How common is headache in sinusitis?

Sinusitis can swell the lining of the sinuses and slow normal drainage. This may create pressure around the forehead, cheeks, nose or eyes, with pain that feels worse when bending forward. A blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, facial tenderness, cough or thick mucus may occur at the same time. Headache by itself has many possible causes, so its presence does not identify sinusitis. A clinician may consider the full symptom pattern and how long it has lasted.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid smoke or other irritants. Saline nasal rinsing may help clear mucus when performed with safe, sterile or appropriately treated water. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether a pain reliever or nasal treatment is suitable for you, especially if you have another health condition or take regular medicines. Do not insert objects into the nose, and follow instructions for any prescribed treatment.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are severe, keep returning, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or do not begin to improve. Seek urgent care for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, a severe unusual headache, confusion, a stiff neck, or marked deterioration. These features need assessment because they may signal a problem requiring prompt treatment.

Could my headache pattern fit sinus inflammation, migraine, or another cause? What examination would help distinguish them? Which treatments are safe with my current medicines, and what changes should prompt a review?