What is a Sinus Headache?

Sinus Headache happens when your sinuses get swollen or blocked (clogged). Sinuses are spaces behind the bones of your face and forehead. You may feel pain or pressure in your face, forehead, ears, or upper teeth. Sinus headaches can be mild or very bad.

Follow these instructions at home:

General instructions

• If told:
  • Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face. This can help to lessen pain.
  • Use a nasal saline wash. Follow the directions on the bottle or box.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you start to feel better.
• Use a nose spray if your nose feels full of mucus (congested).

Hydrate and humidify

• Drink enough water to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to keep the humidity level in your home above 50%.
• Breathe in steam for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day or as told by your doctor. You can do this in the bathroom while a hot shower is running.
• Try not to spend time in cool or dry air.

Contact a doctor if:

• You get more than one headache a week.
• Light or sound bothers you.
• You have a fever.
• You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous) or you throw up (vomit).
• Your headaches do not get better with treatment.

Get help right away if:

• You have trouble seeing.
• You suddenly have very bad pain in your face or head.
• You start to have quick, sudden movements or shaking that you cannot control (seizure).
• You are confused.
• You have a stiff neck.

Summary

• A sinus headache happens when your sinuses get swollen or blocked (clogged). Sinuses are spaces behind the bones of your face and forehead.
• You may feel pain or pressure in your face, forehead, ears, or upper teeth.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If told, apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face. This can help to lessen pain.