What causes frequent sinus pressure and headache on cloudy days?

Posted on Mon, 30 May 2016

Question: Greetings. I have often experienced sinus pressure and mild headaches predictably when it becomes cloudy. I usually know it's cloudy just by that symptom, without even checking the sky!
It doesn't really bother me, but I get my relief from a single dose of pseudoephedrine and sometimes with Tylenol.
What I notice is simply the increased frequency. Whereas it used to be occasionally, now it can be at least twice a week. And one dose of pseudoephedrine takes care of it.
Could you explain the possible causes of the increased frequency?
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's due to changes in air pressure

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Sinus pain is quite common in cloudy days due to changes in air pressure. It is also associated with sinus inflammation, explaining why decongestant like pseudoephedrine helps.

If the pain is temporary and well managed by using OTC painkillers (e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen), and if the sinus inflammation is relieved by using nasal decongestant, then it's only due to changes in air pressure that could more often where you live.

Otherwise, if the pain will persist after raining is over, then should get checked by ENT specialist.

Hope it answered to your questions.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (18 minutes later)

Thank you kindly for your reply. I don't really experience pain, just a sense of dull pressure. Sometimes the Tylenol is also needed. But is there an explanation why it has become more frequent in the past year or two than before? Sometimes I have it on at least two separate days per week. Sometimes even three. In the past there could be cloudy days without any reaction.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following factors

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

For that, could be various factors like:
- perhaps you just let it happen without asking as you're doing now
- age
- not a precise inner cause other than cloudy weather

I still think to get your nasal cavity and sinuses checked by ENT specialist. Perhaps might be suffering of sinus infection more often than in the past.

Hope it answered your question.
Dr. Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar