North Palm Beach Today

• 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. Cody Aull of West Palm Beach Breathe Free said addressing sinus issues can alleviate facial pain and lessen the discomfort associated with sinus headaches.

"We talk about facial pain a lot, and the root cause of it usually has something to do with the sinuses," Dr. Aull told North Palm Beach Today. "The pain itself is often from the nerves that go through the sinuses. We fix the sinuses, then work with the nerves to calm them down. So, there's a multi-pronged approach to how we can take care of facial pain, sinus headaches, etc."

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. Aull earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences/Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, according to West Palm Beach Breathe Free's website. Afterward, he finished up his residency in otolaryngology and surgery, which included an ENT internship, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Missouri. He additionally served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy.