Sinus headache: When most people hear “sinus headache,” they picture a blocked nose, facial pressure, and that heavy, tight feeling around the eyes and forehead. But what if your head hurts like that and your nose is completely clear? It’s a common doubt, especially when you have nagging head pain but no cold or runny nose.
What is a sinus headache?
A true sinus headache happens when the sinuses, the air-filled spaces behind your nose, eyes, and cheeks, get inflamed or infected. That can cause:
- A sense of pressure or fullness in the face
- Pain around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- A heavy head that feels worse when you bend forward
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sometimes, a slight fever
Also Read | What causes sinus infections and how do you treat them?
Can you have a sinus headache without a blocked nose?
In most cases, no. If there’s no nasal congestion, no sinus drainage, and no sign of sinus inflammation, it’s unlikely to be a true sinus headache.
Here’s where confusion starts: many people who are sure they have “sinus headaches” actually have migraines or tension-type headaches. These can cause similar facial pain or pressure, but the problem isn’t in the sinuses at all.
It’s easy to see why people mix up sinus headaches with other types of headaches; they can feel very similar.
Why does it get confusing?
Sinus headaches and migraines can share symptoms like:
- Pain in the face or forehead
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Discomfort that worsens when you bend forward or move suddenly
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Because of this overlap, many “sinus headaches” turn out to be something else.
If it’s not a sinus headache, what could it be?
Migraine:
Migraine pain often mimics sinus pressure, but it actually comes from changes in the brain and blood vessels, not the sinuses. A migraine may:
- Affects one side of the head or face more than the other
- Come with nausea or vomiting
- Get worse with bright light, loud sounds, or strong smells
- Sometimes causes visual changes, like flashes of light or zig-zag lines
Tension headache:
A tension headache is another very common culprit. It can:
- Feel like a tight band or heaviness around the head
- Cause dull pressure in the forehead, temples, or back of the head
- Be linked to stress, poor posture, neck strain, or long screen time
When is it actually a sinus headache?
For it to truly be a sinus headache, there are usually clear signs of sinus infection or inflammation, such as:
- Thick, coloured nasal discharge
- Blocked nose or heavy congestion
- Low-grade or higher fever
- Tenderness or swelling over the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes
- A recent cold, flu, or upper respiratory infection
What can help with sinus headaches?
- Short-term use of decongestants (as per doctor’s advice)
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses
- Steam inhalation
- Allergy medicines, if sinus trouble is linked to allergies
Quick tips to help prevent headaches
- Drink enough water throughout the day
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid strong smells and loud noises if they trigger your pain
- Manage stress with deep breathing, short walks, or relaxation/meditation apps
- Take frequent breaks from screens, especially if you work on a computer
Also Read | How to relieve sinus pressure and congestion
A true sinus headache almost always comes with congestion or other nasal symptoms. If your nose is clear but you still have head or face pain, it’s more likely to be a migraine or tension headache rather than a sinus problem. Getting the right diagnosis from a doctor can lead you to the right treatment.
