Sinus headache symptoms are similar to migraine headache symptoms. However, a sinus headache will often be accompanied by stuffiness in the nasal passages, and is usually associated with a feeling that a heavy cold or flu is imminent. Fever and nasal discharge, then, are symptoms of a sinus headache. Another symptom may be bad breath and a chronic cough. It is important to differentiate between inflammation of the sinuses caused by a cold1 or flu virus as opposed to sinus problems caused by bacteria. (Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not viruses.)
Depending on which sinuses are affected the symptoms differ, especially in where the headache pain is being felt. If the pain is in the sinuses behind the cheeks, the maxillary sinuses, are infected. The symptoms in this case not only include a headache but also tenderness of the cheekbones, under the eyes and around the upper teeth. Symptoms are often worse when the head is kept upright and improves when the person lies down.
If the headache is felt behind the forehead where the frontal sinuses are located, the headache can be severe which is worsened by lying down. Symptoms are lessened in this case then when the head is kept upright. Nasal discharge and fever are also common symptoms. If these symptoms increase, and the headache becomes severe, with changes in mental state or personality, immediate medical attention should be sought as this may indicate that the infection has spread to the brain. Infection is uncommon in children as these sinuses are later in developing than others.
Sphenoid sinusitis is behind the eyes, the accompanying headache feels deep, with pain on the top of the head and behind one eye. Fever and visual disturbances are also common symptoms. These sinuses are present in children aged 3 years and are fully developed by 12 years.
If any of the sinuses become infected, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and, in severe cases, particularly infection in the maxillary sinuses, the sinuses may need to be drained. It is possible to have a migraine headache while suffering from a flu or cold, and not be attacked by a sinus headache. In this case the two separate courses of treatment may be called for dealing with the cold and separately dealing with the migraine. When complications begin to set in, it may be time to call in a doctor.
