You might be dealing with a sinus headache if you’ve ever felt a deep, aching pressure behind your eyes or across your cheeks, especially during allergy season or when the air quality dips. These headaches are common in California’s Central Valley, where pollen, dust, and dry air can wreak havoc on your sinuses. Let’s break down what’s causing the pain and how to find relief.
Is It a Sinus Headache—Or Something Else?
Let’s be honest: when your head is throbbing, you’re not interested in medical jargon. You want answers. You want relief.
But first, is it really a sinus headache? That’s a good place to start. Many assume sinus pressure is to blame when it’s a tension headache or migraine.
How to tell if it’s a sinus headache:
- Pain and pressure in the face, especially around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Congestion or a runny nose
- Fullness or pain in the ears
- Worsens when you bend over or lie down
- May come with fatigue, sore throat, or post-nasal drip
What’s Causing This Pressure in the First Place?
A sinus headache happens when the sinus cavities in your face become inflamed or blocked. That pressure builds, fluid can’t drain, and boom—you’ve got pain.
Common triggers for sinus headaches include:
- Seasonal allergies
- Colds or upper respiratory infections
- Chronic sinusitis
- Irritants like wildfire smoke, dust, and agricultural pollutants
- Structural issues in the nose (like a deviated septum)
The Central Valley’s dry air, high pollen levels, and air quality issues make it a hotspot for sinus-related problems. Between springtime allergens and late-summer wildfire smoke, your sinuses might be under attack more often than you realize.
How Can You Get Quick Relief?
If you’re in the middle of a sinus headache right now, here’s what can help:
Try these quick at-home relief options:
- Use a warm compress over your sinuses to reduce pain and loosen mucus
- Inhale steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water to open the nasal passages
- Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution (like a neti pot or squeeze bottle)
- Stay hydrated—thinner mucus is easier to clear
- Rest and elevate your head to encourage sinus drainage
Living in the Valley might benefit from indoor air purifiers, HEPA filters, and keeping windows closed during high pollen or smoke days.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If you’ve tried all the usual tricks and your headaches still hang around, it’s time to look deeper.
Reach out if:
- Your headaches are frequent or long-lasting
- You have chronic sinus congestion
- You feel pressure behind your eyes or forehead regularly (here’s a few tips on how to relieve sinus pressure)
- Over-the-counter relief isn’t working
- You’re constantly dealing with Valley allergies, dust, or smoke exposure
At Baz, we understand the unique environmental challenges in this region. We can help uncover what’s triggering your sinus issues—pollen, pet dander, mold, or air quality—and develop a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.
Let’s Clear Things Up—Literally
Sinus headaches are frustrating, but don’t have to be your new normal. You can find lasting relief with the proper care and a personalized plan.
If you’re tired of the pressure, foggy thinking, and constant congestion, call us at 559-436-4500. We are here to help you breathe easier—and live clearly.
This post was medically reviewed by Sydney Long, MD, a board-certified allergist-immunologist.
