causes of sinus headache

Sinus headaches, like the one you’re describing, are often caused by something disrupting the normal drainage of the sinuses, leading to inflammation and increased pressure. In your case, the cold you had last month could have progressed into sinusitis, which is a common cause. Basically, any infection or irritant that blocks the drainage from the sinuses contributes to the trapped mucus, causing that pain and pressure around the forehead and eyes. Another common culprit is allergies, which lead to inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. Allergic reactions can cause your nasal passages to swell, blocking sinus drainage as well. You mentioned frequent sneezing and stuffy nose, which are telltale signs of allergic rhinitis, often found hand-in-hand with sinus headaches. In terms of treatment, you’ve already tried some typical measures like decongestants and steam inhalation, which is great. But if these aren’t providing relief, it might be time to consider prescription medications like nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or antihistamines for persistent allergy symptoms. If you are not already, consult with your physician about using saline nasal irrigation or sprays to help with mucus drainage. Keep a close eye on the symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, as they could indicate a bacterial infection needing antibiotics. It’s also crucial to rule out other causes like migraines or tension headaches, which can present similarly but require different management strategies. If the symptoms don’t improve, or if you develop a high fever or vision changes, seek further evaluation. These could be signs that indicate something more serious and require prompt medical attention. Remember, the length of symptoms can vary, but if they last more than 7 to 10 days without improvement or worsen significantly, it’s best to get re-evaluated.