Sometimes when you’re ill with an infection, you may experience headaches or pressure around your face – this is known as a sinus headache. Sinus pain and pressure can occur when you have a cold or allergies, and make you feel unwell.1
There are different types of headaches, so it’s good to know the difference between a sinus headache and other headaches like migraine headaches.2 The main feature of a sinus headache is inflammation of the sinuses, which often occurs when you have an infection or allergy, so it is commonly associated with symptoms like a runny nose.1
Read on to learn more about sinus headaches, including how to determine if you have one and how you can find relief.
A sinus headache can occur when the sinuses are inflamed, for example when you have a cold or allergies.1 When this happens, you might feel pain around your sinus area, but you may also feel like there is pressure around your whole head region. Pressure or fullness can also be felt around your eyes, cheeks, and forehead. This is known as sinusitis and is a key feature when experiencing a sinus headache.1,3
Migraine headaches are different to sinus headaches. Migraine headaches cause a throbbing pain which is usually more severe on one side of the head than the other. They are typically associated with sensitivity to light and/or sound. If you have a throbbing headache and see bright shimmering lights, you’re more likely to be experiencing a migraine headache than a sinus headache. Migraine headaches can also make you feel nauseous and vomit.2
The sinus cavities are air-filled cavities around your nose, eyes, and cheeks, that are connected to the nose and throat.1 They warm and moisten the air before it reaches the lungs and help to prevent infection by trapping inhaled dirt and pollutants in mucous.1
Sinus pain happens when the blood vessels lining your nose and sinus cavities become inflamed.1 When there’s too much mucous and the lining of the channels swell, the narrow channels connecting the sinuses become blocked causing sinusitis. Bacteria can then grow inside the mucous, causing pain, headaches and sometimes fever.1
Inflammation of the sinuses typically occurs when your immune system is triggered during a cold or allergy, or if the lining of the sinuses become irritated. Nasal polyps (swellings in the linings of the nose or sinuses), can also contribute to mucous build-up and sinusitis symptoms. Structural abnormalities of the nose, like a deviated septum, can also increase your risk of sinusitis.1,3
A sinus headache usually occurs when there is pain and/or pressure around the face and in the sinus area. It can also cause aching teeth in the upper jaw or pain in the cheek.1,3 This pain can intensify when you lean forward.1 Sinusitis can also cause a feeling of fullness in the ears, fatigue, and facial swelling.1,2
Since a sinus headache is a feature of sinusitis, it may be accompanied by other features of a sinus infection, such as a persistent cough and generally feeling unwell. You may have a runny nose and notice that the mucous coming from your nose is yellow or green-coloured mucous.1 Some people also lose their sense of smell and taste.1 If you think you have a sinus infection, speak to your doctor.
Sinusitis usually lasts for about a week, but can stick around for months at a time.1 You can help manage your symptoms by:1
Medications which contain ibuprofen (an analgesic with anti-inflammatory properties4) like Nurofen, and phenylephrine (a decongestant5) may help relieve sinus or nasal congestion, headache, aches and pains.6Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor if you have a bacterial infection.1,3
If you are ever in any doubt, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
A sinus headache typically feels like pressure and/or pain around the face and sinus area. You may feel like your face is swollen or full, and this feeling can spread to your ears. As sinus headaches are commonly associated with sinus infections, you may feel generally unwell and more tired than usual.1The feeling of pain and pressure in your face can also worsen as you lean forward.1
Symptoms of sinus headaches can sometimes be confused with other conditions, so it’s important to see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. For example, you may confuse a sinus headache with other types of headaches, such as migraine headaches or cluster headaches.3
To help to determine the cause of your headache pain, your doctor will assess your symptoms and may examine your nose for blockages. They may refer you to have a computerised tomography (CT) scan to help determine the diagnosis, or request you have an allergy assessment if they feel your symptoms are related to an allergy.3
If you find you are frequently experiencing sinus headaches, it’s important to find the underlying problem and treat it appropriately. Your doctor may refer you for further assessments to find potential triggers, such as allergies, or suggest you avoid certain irritants like swimming pools that may worsen symptoms. Sometimes underlying dental disease can cause sinus headaches, so this needs to be treated. If your symptoms don’t resolve with treatment, you may be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist to explore your management options.
Some medicines may not be right for you so always read the label before purchase and follow the directions for use. If you use medicines incorrectly, they can harm you. If your symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your health professional.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful.
TAPS-NP18708.
RB-M-08425.
References:
First published: 20th May 2021
Last updated: 14th September 2023
