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Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

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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In this Article

• Sinus headache facts
• What are the sinuses?
• What is a sinus headache?
• What causes a sinus headache?
• What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?
• When should I seek medical care for a sinus headache?
• How is a sinus headache diagnosed?
• What is the treatment and remedies for a sinus headache?
• What are the complications of a sinus headache?
• Can a sinus headache be prevented?
• What is the outlook (prognosis) for a sinus headache?
• Patient Comments: Sinus Headache - Complications
• Patient Comments: Sinus Headache - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Sinus Headache - Experience
• Patient Comments: Sinus Headache - Remedies
• Find a local Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor in your town
• Sinus Headache Index

The treatment goal for sinus headache is twofold. The first step is to decrease the inflammation within the sinuses and help them drain. Once drainage occurs and the pressure is relieved, the pain should subside. The second aspect is to make the patient comfortable while the treating the underlying problem.

There are mechanical ways to help decrease congestion within the nasal passages. Drinking plenty of fluids will help with the general hydration in the body. Humidified air and salt water nasal spray will help with congestion as well. Neti pots are an alternative way to get humidity into the nasal passages and assist with drainage to prevent inflammation and infection.

Over-the-counter medications are available to help decrease inflammation within the sinuses and promote drainage. Brand name and generic drugs may be considered, but many contain pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), a medication that is related to adrenaline. People with high blood pressure and other heart conditions should consult their health care practitioner or pharmacist before taking these medications.

Some nasal sprays, other than salt water sprays (Ocean NasalSpray), may be used, but only for a short period of time because of side effects and complications. For example, Afrin nasal spray should be used for only three days in a row; otherwise, rebound inflammation may occur. With rebound inflammation, when the spray is stopped, the linings of the nasal passages may swell and potentially cause even more drainage complications.

For those whose sinus headaches are due to allergies, inhaled nasal steroids may be helpful in decreasing inflammation within the nasal passages to treat or prevent sinusitis.

If a bacterial infection is suspected, the health care practitioner may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection while at the same time make suggestions to treat the underlying inflammation. If the inflammation does not resolve before the antibiotic course is complete, the bacterial infection may recur.

If the sinus headache persists, and repeated courses of treatment fail to relieve the sinusitis, surgery may be an option. Otorhinolaryngologists (ENT or ear, nose, and throat surgeons) may be able to widen the openings that allow the sinuses to drain and decrease the risk of recurrent inflammation that may obstruct the sinuses from draining.