Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, but not all headaches are the same. If you experience pressure or pain around your face and forehead, you may wonder: Is this a sinus headache or something else like a migraine? At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating sinus-related conditions, including headaches caused by sinus problems.
What Is a Sinus Headache?
A sinus headache occurs when your sinus cavities become inflamed or congested, usually due to sinusitis (sinus infection) or severe allergies. The inflammation and mucus buildup create pressure in your forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes, leading to pain and discomfort.
Signs Your Headache May Be Sinus-Related
Not every headache means sinus trouble. Here are key symptoms that suggest a sinus issue:
- Facial Pressure and Pain
Pain is often felt around the eyes, forehead, nose, or upper teeth and may worsen when you bend forward.
- Nasal Congestion or Discharge
A blocked or runny nose—especially with thick, discolored mucus—is a common sign.
- Fever or Fatigue
Unlike migraines, sinus headaches can occur with mild fever and an overall feeling of being unwell.
- Pain That Follows a Cold or Allergies
If the headache appears after a respiratory infection or allergy flare-up, your sinuses could be the culprit.
- Pain That Worsens with Weather Changes
Pressure shifts in the atmosphere can aggravate sinus pain.
Sinus Headache vs. Migraine: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse sinus headaches with migraines because symptoms can overlap. However:
- Migraines often cause throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
- Sinus headaches usually come with nasal symptoms and facial pressure.
If your “sinus headache” includes severe nausea, vision changes, or occurs without congestion, it might be a migraine instead.
When to See an ENT Specialist
Occasional sinus headaches may improve with over-the-counter remedies, but chronic or severe headaches require professional care. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., we can:
- Perform an endoscopic exam or imaging to check for sinus blockages or infections.
- Treat underlying causes like chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, or allergies.
- Offer advanced solutions such as balloon sinuplasty, allergy therapy, or medication management.
Relief for Sinus Headaches in Atlanta
If you’re tired of recurring headaches and facial pressure, we can help. Our experienced team provides personalized treatment plans to address sinus issues at the source.
Schedule an appointment today at one of our two convenient locations:
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
