason for your sinusitis and sinus headaches. The purpose of surgery is to address the underlying problem and give long-term treatment.

Surgical alternatives may include the following:

FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) – to remove polyps, bone spurs or other tissue obstructing normal sinus outflow.

Balloon sinuplasty – a minimally invasive surgery that enlarges the sinus cavity by inflating and then withdrawing a tiny balloon from the region.

In conclusion

It is essential to diagnose the causes of the headache. Many patients who believe sinus headaches may have migraine or tension headaches instead. Hence, it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding the causes and symptoms of the headache.

The healthcare professional will likely begin their diagnosis by taking a history of the symptoms to help them conclude on the causes and suggest suitable treatment and therapies.