Sinus Headache Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Sinus Headache?

Ever felt the deep and dull pain in the forehead and front part of head which worsens on leaning over or bending down? A throbbing headache usually experienced soon after waking up which gets better by afternoon? This type of sinus headache symptoms is usually caused as a side-effect to Para nasal Sinusitis, a condition resulting in the inflammation of the Para nasal sinuses in the nasal region. It occurs mainly due to infection in the airspaces within the facial bones. Now let us have a look at what is sinus headache and the signs or symptoms associated with it.

The air-filled, bony cavities in the head linked to the nose through minute openings are known as Para nasal sinuses or Sinuses, in general. When under an allergy attack during cold, these openings get blocked by the excess mucus formed resulting in infection. This congestion of the sinuses leads to Sinus headache. The front part of head and face are the worst affected areas. Usually felt after waking up in the morning, this throbbing pain in the head lasts for a few hours and gradually reduces by noon.

Sinus Headache Causes

Individuals prone to allergies and those suffering from cold may experience a sinus headache. An injury to nasal bones or nose deformity also increases the risk of headache as this can block the air-filled cavities.

The sinuses get infected when congested leading to the condition commonly known as sinusitis. It most often occurs following a cold due to viruses and bacteria infecting the sinuses’ lining. Any condition, injury or deformity involving the nose can obstruct the draining of nasal sinuses leading to headache in the front part of head and face.

Symptoms of Sinus Headache

Some of the symptoms that can help distinguish a sinus headache from other types of headaches are as follows:

  • Pressure similar to pain is felt on a particular area of head or face.
  • The pain worsens with movements of head and if bent forwards.
  • The face turns tender to touch.
  • Since the mucus is collecting and then draining for a longer period at night, the pain is worse in morning hours.
  • Headache usually follows a bad cold or when u still suffering.
  • Temperature changes to worsen the pain. For example, coming out into a warm area from a cold room.

Sinus headache is an outcome of sinusitis and hence the symptoms for sinusitis are also seen along with the headache. Hence, the symptoms for sinusitis should also be looked for. Some of those are as follows:

  • Sore throat along with postnasal drip.
  • Green or yellow discharge from the nose.
  • Moderate fever.
  • The nasal passages turn red and swollen due to the congestion.
  • Malaise, a general sense of feeling low and unhealthy.
  • Fatigue.

Sinus Headache Symptoms in Children

The sinus headache symptoms for both children and adults are quite similar. It usually occurs along with mucus, pus or air blocked inside the sinuses resulting in infections. Some of the commonly observed symptoms of sinus headache in children and teens are sore throat, fever, coughing, exhaustion, body aches and localized swelling. Some additional symptoms noticed include excessive secretions through nose similar to those seen in flu and cold. The nose and the area around it turn tender which adds to the pain. Any sharp and sudden movements of the body and mainly head provokes attacks of pain. Read on treatment for sinus headache symptoms for more information.

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