What is a Sinus Headache?

There are many types of headaches, and often times it is difficult to figure out what kind of headache you are experiencing.  It is good to try to determine what kind of headache it is, so that you can try to get some relief.

Sinuses are simply air filled spaces, or cavities, located around your eyes, nose and cheeks.  They produce mucus, and this is what drains out of your nose and down your throat, becoming more productive when you have an infection.  Sinus headaches occur when the sinuses become inflamed, and this usually happens when you have an infection, an allergic reaction, or even a tumor.  This inflammation results in pain, which can be a dull to a more intense throbbing pain in your face and head, often behind your eyes or behind your nose and cheeks.  Because the sinuses are inflamed, it traps the mucus from flowing out, and this is what creates the pain.  Cold and damp weather, as well as high humidity levels, elevation, sudden movements, like bending over or getting up too quickly, can intensify the pain.

It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between sinus, tension, and migraine headaches, as they all have similar symptoms.  One way to determine if it is a sinus headache is by gently touching your face around your nose, eyes and cheeks and press down a little to see if it hurts or you feel pressure, if you do then it is probably a sinus headache.  You can sometimes even see the inflammation in these areas when you look in the mirror.

Some people suffer from chronic sinus headaches, which means they happen often or on a regular basis.  Others only suffer occasionally, and there are some who never suffer at all from this miserable pain.  Chronic sinus headache sufferers may have a condition known as sinusitis, which is where the sinuses become inflamed for a longer period of time due to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.  There are a number of natural remedies available to help alleviate the pain of sinus headaches, and also methods and treatments to help prevent the inflammation that causes them.