Causes and Cures for Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches run in my family. I had my first sinus infection when I was 15 after we moved to a new home that had a lot of weeds on a hillside next to our house. I still have at least one sinus headache a month.

Not all headaches are caused by sinus trouble. There are over 300 medical conditions cataloged that can produce or accompany a headache. But one of the more common is one known as sinusitis. Often misdiagnosed, when in fact the condition is a migraine, full or inflamed sinuses (along with the accompanying pressure) can definitely cause pain in the face and head - by definition, a headache.

Sinuses are cavities within the facial bones, above the eyes and behind the nose and cheekbones. Lined with tissue and mucus, the lining can become irritated and one or more cavities full of fluid. They can become so full as to have the two sides touch. That irritation and fullness produces pressure and pain.

If your headache pain is centered behind one or both of your cheeks or over one or both of your eyes, it is likely a sinus headache. If you feel extreme pressure when you lean over and put your head down, that is another sign that it is a sinus headache.

Often the result of a common cold, sinus headaches are so-called ’secondary headaches’ because they result from an underlying medical condition. ‘Primary headaches’ such as tension or migraine headaches are the condition itself, though they too have causes, of course.

Treatment can vary widely depending on the true cause of the condition. When the result of a ordinary cold, time is the only cure, though there are obviously hundreds of symptom-relief medicines on the market.

Some contain alcohol, which can make you drowsy but actually worsen a headache. Many have aspirin or acetaminophen which can be effective, though patients should take care not to overdose. One type of headache, aptly named MOH - Medication Overuse Headache - can result from too much medication.

Others may be the result of more serious conditions. Because of genetic variation, some individuals actually have a mildly deviated septum. That can produce pockets or channels that hold or accumulate fluid - the result can be a form of sinusitis. Surgery can correct such conditions, though of course the costs are high and the recovery can vary. Correct diagnosis is key.

For more minor causes, symptomatic relief may be enough. Cold or hot compresses on the face can help reduce swelling and alleviate some pain. Nasal sprays are available in abundance and some do actually work. Caution is called for here again, though. Nasal sprays can actually increase irritation if the patient overdoses. Ask your doctor about salt sprays such as Simply Saline. You might be able to use that every day.

Sometimes the condition is the temporary result of environmental factors. Rapid pressure changes in airplane flights, mild allergens, even stress can change the pressure and condition of the sinuses. Changes in the weather are sometimes responsible, as the outside or general air pressure and humidity can affect the interior sinuses. They are, after all, connected.

Allergic reactions can produce a sinus headache, though this affects a relatively small portion of those who suffer from them. My daughter gets terrible headaches if she eats anything with even a tiny hint of tree nuts in it.

Even temporary allergic reactions need not be the result of an immune condition. Pathogens in the air or food can cause those not normally susceptible to experience similar headache pain.

In almost all cases, once the sinuses are drained of excess fluid, and the inflammation ceases, the headache pain disappears as well. Sometimes that can be aided by the old fashioned inhalation of steam method. In other cases, modern antibiotics are called for.

If you suffer from sinus headaches be sure to consult your physician for proper diagnosis and ask probing questions to examine all your treatment options. It is much better to get professional help and find a cure than to suffer for years unnecessarily.