Pelican State 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. Gregory Pippin of ENT & Allergy of New Orleans said sinus headaches can occur in various areas, depending on which sinuses are affected.

"Chronic sinus headaches typically present with facial pressure in the central face that could be described as a squeeze of pressure, a throb in between your eyes. Pain is not an uncommon situation, depending on which sinuses are affected," Dr. Pippin told Pelican State News. "Sometimes you'll get headaches at the vertex of your scalp with the sphenoid sinuses and also in the back of your scalp within the sphenoid sinuses."

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. Pippin holds certifications as both an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon, according to ENT and Allergy of New Orleans' website. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and then pursued his medical education at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Pippin went on to complete a residency program that covered otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.