6 Tips To Relieve Sinus Headache

A sinus headache can really make life troublesome but when you know how to relieve sinus headache it is easy to manage it. Let us see what it is and how to treat it effectively.

What Is A Sinus Headache?

A sinus headache occurs when the sinus passages behind the nose, eyes, forehead, and cheeks are congested. This headache can be sensed on one side of the head or both sides of the head. There is pressure near the parts close to the sinus passage and one may feel the head being throbbed. Sometimes sinus headaches without congestion can also happen. Many people mistake migraine to be a sinus headache and this is the reason why one should get diagnosed without fail to save the confusion.

Sinus headaches are accompanied by pressure or pain in the head apart from anyplace in the sinus region. A few times these headaches are a sign of the ongoing sinusitis-a sinus condition.

These headaches are seasonal and happen when one has allergies or they may take place occasionally when the sinuses get triggered for any reason.

[Also Read: Homeopathic remedies for sinus headache]

Symptoms Of Sinus Headache

Symptoms of sinus headaches include;

• Pain that gets worse when one leans forward
• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• A painful pressure behind the forehead
• Sometimes it can also give a feeling of ache on the top jaw or a fatigue feeling.
• Swelling, pain, fullness, and redness of the nose, cheeks, forehead is also most common.
• Stuffy and runny nose.
• Fullness and pain at the bridge of the nose.
• Pain in the head.
• A fullness feeling in the ears.
• Fever.
• Swelling of the face.

Causes Of Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are more than often a sign of sinusitis. Usually, a sinus headache triggers due to inflammation caused by allergies or other triggers such as an infection.

They may also come up due to a seasonal allergy that can last for a longer period which is known as rhinitis. Hay fever can also cause it.

Sinus blockages and infections can even lead to these headaches.

How To Relieve Sinus Headaches?

Usually, doctors suggest sinus headaches getting resolved on their own, and if it doesn’t happen the treatment and relieving methods consist of home remedies, over the counter medicines, and prescription medicines.

Sinus Headache Home Remedies

• Lessening the congestion present in the sinuses may aid. Try lessening the congestion using a humidifier or irrigating the sinuses using a saline solution to clean the region.
• Breath in steam when you feel your nose is congested and your head is aching.
• Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the region of the sinuses to promote drain of the congestion and release pressure.
• Gently press the sinus pressure points to get relief.
• Blow your nose often to clear the congestion.

Over-The-Counter Medicine

Analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can ease the pain.

Try decongestants like oxymetazoline or pseudoephedrine.

Prescription Medicines

When both the above treatments don’t work meeting the doctor is the best. He/she may suggest mucolytics (medicines that clear the mucus), decongestants, and antihistamines.

A specialist may even suggest antibiotics when he/she feels that the problem is due to bacterial infection. Your doctor won’t prescribe antibiotics unless you experience complications from sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection.

If a doctor senses the condition is due to allergies, antihistamines or corticosteroid shots may be prescribed.

A few alternative treatments such as using bromelain for thinning nasal secretions and using Urtica dioica to relieve long-standing rhinitis are also suggested.

Tips To Prevent Sinusitis Headaches

• Take preventive medicines after having a word with your doctor.
• Make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger headaches.
• Check for triggers. A few odors or foods can also lead to this situation, keep an eye on them.
• In a few people alcohol, caffeine and tobacco will also cause sinus headaches. In such conditions avoid them.
• Maintain proper sleep hours and avoid stress.
• Have food every day at the same time.
• Exercise regularly, focus on aerobic exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking.
• Be in proper BMI.
• If you are a woman try to lessen the estrogen effects. Stay away from medications that have estrogen.

To sum up, sinus headaches go away on their own with proper treatment, and if they don’t subdue after a fortnight meet your doctor at the earliest. Hope you got a detailed answer on how to relieve sinus headache, just follow them and things will get better.