Sinus Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, & How to Get Rid of One

Not every headache is the result of your sinuses or nasal passage problems as up to 80% of headaches are caused by migraines or tensions. However, in the 20% of cases where headaches are caused by sinus pressure, there are specific tricks you can try to alleviate your uncomfortable sinus headache. Below we explain the causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventable tactics so that you can find relief from a debilitating sinus headache.

Sinus Headache Causes

Your sinuses are lined with tissue which produces mucus to keep your nose moist, this moisture captures foreign particulate matter such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, fungi, and a host of other particulates. Occasionally, your sinus’s reaction to intruding particulates starts a chain reaction of symptoms that leads to a sinus headache. In this process, your sinuses make excessive mucus, leading to a buildup of bacteria and viruses, which results in an irritated, swollen, mucus-filled sinuses that leaves your face feeling tender and achy. The following particulate matter buildup commonly leads to sinus headaches: 

• Seasonal allergens
• Cigarette smoke particulates
• Infections and viruses which lead to the common cold
• Particulates that weaken your immune system, resulting in a sinus headache
• Conditions such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps which contributes to the overall buildup in your nasal cavities

Sinus Headache Symptoms

To determine whether you have a true sinus headache and not a migraine, look out for the following symptoms:

• Pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
• A runny nose
• Congested sinuses
• An excessive amount of a yellow or green mucus discharge
• Pressure on any area of the face
• The headache worsens when you lean forward
• Fever or a persistent cold
• Fatigue
• An achy jaw
• Swelling or redness of the nose, cheeks, or forehead

While many of these symptoms overlap with migraines, if your symptoms haven’t cleared in 2 weeks it’s important to visit a medical professional to determine if you’re experiencing a true sinus headache.

Sinus Headache Treatments and Preventions

In serious cases of sinus headaches, you may be prescribed antibiotics to get rid of the infectious virus that’s likely causing your symptoms. In moderate cases, over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants may alleviate your uncomfortable symptoms. Simple at-home tricks such as drinking more water, saline nasal spray, or using a humidifier can all improve your symptoms as well. When preventing the onset of a sinus headaches, the following tactics may help your likelihood:

• Reduce your tobacco, alcohol, and tobacco intake.
• Exercise regularly, obesity commonly leads to more frequent sinus headaches.
• Avoid foods or odors that have triggered headaches in the past.
• Wear O2 Nose Filters.
• Establish regular sleep and meal patterns.

As mentioned above, inhaling virus and bacteria particulates commonly leads to sinus headaches. The best way to ensure that you don’t inhale particulate matter is by ensuring that it doesn’t enter your sinuses in the first place. O2 Nose Filters have been proven in controlled studies to help protect wearers from inhaling harmful airborne particles such as bacteria, viruses, dust, exhaust fumes, and other pollutants. Independent laboratory tests demonstrate that 3M’s Advanced Electret Media in O2 Nose Filters block 90% of particulates at PM10 and 65% of particulates at PM2.5. Additionally, O2 Nose Filters are comfortable to wear due to their latex-free design and medical-grade Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) materials.

O2 Nose Filters provides inexpensive and effective security to protect people from harmful airborne diseases. While our nasal passageways try their best when it comes to filtering harmful particulate matter, they aren’t perfect. That’s why O2 Nose Filters are such an effective solution when it comes to improving our mental and physical health. Nose filters are a discreet, effective option to protect against uncomfortable sinus headache symptoms.