What should you know about dry sinus headache?

Dry air or nasal inflammation can create pressure around the nose, cheeks or forehead, sometimes with congestion and reduced smell. Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Sinusitis can cause nasal symptoms with facial discomfort. A Common Cold or COVID-19 may add sore throat, cough, tiredness or fever. Dehydration can cause headache with thirst, dark urine or dizziness, while Heat Exhaustion may include heavy sweating and weakness. Dengue Fever can cause fever and marked body aches. Generalised Anxiety Disorder can contribute to tension-type head pain. Headache location alone cannot identify the cause.

Rest in a cool, quiet place, drink fluids gradually and avoid smoke or strong fragrances. Saline spray may soothe a dry nose; use safe water if performing a rinse. A cool compress and regular meals may help. Use pain medicine only according to its label and check with a pharmacist if you have liver, kidney or stomach problems, take other medicines, or may have dengue fever. Avoid strenuous activity in heat until you feel well.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, stiff neck, vision loss, or a headache after a serious injury. Seek prompt assessment for high fever, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, severe dehydration, or worsening symptoms after heat exposure. Arrange a review for recurrent headaches, persistent facial pain or a headache that is new and unlike your usual pattern.

Do my nasal symptoms fit allergy or sinus inflammation, or could this be another headache type? How much fluid should I take, and which pain reliever is suitable for me? Do I need an examination or testing?