Understanding Sinus Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

If you’ve ever felt pressure or pain around your forehead, cheeks, or between your eyes—especially when you’re congested—you may have experienced a sinus headache. While often confused with migraines or tension headaches, sinus headaches are specifically linked to inflammation or infection in the sinuses. Let’s take a closer look at what causes them, how to recognize the symptoms, and the best ways to find relief.

What Is a Sinus Headache?

A sinus headache is caused by swelling in the sinus cavities—air-filled spaces located behind your forehead, cheeks, nose, and eyes. When these passages become inflamed due to an infection (like a cold or sinusitis) or allergies, mucus builds up and creates pressure. That pressure is what leads to the throbbing pain of a sinus headache.

Common Symptoms of a Sinus Headache

It’s easy to mistake a sinus headache for other types of headaches, but there are a few key symptoms that set it apart:

• Facial pressure or pain, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Runny nose with thick, discolored mucus
• Fullness or aching in the ears
• Fatigue or general tiredness
• Pain that worsens when bending over or lying down

If you also have a fever or symptoms that last longer than 10 days, it could be a sign of a bacterial sinus infection that may need antibiotics.

What Causes Sinus Headaches?

Sinus headaches are typically a result of sinus inflammation caused by:

• Colds or respiratory infections
• Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis)
• Sinus infections (acute or chronic sinusitis)
• Nasal polyps or structural issues, like a deviated septum

It’s important to know that true sinus headaches are less common than many people think. In fact, many headaches labeled as “sinus headaches” are actually migraines or tension headaches with overlapping symptoms like facial pressure and nasal congestion.

How to Treat a Sinus Headache

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the sinus inflammation:

At-Home Remedies

• Use a saline nasal spray or rinse (like a Neti pot) to flush out mucus and relieve congestion
• Apply warm compresses to the face to ease pressure
• Stay hydrated to help thin mucus
• Breathe in steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Medications

• Decongestants can reduce swelling in the nasal passages (limit use to a few days to avoid rebound congestion)
• Antihistamines can help if allergies are a trigger
• Nasal corticosteroids may be prescribed for ongoing inflammation
• Antibiotics are only necessary if a bacterial infection is present

When to See a Doctor

If your sinus headaches are frequent, severe, or don’t improve with standard treatments, it’s time to see an ENT specialist. You may be dealing with chronic sinusitis, a structural issue in your nasal passages, or another underlying condition.

In some cases, advanced treatment options—like balloon sinuplasty or other minimally invasive procedures—can provide long-term relief by improving sinus drainage.

Bottom Line

Sinus headaches can be painful and frustrating, but the right treatment can make a big difference. Whether your symptoms are due to allergies, infection, or an anatomical issue, getting a proper diagnosis is key to feeling better.

If you’re experiencing prolonged or recurrent sinus headaches, call the office of Dr. Lapco, ENT, in Broward County, at 954-942-6868 to schedule an appointment for effective treatment options.