Central Texas News

• Your sinuses are located inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind your nose.
• Headaches related to sinus issues typically involve discomfort and pressure in the facial region.
• Consulting with a sinus specialist for tailored treatment may improve your ability to manage and alleviate headache challenges.

If you're grappling with headaches, they could be stemming from sinus congestion. Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free said sinus headaches are a result of muscle tension caused by dysfunctional sinuses. 

"Sinus headaches are muscle tension headaches that are caused by dysfunctional sinuses, which lead to nighttime nasal obstruction and increase efforts to breathe," Dr. Trimble told Central Texas News. "There's no doubt that if you resolve those problems, then the headaches will improve or go away altogether."

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located within your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose, according to WebMD. When these spaces become inflamed, often due to an allergic reaction or infection, they undergo swelling, increased mucus production, and potential blockage of draining channels. The resulting pressure buildup in your sinuses manifests as pain resembling a headache.

WebMD lists short-term antibiotics, antihistamines, or decongestants as treatments for these types of headaches. The publication notes secondary treatments such as inhaled nasal decongestants, pain relievers, and, if ineffective, corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce sinus inflammation. In more serious cases, a sinus procedure may be recommended to address persistent swelling, which can, in turn, treat headaches caused by sinusitis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, if you're experiencing sinus headaches for more than 15 days per month and over-the-counter medication isn't helpful enough, or if your headaches are interfering with your daily life, it's strongly advised to seek treatment from a specialist.

Dr. Trimble is board-certified in otolaryngology, according to Dallas Breathe Free's website. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Trimble completed his residency training in otolaryngology at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.