What Causes Sinus Headaches?
Oftentimes, sinus headaches are secondary symptoms to an undiagnosed sinus condition. When the sinuses are functioning properly, they produce mucus to moisten the nose and trap irritants. This mucus then drains out of the sinuses and is directed down the back of the throat. If there is an obstruction or blockage present in the sinus passageway, then the mucus backs up and fills the sinus cavity. Mucous buildups can lead to sinus infections and cause sinus headaches. Inflammation can cause pressure and discomfort around the sinuses until the infection resolves. Some patients suffer from structural issues or sinus disorders that contribute to chronic or reoccurring sinus headaches. Possible causes of sinus headaches include:
| CAUSES OF SINUS HEADACHES |
| Bacterial, viral, or fungal sinus infections |
| Respiratory tract infections |
| Allergies |
| Nasal polyps or nasal tumors |
| Sinus tumors or mucoceles |
| Immune disorders or medical conditions |
| Side effects from medication |
How Do I Know If My Headache Is Sinus-Related?
Sinus headaches cause many of the same symptoms as migraines and tension headaches. Typically, sinus headaches occur along with other sinus infection symptoms, such as nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, fever, sore throat, and coughing. Migraines and tension headaches usually lack many of these symptoms and may cause nausea or dizziness instead. Ultimately, sinus headaches are very difficult to tell apart from other types of headaches without a professional evaluation. Dr. Shin can help diagnose your sinus headache during a physical exam. A nasal endoscope can be used to see inside the nasal passages and sinuses to see if there are any obstructions or blockages contributing to sinus-related disorders. A CT scan of the sinuses may also be recommended. Dr. Shin can then recommend the appropriate sinus headache treatment to best address your symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sinus Headaches?
Sinus headaches can cause dull or throbbing pain, as well as tightness and pressure around the face. You may experience pain around the sinuses (the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and nose especially). Your head may feel heavy and sudden movements may make discomfort worse. Sinus infections often cause sinus headaches, so patients typically experience runny nose, thick or discolored nasal discharge, sore throat, coughing, post-nasal drip, and fever.
| SINUS HEADACHE SYMPTOMS |
| DULL OR THROBBING HEAD PAIN |
| FACIAL PRESSURE OR TIGHTNESS |
| DISCOMFORT AROUND THE EYES, FOREHEAD, CHEEKS, & NOSE |
| HEAVINESS & STRAINING TO KEEP YOUR HEAD UP |
| WORSENING DISCOMFORT WHEN LYING YOUR HEAD DOWN OR BENDING DOWN |
| PAIN WHEN MAKING SUDDEN MOVEMENTS WITH YOUR HEAD |
| PUFFY OR WATERY EYES |
| FATIGUE |
| LIGHT FACIAL SWELLING IS POSSIBLE |
| CONGESTION, RUNNY NOSE, & SYMPTOMS INDICATIVE OF A SINUS INFECTION |
| SLIGHT NAUSEA (CAN BE CAUSED BY POST-NASAL DRIP) |
| SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT OR NOISE (MAY BE AN INDICATOR OF MIGRAINES) |