Sinus headache refers to head and facial pain associated with inflammation of the sinuses (called sinusitis ). The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull that have openings into the nose. Colds and allergies cause inflammation of the nasal passages and can lead to sinusitis. Sinus headache is a symptom of sinusitis.
Allergies and viral upper respiratory infections increase nasal secretions and cause tissue lining the nasal passages to swell. This results in nasal congestion and stuffiness. The nasal passages become blocked and normal drainage cannot occur. Secretions that are trapped in the sinuses may become infected with bacteria or, rarely, fungus. The swollen tissue or infection may create pain and pressure.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for sinus headache include:
Symptoms of sinus headache may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your nasal secretions may be tested for allergies and infection.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, tests may include:
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
Nasal endoscopy—using a thin, lighted tube to look inside your nose and possibly take samples of drainage to be tested
Sinus headache treatment aims to:
Treatment may include:
Medications may include:
Self-care includes:
Surgery is usually not required. Patients with a structural abnormality or chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medications may benefit from surgery. The doctor may perform one of several procedures to clean out your sinus cavities.
If you are diagnosed with a sinus headache, follow your doctor's instructions .
The following strategies may reduce the risk of getting a sinus headache:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
http://www.aafa.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Allergy Asthma Information Association
http://aaia.ca/
Calgary Allergy Network
http://www.calgaryallergy.ca/
References:
American Academy of Otolaryngology website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org .
American Rhinologic Society website. Available at: http://www.american-rhinologic.org/ .
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.aafa.org .
Cady RK, Dodick DW, Levine HL, Schreiber CP, Eross EJ, et al. Sinus headache: a neurology, otolaryngology, allergy, and primary care consensus on diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic Proc. 2005;80:908-816.
Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult . Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 1999.
National Headache Foundation website. Available at: http://www.headaches.org/ .
Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000.
Sinusitis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=116738 .
Textbook of Clinical Neurology . WB Saunders Co; 1999.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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