Sinuses, also called paranasal sinuses, are described as air-filled spaces which are located in the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the nose bridge. The word sinus came from the Latin word which means “pocket”. Mucus is produced inside the sinuses which in turn are eliminated through narrow channels into throat and finally passes through the stomach. However, when the sinuses become inflamed due to sinus infection, allergens, or disease, it can cause a great deal of discomfort to a patient.

What are sinus headaches?

A patient usually feels a deep, dull, throbbing pain in the front portion of his face. The pain is caused by the inflammation of the mucus membranes. Pressure builds up inside the air-filled cavities, which eventually cause pain and discomfort. The pain and discomfort is usually aggravated by the motion of leaning over or bending down. In addition, having a cold and damp weather can make the pain caused by sinus infection even worse.

This condition is called a sinus headache. Sinus headaches usually manifest itself early in the morning and a patient’s condition improves as the day progresses. Pain and discomfort caused by sinus headaches may range from annoying to excruciating.

What causes sinus headaches?

Sinus headaches occur when sinuses become congested and inflamed. The inflammation of sinuses is normally caused by a sinus infection or allergens. Risk factors include: a history of asthma; allergies; abnormalities such as nasal polyps, nasal bone spurs, facial or nasal tumors, cleft palate, or deviated septum; climbing or flying at high altitudes; and swimming or diving activities.

What are the symptoms?

Sinus headache symptoms include the following:
•    Pressure in one area of the face or head.
•    Tenderness of the face.
•    Pain caused by sudden movements.
•    Post-nasal drip
•    Yellow or green nasal discharge.
•    Mild to moderate fever.
•    Malaise and fatigue.

How are sinus headaches treated?

Sinus headache relief may be achieved through the following approaches:

•    Use of humidifiers, nasal sprays, steam inhalation, or nasal irrigation.
•    Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium.
•    Use of decongestants in tablet or nasal spray form. Such medications may contain pseudoephedrine.
•    Use of antihistamines in tablet or nasal spray form. Examples include diphemhydramine, chlorophenamine, or loratadine. Newer formulations usually do not have drowsiness as a side effect.
•    Use of antibiotics. Acute cases usually take 10 to 14 days of treatment. Meanwhile, treatment of chronic cases might take up to a month.
•    Surgical options for sinus headache relief usually involve enlarging the sinus opening or the removal of abnormal growth such as polyps or bone spurs.
•    Resorting to nutritional and dietary supplements such as bromelain enzyme, as well as probiotics.
•    Use of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chiropractic treatments.

Additional sinus headache relief tips

While experiencing sinus headaches, it is also recommended to keep nasal passages moist since inhaling dry air would normally irritate the sinuses. This can be achieved by using a vaporizer or humidifier. Putting a warm wet towel over the face is also an alternative. Moreover, avoid coming into contact with cigarette smoke, perfume, and chemicals which emit noxious fumes. Click here to know how relieving sinus pressure can reduce your sinus problems.