Frontal sinus headache: what to know

Sinus-related discomfort commonly occurs alongside a blocked or runny nose, reduced smell, facial tenderness, thick drainage, cough, or a recent cold. Allergic rhinitis can inflame the nasal lining without an infection. Chronic sinusitis involves symptoms that persist or recur and should be assessed rather than repeatedly self-treated. Pain that is strongly throbbing, one-sided, or accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity may fit migraine instead, even when the forehead feels full. The pain location cannot confirm the cause.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid smoke or other irritants. Saline nasal rinsing may help some people when performed with safe, prepared water and clean equipment. A warm compress can be comforting. Use pain relief according to the label and check with a pharmacist if you have other conditions or take regular medicines. Do not start leftover antibiotics; a clinician can decide whether they are appropriate after considering the whole symptom pattern.

Seek urgent care for swelling around an eye, vision change, severe headache with fever or neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, or repeated vomiting. Arrange a medical review when symptoms are severe, persist beyond a usual viral illness, keep returning, or worsen after initial improvement. A GP can distinguish sinus symptoms from migraine and other causes and advise on treatment.

Do my nasal symptoms support sinus inflammation, allergy, migraine, or another cause? Is saline care suitable for me? Which symptoms mean I need urgent review, and when should I return if this does not settle?