Sinus Headache Treatment
in Houston, TX

Sinus headaches can make daily life feel overwhelming, especially when facial pressure, nasal congestion, and recurring pain keep returning despite home remedies or over-the-counter medication. Many patients seek treatment because these symptoms disrupt sleep, reduce focus at work, and create ongoing frustration when they flare up during allergy season or after frequent infections.

Texas Sinus & Snoring in Houston offers targeted care that helps patients understand the root cause of their discomfort and find long-lasting relief so they can breathe comfortably and get back to feeling like themselves again.

Table of Contents

What Is a Sinus Headache?

Sinus headaches can be hard to distinguish from other headaches. The key is to identify where the pain is.

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead (see the picture below). They’re also across the bridge of your nose, just under the eyes and just above your temples. If you’re headache pain is centered here, it could be your sinuses.

When your sinuses become inflamed or fill with mucus, the channels can’t drain (this is called sinusitis). This causes a buildup of pressure in these areas of your face, also known as a sinus headache. But do not worry! There is a solution for your sinus headaches.

Recognizing Your Sinus Headache Pain

Normal Sinuses

Normal sinuses, filled with air, show up on a CT scan as black. You can see fairly normal sinuses in the CT scan below on the far left.

Blocked Sinuses

When the membranes of your sinuses become inflamed, they start to block the nasal passages. You can see this in CT scans by the white area in the sinuses. The second CT scan shows slightly more blocked sinuses. The third shows even worse sinusitis. The last CT scan is an extreme case of sinusitis.

What Causes Sinus
Headache Pain?

Acute or chronic sinusitis is typically the cause of sinus headache pain. If you have pain or pressure, it’s time to schedule an appointment with us at Texas Sinus & Snoring.

During your appointment, we’ll complete a physical exam and a detailed health evaluation. This may include a CT scan of the sinuses. We may also order allergy testing to try to get to the root of what is causing your sinus headaches. This kind of comprehensive care can help us diagnose the cause of your sinus headache pain.

How to Treat Sinus Headaches

With any sinus issue, it’s always important to drink plenty of water. Doing so helps to thin the mucus buildup. Many people also find relief from saline nasal washes. If you’ve never done a nasal wash before, it can be intimidating. However, our team provides guidance on how to perform this procedure properly. The best treatment for any sinus headache really depends on the cause. We can only determine this with a consultation and proper imaging. Typical options include the following:

Nasal Corticosteroids

Nasal corticosteroids are often the first-line treatment because they reduce inflammation in the sinus passages and improve airflow. These medications are typically delivered as nasal sprays, making them easy to use consistently at home to help calm irritated sinus tissue and reduce headache-causing pressure.

Decongestants

Decongestants can provide short-term relief by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and easing sinus congestion. While they are not a long-term solution, they can help open the sinuses enough to improve breathing and reduce facial pressure during acute flare-ups.

Anitbiotics

Antibiotics may be recommended when a bacterial infection is contributing to persistent sinus symptoms. When appropriate, a full course of antibiotics can clear the infection, reduce inflammation, and help resolve headaches caused by blocked or infected sinus passages.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are beneficial when sinus headaches are triggered by allergies. These medications help manage allergy symptoms and reduce swelling in the nasal lining. They are especially useful for preventing sinus irritation caused by repeated allergic reactions.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, often delivered as allergy shots, is recommended for patients with sinus headaches linked to persistent or severe allergies. This long-term treatment helps retrain the immune system to react less strongly to allergens and can significantly reduce chronic sinus inflammation.

In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty

In-office balloon sinuplasty is an effective option for patients who struggle with chronic sinus issues. This minimally invasive procedure gently opens blocked sinus pathways with a small balloon, restoring proper drainage and reducing recurring headaches without cutting or removing tissue.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be necessary when structural problems or nasal deformities prevent proper sinus drainage. Using a small camera and specialized tools, this technique removes obstructions, improves airflow, and provides long-term relief from sinus pressure and headaches.
Let’s break the sinus cycle together! Use the form on this page to contact us, and we’ll reach out to you to schedule a consultation. We take most major insurance carriers and are a fully in-network facility.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Sinus Headaches?

Individuals who experience frequent sinus infections are more likely to develop ongoing inflammation that contributes to sinus-related pain. People with nasal polyps or structural blockages may also face a higher risk of developing chronic sinus headaches, since these issues prevent proper sinus drainage.

Allergy-related conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, can trigger swelling in the nasal passages, leading to a runny or stuffy nose, sinus pressure, and postnasal drip, all of which can increase the likelihood of sinus headaches.

Benefits of Sinus Headache Treatment

Reduces facial discomfort and improves daily comfort
Helps restore normal breathing patterns
Supports better sleep and energy levels
Lowers the frequency of pain episodes
Enhances overall quality of life

Cost of Sinus Headache Treatment in Houston, TX

The cost of sinus headache treatment in Houston typically ranges from $150 to $9,000, depending on the type of evaluation and the complexity of any recommended sinus procedures. A standard office visit or diagnostic exam is on the lower end of the range, while advanced treatments, such as imaging, in-office interventions, or surgical correction, fall toward the higher end.

During your consultation with Dr Cilento, you’ll receive a precise estimate based on your specific symptoms and the treatment plan designed to relieve your sinus headaches.

Relieve Your Chronic Sinus Conditions in Our Clinic

If you’re struggling with ongoing sinus problems, our clinic offers comprehensive care designed to ease pressure, reduce head pain, and restore balance to your breathing. We take time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your sinuses thoroughly, and guide you toward treatment options that fit your condition and lifestyle. Our goal is to help you breathe freely and feel better every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between sinus headaches and migraine headaches?

Sinus headaches often involve sinus pain that is localized to the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes, typically accompanied by nasal congestion or pressure. Migraines, on the other hand, usually cause a throbbing pain that can affect one side of the head, may include nausea or light sensitivity, and is not directly linked to sinus inflammation. Understanding the source of your discomfort helps guide the appropriate treatment.

Why do structural nasal problems, such as a deviated septum, often lead to sinus headaches?

Structural issues can interfere with normal sinus drainage and airflow, which can promote inflammation and infection, leading to sinus disease. Blocked or narrowed pathways increase pressure in the sinus cavities, which can trigger persistent headaches and discomfort.

Is Dr. Cilento a board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist?

Yes, Dr. Cilento is a board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor with extensive experience diagnosing and treating sinus conditions. When seeking a professional sinus headache treatment, Houston residents trust our team to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of sinus pain and promotes lasting relief.

Do you use low-radiation imaging when diagnosing chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction?

Yes, we use advanced, low-radiation imaging to evaluate sinus health. This allows us to accurately identify issues such as acute sinusitis, structural blockages, or inflammation, while distinguishing them from other causes of head pain, like tension headaches, ensuring precise diagnosis and effective treatment.

Sinus Headache Treatment
in Houston, TX