Sinus Headache

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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP is the Chair of the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Indiana University.

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• Sinus Headache Overview
• Sinus Headache Causes
• Sinus Headache Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Sinus Headache Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Headaches FAQs

Sinus Headache Overview

A sinus headache is the result of a build-up of pressure within the sinuses of the skull. The sinuses are cavities or pockets within the bones of the skull. In addition to contributing to the strength and stability of the skull, the sinuses help to humidify and filter air. The sinuses are named according to their location in the skull bones:

• The frontal sinuses are located over the forehead, above the eyes on both sides.
  
  
• The maxillary sinuses are located over the cheek area, in the bone known as the maxilla located under the eyes on both sides of the face.
  
  
• The ethmoid sinuses are located in the bone that divides the eyes and nose.
  
  
• The sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull, behind the eyes.

The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that secrete fluid and are connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts. The sinuses are sometimes collectively referred to as the paranasal sinuses because of their proximity to the nose.

Inflammation due to any cause (most likely due to irritation or infection) can cause a buildup of fluid and increased pressure within the sinuses, giving rise to the typical symptoms of a sinus headache.

Sinus Headache Causes

Inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses is the primary cause of sinus headache. The inflamed tissues swell and produce secretions that clog the normal drainage system of the sinuses, causing a build-up of fluid and secretions. The pressure of this fluid build-up causes the pain of sinus headache. Inflammation of the sinuses is known as sinusitis. The inflammation may arise due to an infection, an allergic reaction such as hay fever, or to irritation.

Most commonly, infectious sinusitis (sinus infection) is due to a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections of the sinuses can also occur. Since the maxillary sinuses are located in the cheekbone, infections of the upper teeth can spread into these sinuses. In very rare cases, benign or malignant tumors can invade and block drainage in the sinuses and lead to a sinus headache.