Sinus Headaches result from mucous building up in the sinuses, causing pressure and pain. The build-up of mucous is due to sinus inflammation and constriction. The pain of this type of headache is felt in the front of the head, around the eyes and on the cheeks and temples, areas immediately above the underlying sinuses.

Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the head that are connected to the nose, throat, ears and eyes. Sinus Headaches occur when the mucous membranes become inflamed and the cavities blocked by mucous which is unable to drain. it's this excess mucous that creates the pressure in the head and ultimately the sinus headache.

Not everyone experiences sinus headaches the same way. Sinus Headaches can range from a minor nagging pain to quite unbearable all-consuming pain.

Sinus Headache symptoms may include:

-Pain over the temples, forehead and cheeks and all around the eyes

-A vague pain in the upper teeth

-Fever and cold shivers

-Facial swelling

-Migraine-like pain

One may suffer from sinus headaches even if no accompanying sinusitis is experienced.

You may also notice the following symptoms:

-Colored mucous

-Post nasal Drip

-Blocked nasal passages

-Throat irritations or coughing

-A lightheaded feeling

What is it that results in Sinus Headaches?

Allergies or sinus infections may cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes. In cold weather, the severity of sinus headaches may increase.

Things in the environment trigger episodes of pain and these can include cigarette smoke, pollen, mold and dust-mites Household allergens causing Allergic Rhinitis are by far the most usual underlying cause of these headaches, notably mold and dust-mites. Upper respiratory infections can at time predispose sufferers to this type of headache.

Good Tips that may thwart and/or lessen the effects and pain of sinus headache:

-Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. This may lessen your sensitivity to allergens and help to thin the secretions, keeping them flowing.

-Just blow your nose. You'll help open the sinuses and promote drainage

• Warm showers help loosen mucous because of the warm, moist air.

-Alternate hot and cold compresses. Place the hot compress across your sinuses for 3 minutes, then the cold compress for 30 second.

-Use saline sprays. They're safe and they promote the drainage of thick mucous.

-Watch your environment in particular the bedroom. Change and wash bedding regularly. Mold and dust-mites are often the unseen culprits.

-Rely on natural, low side-effect allergy remedies if your headaches are recurrent. Standard, pharmacy bought sinus medicines are fine for occasional headaches but not fine for frequent, chronic headaches where the use of the medicine becomes too frequent.

You will want to consult with a physician if you experience:

-Headache symptoms that last for an extended period of time and do not improve when taking sinus remedies.

-A sudden, severe headache that persists or gets worse with time

-A sudden headache that is the worst you've ever experienced.

-An "eye" headache just on one side of the head,

-Headaches accompanied by memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, change in speech or vision, or loss of strength in or numbness/tingling in any limb.

-Headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting (possible meningitis).