Sinus headaches: why they happen and how to get relief?

October 4, 2025
Author: Dr. Majid Kehanifard
The article has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Majid Kehanifard

In the case of a sinus headache, the patient feels pain in the cheeks, eyes and forehead, this pain worsens with bending and shaking the head, and the patient may also experience a runny or stuffy nose, toothache, facial sensitivity or fatigue. Also, in this headache, there is a possibility of getting shot in the head. In general:

Symptoms of sinus headache are

You have pain in the area of the eyes, forehead, around the cheek, which gets worse when you bend over.
Your nose is blocked or runny.
If someone touches your face or touches your face, you get annoyed.
You are tired or you feel that you do not have enough energy.
You may have a toothache
Or you may have a mild fever.
Sore throat, cough or bad breath can also be a symptom of this type of headache.

An important point about the symptoms:

The important issue about this headache is that:

If you have a high fever, or your neck is stiff or those around you see that your behavior has changed; Be sure to go to the emergency room of the hospital. Because this may not be caused by a simple pain and there is a severe infection.

Sinus headache diagnosis

Symptoms of this headache overlap with migraine symptoms. That is, both headaches may have similar symptoms, and identifying whether this headache is a migraine or sinus pain requires a careful investigation, and for this reason, it is important to correctly diagnose the type of headache to treat it. A large number of patients diagnosed with sinus headaches actually have migraines.

To diagnose sinus headaches, the doctor does the following:

MIR, CT scans provide detailed images of the sinuses and nasal area to show if there is inflammation, obstruction or abnormalities.
Allergy testing: Sinus headaches can be caused by allergies, allergy tests are prescribed to diagnose these conditions.
CBC: The CBC test can show the level of infections.

Difference between migraine and sinus headache

Migraine pains usually occur between a few hours and a day or two. But a sinus headache usually lasts for a few days.

Sinusitis is not aggravated by light and sound, and it is not usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting, but migraine has these characteristics.

Sinus headache is like a cold and a runny nose. src="https://drmkeyhanifard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/infograph2-1024x702.jpg">

Also pay attention to the table below about the difference between these two types of headache

Characteristics

Sinus migraine headache in the forehead area around the eyes, unilateral cheek, bilateral, often behind the eyes type of pressure pain, throbbing heaviness, pounding purulent nasal discharge, The thick is usually clear or not at all. Other symptoms are fever, cough, bad breath, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, aggravated by movement, bending or lowering the head, general activity or light. The response to antibiotics often improves. Ineffective. The time involved is up to 15 days. From a few hours to two days. It varies.

To treat sinus headache, use a warm and moist compress. Put it on your face several times a day.

Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus in your nose and throat,

Use an inhaler, two to 4 times a day

If your headache is caused by an allergy, antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine are suitable.

You can use pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (One tip: Do not take ibuprofen on an empty stomach)

Nasal decongestants: Nasal decongestants: Pseudoephedrine: This drug is available as tablets and syrup, and is a strong decongestant. Phenylephrine: This drug is also available as tablets, drops, and nasal sprays, and acts as an anticongestant. Oxymetazoline: This drug It is in the form of a nasal spray and is used to reduce nasal congestion due to colds and allergies. Saline drops and sprays: These solutions help wash the nose and reduce congestion and are natural and safe.) Use without a prescription

Antibiotic medicine: these drugs should be used under the supervision of a doctor. If the disease is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed.

When should we see a doctor?

If your pain lasts for more than 15 days
or your headache is so severe that it interferes with your life
or your headache comes with a fever, especially if your fever is high

in this case, definitely see a doctor

What are the factors that increase the risk of sinus headache?

Allergies, colds, structural problems in the sinuses. Air and moisture contribute, they may have enlarged and caused a blockage. Nasal polyps: These abnormal, soft lumps that grow on the inner walls of the nose and sinuses can block the sinus passages. Stenosis or blockage of the sinus ducts: The sinus ducts that connect the sinuses to the nose may be naturally narrow or blocked by other problems such as inflammation or polyps.)

Smoking, as well as a weakened immune system. If your immune system is weak, it increases the risk of sinus infection and headache.

How to prevent sinus headache?

If you have tried a food before or a certain smell that caused you headache, try not to eat it. It is possible that the allergen in the spice or allergenic smell will trouble you.
If alcohol and caffeine give you a headache, stop using them.
Adjust your sleep pattern and daily food. Have an optimal sleep and food pattern
Control your stress, stress weakens your immune system and increases the chances of headaches, colds, infections, etc.
Do regular exercise. Appropriate aerobic exercise, walking, cycling and swimming
Control your body weight, obesity can also cause headaches.
Some hormonal drugs such as contraceptives or estrogens can also cause headaches.

Categories:

headache

Sources:

mayoclinic

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

verywellhealth

pubmed

Dr. Majid Kihani Fard Dr. Majid Kihanifard was born in 1352 in Isfahan. He completed his general medical education at Isfahan University and specialized neurology course at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and completed his knowledge and skills by completing a subspecialty fellowship in cerebrovascular surgery in Switzerland. He has always been a pioneer in providing new treatments and effective research, especially in the field of MS and stroke prevention, by emphasizing on increasing the health level of the society, informing the patients and respecting the patient. Dr. Kihanifared has been awarded the title of "Best neurologist in Isfahan" by the provincial medical system organization and has played an effective role in improving patient care services with applied research and advanced surgeries. Related articles

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