You are about to leave Excedrin.com.

Clicking on this link means that you have chosen to leave our website. While we believe that the website which you have selected to visit may be of interest to you, it is an independent web site which is not under our control. As a result, we do not endorse its content and we have no responsibility for its content or privacy practices.

If you do not wish to leave this site, click Cancel.

Or, click OK to continue.

What Is a Sinus Headache? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What are sinuses and sinus headaches?

Sinuses are air-filled cavities (spaces) located in the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of the nose. The sinuses produce a thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. When a sinus becomes inflamed, usually as the result of allergies or an infection, the inflammation will prevent the outflow of mucus and cause a pain similar to that of a headache.

What are the symptoms of sinus headaches?

Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining. The pain is usually accompanied by other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, facial swelling, sinus pressure and sinus congestion.

Whether your headache symptoms can actually be attributed to the sinuses will need to be determined by your doctor. If your sinus headache is caused by a sinus blockage, such as an infection, you will likely have a fever.

Couple smiles while cooking in a kitchen

Save on Excedrin

Get printable coupons and special offers to save on Excedrin.

Get coupons

How are sinus headaches treated?

Sinus headaches treatment is usually directed toward pain relief and treating the infection. Treatment might include antibiotics for the infection, as well as a short period of pain and fever reliever (such as acetaminophen or aspirin), decongestants (such as phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor to decrease nasal congestion), or antihistamines to treat the sinus headache symptoms and provide sinus headache relief.

Analgesics can relieve headache pain while the nasal decongestants relieve sinus congestion and pressure, help clear nasal passages, and shrink swollen membranes.

If the sinus headache pain continues after using pain-relievers, corticosteroids may be prescribed to further decrease the inflammation. When an allergen is causing the sinus flare-ups, preventive allergy therapy is often needed. If you have questions or concerns about your sinus headache pain and how to treat sinus headaches, consult your doctor. Medication should be used as directed.

Can allergies cause sinus headaches?

An allergy or allergic response is generally not a direct cause of a sinus headache but can contribute to its occurrence. Allergies cause symptoms such as sinus congestion, which can lead to headache pain. If you have allergies, the treatment for your allergy can relieve your allergy symptoms, but it may not help with your headache pain. The two conditions often need to be treated separately.

Sinus headaches are most likely to occur as a result of allergies, when grass, pollen, ragweed counts are high, or following exposure to other allergens. However, headache specialists tend to agree that allergies are usually not the cause of severe or recurrent headaches such as tension headaches or migraines. You should see a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Medication should be used as directed.

More from Excedrin

Woman getting a massage to relieve headache pain

Could Positive Touch Help With Headache Pain?

True Stories – Tips for Easing the Head Pain Before Relief Arrives

Summer Headache Triggers

PM-US-XCDRN-22-00121, PM-US-XCDRN-22-00170, PM-US-XCDRN-24-00070

Haleon Huddle unlocks exclusive savings on brands including Excedrin, Advil, Sensodyne and more.

*indicates required field.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) collecting my Consumer Health Data. Continue reading...I understand that my Consumer Health Data may be used by Haleon as described in our Washington Consumer Health Data Notice, where I can find the categories of data collected, the purposes of collection, and with whom we may share your information. I understand that if I choose not to consent to Haleon’s collection of my Consumer Health Data, I may not be able to receive certain marketing or informational materials or other forms of communication directly from Haleon or participate in surveys and focus groups. I further understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) sharing my Consumer Health Data with third parties Continue reading... as described in the Washington Consumer Health Data Notice. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

By signing up for Haleon newsletters, you are certifying you are 18 years of age and older.