What is a sinus headache?
Headache and pain related to sinusitis are referred pains resulting from stimulation of the sensory nerves that supply the sinus cavities. Stimulation of these nerves occurs in response to a diseased sinus. The most common is stimulation associated with sinusitis.
What is sinusitis?
Each of us has four paired cavities in our head that communicate with the nose through narrow channels. These cavities produce a thick mucus that drains out of the channels into the nose. A cold or flu might cause swelling in these narrow channels, preventing the outflow of mucus. When this happens, bacteria might grow in the closed space of the sinus and cause an infection, which is called sinusitis.
What are they symptoms of sinusitis?
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Pressure or pain around the face, forehead, eyes, or cheeks
- Thick, discolored, foul-smelling nasal discharge
- Nasal obstruction
- Congestion
- Post-nasal drip (the drop-by-drop release of nasal fluid into the back of the throat)
- A cold that won't go away
What other types of headaches can occur?
In general, headaches are divided into three broad categories. They are:
- Vascular headache
- Tension (muscle contraction) headache
- Traction and inflammatory headache
Facial and head pain resulting from sinusitis is considered an inflammatory headache.
How can I treat my sinus headache?
Although pain medicine is helpful, treating the underlying condition of sinusitis is key. Usually, sinusitis is treated with medicines that get rid of the infection and establish drainage of the blocked sinuses.
Decongestants and antihistamines are medicines that reduce swelling in the blocked channels that communicate between the nose and sinuses. Topical (on the skin) or oral (by mouth) steroids also are sometimes used. This not only allows the infection to drain, but also helps to release much of the pain-causing pressure that builds up in the sinuses.
Antibiotics are typically recommended to eliminate specific bacteria (germs) that are causing the infection. Sometimes, however, in the case of complicated infections, surgical procedures might be necessary to establish adequate drainage of the infected sinuses.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.This document was last reviewed on: 8/30/2005
