Author:
Louise Ward
Date Of Creation:
8 February 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
Headaches are common for many people, but if the pain is accompanied by pressure and soreness inside the forehead, eyes, or cheeks, you may have a sinus headache. Sinuses are empty spaces in the skull, filled with air that has been purified and moistened. The skull has four pairs of sinuses, which can become inflamed or congested and cause a headache. If you can determine if the cause of your headache is sinus pressure and not a migraine, you can reduce inflammation and clear your sinuses with home remedies, over-the-counter medications, or specialized treatments. faculty.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use home remedies
Humidify the air. Use a humidifier or cool mist to help reduce sinus inflammation. You can also breathe moist air by filling a basin of hot water, resting your head on top of the tub (be careful not to get too close), and covering your head with a towel. Inhale the steam. Or you can take a hot shower and breathe in the steam. Try to breathe in moist air two to four times a day for 10-20 minutes at a time.
- The indoor humidity should be at 45%. The humidity below 30% is too low, and above 50% is too high. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home.
Apply hot and cold compresses. Alternate between applying hot and cold compresses.Place a warm compress on your sinuses for three minutes, then cold for 30 seconds. You can repeat this movement three times with one hot and cold compress, two to six times a day.- You can replace gauze by dipping a towel in hot or cold water, squeezing out the water and applying it to your face, as well.
Drink enough water. You need to drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus in your sinuses, helping it to drain more easily, while keeping enough water for your entire body. Studies have shown that men should drink 13 cups of water, and women should drink 9 glasses of water a day.- Many people find it helpful to drink hot liquids. Enjoy your favorite cup of hot tea or drink broth to thin out mucus.
Use saline nasal sprays. Use according to the package directions, up to 6 times per day. Saline nasal sprays help keep nasal hair healthy, reduce inflammation in the nose, and treat inflamed sinuses. It also moistens the nasal passages so that the dry secretions are removed and the mucus is easier to drain. Saline nasal sprays can also help remove pollen, helping to reduce allergies, a cause of sinus headaches.- You can make your own salt solution by mixing 2-3 teaspoons of salt with 8 ounces of distilled, sterile, or cooled water. Dissolve and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Use a rubber syringe or dropper to pump the nasal passages up to 6 times per day.
Use a nasal wash. Make a saline solution and pour it into a nasal wash. Stand in front of the sink and lean forward. Tilt your head to the side and pour the solution straight into the side of your nostril, paying attention to the salt water flowing toward the back of your head. The saline solution will flow into the nasal cavity and down the throat. Gently blow your nose and spit the salt water out. Repeat with the other nostril. Washing your nose can help reduce sinus inflammation and drain mucus. It also helps remove irritants and allergens from your sinuses.
- The solution in the nasal wash should be sterilized by boiling or using distilled water.
Method 2 of 4: Use of drugs
Take an antihistamine. Antihistamines work to block histamine, a substance secreted by the body in response to allergens. Histamine causes symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose, runny nose). Many antihistamines can be bought over the counter and taken once a day. Second generation antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are formulated to help minimize the drowsiness effect - a disadvantage of first-generation antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine).
- If seasonal allergies are the cause of your sinus headache, you can try a corticosteroid nasal spray. This is the most effective over-the-counter medication in treating allergies. Use fluticasone or triamcinolone spray daily, one or two sprays in each nostril.
Use decongestants. This medication can be used topically (eg, oxymetazoline nasal spray) or oral (such as pseudoephedrine) to relieve congestion. Decongestants used topically can be administered every 12 hours, but not more than three to five days; This medication can have adverse effects if misused. Oral decongestants are taken once or twice daily, and can be combined with antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine.
- Because methamphetamine or pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient in the single form or in combination with an antihistamine, this drug is strictly controlled to prevent those who intend to store drugs for drug production.
Take a pain reliever. You can take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen for short periods of time to relieve sinus headaches. Although over-the-counter pain relievers do not cure the cause of a sinus headache, they can help relieve or cure headaches related to sinus problems.
- Be sure to take the medicine according to the directions on the packaging or as advised by your doctor.
Take prescription medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor to treat a bacterial infection that may accompany or cause a sinus headache. Symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection include a sore throat, yellow or green runny nose, stuffy nose, fever, and fatigue. Acute bacterial sinusitis is treated with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. Chronic bacterial sinusitis requires antibiotic treatment for three to four weeks.
- Your doctor may also prescribe triptans, a class of drugs used to treat migraines. Research has shown triptans significantly improves symptoms in most patients with sinus headaches. Some of the triptans include: sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and eletriptan.
Consider injecting allergy medications (immunotherapy). Your doctor may recommend an allergy injection if you do not respond well to it, have serious side effects, or are unable to avoid exposure to the allergen. Usually the person responsible for the allergy injection is the doctor who specializes in allergy.
Learn about surgical options. You need to see an otolaryngologist to determine if you need surgery to treat a sinus headache. Surgery can remove nasal polyps and bone spikes that could cause sinus inflammation, or it may open up sinuses.
- For example, with balloon dilatation, a balloon is inserted into the nasal cavity and inflated to enlarge the sinuses.
Method 3 of 4: Use alternative therapies
Take a supplement. Research is being done to determine the effectiveness of supplements for sinus headaches. Some of the following supplements can help prevent sinus headaches:
- Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that can reduce sinus inflammation. Do not take bromelain with blood thinners, as supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. You should also avoid taking bromelain if you are taking an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, a class of drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure. In this case, bromelain may increase the likelihood of a sudden hypotension.
