Sinus headaches may cause pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the face and forehead, often accompanied by other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, fever, and facial swelling. It will often feel like you have an infection in the sinuses. When sinuses become inflamed, it will cause swelling and the channels that normally drain fluid and pressure will become blocked. This increased pressure in the sinuses causes a pain similar to that of a headache.

If you have frequent sinus headaches, it is important to schedule an appointment with your ENT to help determine if those headaches are due to a larger issue (ex: serious sinus infection) or if the headaches are actually being caused by migraines or tension headaches. Although many chronic headaches are labeled sinus headaches, some of these chronic headaches are in fact migraine or tension headaches.

If your headache is due to a sinus infection, you will sometimes have a fever and almost always will have green or yellow nasal discharge. Treatment of sinus headaches due to a sinus infection may include antibiotics for the infection, antihistamines (Benadryl) or decongestants (Sudafed), nasal steroids or oral corticosteroids and pain relievers (such as Advil) to help treat the symptoms.

It is also very important to make sure your body is properly hydrated to help your natural immune system.

With someone who frequently experiences sinus headaches and sinus infections, your ENT doctor may order CT and MRI scans. In extreme cases, your ENT may recommend sinus surgery.