What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?

Pain is the primary symptom of a sinus headache, usually due to the increased pressure and decreased drainage from the affected sinus cavity. The pain of a sinus headache is often described as an increasing pressure sensation overlying the area with an associated tenderness to the touch. The pain occurs upon changing position of the head or when first getting up out of bed, which is due to the increased pressure within the sinus cavities.

Symptoms with sinus infection

• If an infection is present, there may befever, chills, malaise (feeling poorly) or myalgias (achy muscles). 
  
  
• Greenish-yellow nasal drainage may occur. 
  
  
• Swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands) may occur in the neck if an infection is present, no different than the swelling of lymph nodes that accompanies acute pharyngitis (sore throat) or otitis media (ear infection).

Symptoms with sinus inflammation

• If there is sinus inflammation without infection, the drainage may be clear. 
  
  
• If the maxillary sinus is inflamed, there may be pain felt in the upper teeth since the sinus is located in the bone where those teeth are located.