Sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). Pain occurs in the affected region – the result of air, pus, and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. The discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (disguised as a headache or toothache). Sinus headaches tend to worsen as you bend forward or lie down. The key to relieving the symptoms is to reduce sinus swelling and inflammation and facilitate mucous drainage from the sinuses.

There are several at-home steps that help prevent sinus headache or alleviate its pain. They include:

If none of these preventative measures or treatments is effective, a visit to a sinus specialist may be warranted.  It is common for a sufferer of sinus problems to think of an ear, nose, throat doctor or family physician when seeking help for such problems.  In most cases,  these doctors care for sinus problems with a high degree of success. However, a clinic that is dedicated to treatment of sinus disease and a medical staff with experience can help those patients who do not respond to conservative medical treatment or who need more intervention.

During the examination, a CT scan of the sinuses may be ordered to determine the extent of blockage caused by chronic sinusitis. If no chronic sinusitis were found, treatment might then include allergy testing and desensitization (allergy shots). Acute sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and decongestants. If antibiotics fail to relieve the chronic sinusitis and accompanying headaches, endoscopic or image-guided surgery may be the recommended treatment.