Sinus headaches without congestion

[Anonymous]

For the past 10 years or so I've had chronic sinus headaches...maybe about once or twice a month (lasting a day or two each episode).
I've read that sinus aches are almost always accompanied by congestion, but that hasn't been the case with me. I will have pain and pressure around my eyes, nose and forehead without any other symptoms of cold or infection. Anyone else been through this?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like just a regular headache. Is it related to your menstrual cycle? Does the pain throb or do you feel nauseated? Are you light or sound sensitive with them? If so, they could be migraines. Do you take anything for them, and does it work? Sometimes if you take your analgesic of choice (Tylenol or Excedrin, for example) at the first sign of pain, the headache will go away and stay away. If that works, great. If not, check with your doctor.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I get those all the time in allergy season -- spring AND fall. Have one now, as a matter of fact. Pain, pressure, but my nose is completely clear.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I get those all the time in allergy season -- spring AND fall. Have one now, as a matter of fact. Pain, pressure, but my nose is completely clear.

Ditto here. Right around the sinuses. It got so bad and relentless last fall I actually had an MRI to rule out anything sinister.

This year I have been able to head off most of the headaches by vigilantly monitoring my allergy med regimen. Prescription nasal steroid, Zyrtec, inhaled steroid, and very occasional Tylenol with pseudoephedrine.

[Anonymous]

i get them too during allergy season. helped this year to just take zyrtec every day from march through june.

[Anonymous]

Most "sinus" headaches are actually migraine. But usually patients are convinced it's sinus-related and don't believe you until they have a sinus CT to demonstrate that.

[Anonymous]

I also get sinus headaches without the congestion. I'm usually on Nasonex during the worst times of the year, but recently I've been able to head off a headache by taking 3 Advil and 1 sudafed and drinking lots of water. I took the pills as soon as it felt like one of those headaches was starting, and it seems to have worked to keep them away.

[Anonymous]

Have you had a dental check-up?

[Anonymous]

PP here, I did rule out dental pain for mine and I have had migraines -- these are different. They have ear pain associated with them, too.

[Anonymous]

I used to get those and my allergist would prescribe duratuss. It was a big horsepill (might be over the counter now). I would never be congested but this would make my nose run and relieve the pressure.

[Anonymous]

OP here...thanks for the feedback! Maybe I do have allergies. Don't think it's dental because I get frequent check-ups and I don't have any jaw pain. Time to see the doc!