- Quercetin is a plant pigment responsible for the vibrant coloration of fruits and vegetables. This substance is believed to act as a natural antihistamine; though more research is needed in humans to see if quercetin actually acts as an antihistamine.
- Lactobacillus is an essential probiotic probiotic to help maintain a healthy digestive system and boost immune system function. Supplements may reduce the likelihood of allergies and gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain from taking antibiotics.
Try herbal remedies. There are many herbs that can help reduce the likelihood of sinus headaches. They work to prevent or treat colds, strengthen the immune system and reduce sinus inflammation. Studies have shown that Sinupret supplements can reduce sinus inflammation symptoms. This supplement is said to help thin mucus so that your sinuses can clear more easily. Other herbs commonly used to treat sinus headaches include:
- Selling only contact (Chinese skullcap). Make a tea by pouring boiling water into a cup containing 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves. Cover and soak for 10-15 minutes. Drink two to three cups a day to help ease your sinuses.
- Chrysanthemum (feverfew). Make aromatic chamomile tea by pouring boiling water into a cup with 2-3 teaspoons of chopped fresh fragrant chamomile leaves. Soak for about 15 minutes, filter, and drink up to three times per day.
- Willow bark willow. Make a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of chopped willow bark powder or willow bark in 8 ounces to 300 milliliters of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Drink three to four times a day.
Apply the essential oil to your temples. Studies have shown that certain essential oils applied to the temples can soothe sinuses and relieve tension headaches. Mix an alcohol solution with 10% eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil and use a cotton ball to dab your temples. You can make this solution by mixing three tablespoons of alcohol with one teaspoon of peppermint oil or eucalyptus.
- Research has shown this essential oil blend can help relax muscles and reduce sensitivity to sinus headaches.
Consider homeopathic therapy. Homeopathic therapy involves trust and substitution therapy, with small amounts of naturally occurring substances used to help the body heal itself. People with chronic sinus disease often take homeopathic therapy, and studies have shown that symptoms in the majority of patients improve after two weeks. Homeopathic therapy has many remedies for sinus congestion and headaches, including:
- Arsenic album, belladonna, hepar sulphuricum, iris versicolor, potassium bichromicum, mercurius, natrum muriaticum, pulsatilla, silicea, and spigelia.
Try acupuncture. This is a traditional Chinese cure that uses thin needles to pierce the points of the body. It is believed that these acupuncture points can correct energy imbalances in the body. To treat a sinus headache, an acupuncturist treats inflamed (or wet) sinuses by strengthening the pressure points along the spleen (spleen) and stomach.
- Do not use acupuncture if you are pregnant, have a blood clotting disorder, or are wearing a pacemaker.
See a chiropractor. A chiropractor can treat sinus headaches by correcting incorrect positions in the body, although this has not been confirmed by trial. Your doctor will target the bones and mucous membranes in your sinuses to correct your sinuses.
- This technique corrects joints to correct the misplaced positions that cause the nervous system to be excited. Chiropractic therapy can restore the function of damaged organs in the body.
Method 4 of 4: Learn about sinus headaches
Distinguish migraines and headaches caused by sinuses. Many studies show that the majority of patients diagnosed with a sinus headache have had a migraine but go undiagnosed. Fortunately, it is possible to distinguish a sinus headache from a migraine through the many symptoms. For example:
- Migraines are often worse when there is noise or bright light
- Migraine headaches are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- The migraine can be felt anywhere in your head and down your neck
- Migraine headaches do not come with thick mucus in the nose and do not lose smell
Recognize symptoms and causes. The main cause of a sinus headache is an inflamed lining of the sinuses. The sinuses cannot produce mucus when inflamed, causing pressure to increase and causing pain. The sinuses can become inflamed due to infection, allergies, infection of the upper molars, or, rarely, tumors (benign or malignant). Symptoms of a sinus headache include:
- A feeling of compression and sensitivity inside the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes
- Pain increases when leaning forward
- Toothache in the upper jaw
- The pain is usually worse in the morning
- The pain can range from mild to severe, on one side of the head or on both sides of the head
Consider your risk factors. Many factors can increase your risk of a sinus headache, including:
- Have a history of allergies or asthma
- Long-term cold and flu, also called upper respiratory tract inflammation
- Ear infections
- Swollen asbestos or palate (V.A)
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal defects, such as septum scoliosis
- There is a cleft palate
- Weakened immune system
- Have ever undergone sinus surgery
- Are in a high altitude position or are flying high
- Flying in an airplane while having inflammation of the upper respiratory tract
- Abscess or tooth infection
- Frequent swimming or diving
Know when to see a specialist. You should see your doctor if you have more than 15 days of headaches a month, or you often need over-the-counter pain relievers. You should also see your doctor if pain relievers don't work to relieve severe headaches, or headaches interfere with your daily life (for example, you often have to miss school or work because of pain. head). Get medical help right away if you have a sinus headache with the following symptoms:
- Sudden and severe headache that persists or intensifies for 24 hours.
- A sudden and intense headache like "never before" even though you often have headaches.
- Severe and chronic headache, starting at age 50.
- Fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting (these are suspicious symptoms of meningitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection).
- Loss of memory, confusion, loss of balance, changes in voice and vision, loss of energy, numbness or a feeling of needles in the leg or arm (these symptoms are signs of a suspected stroke).
- Headache in one eye with red eyes (these symptoms may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma).
- Change the type of headache or appear a new type of pain.
- Recently suffered a head injury.
Receive examination. Your doctor will review your complete medical history and do a physical exam to diagnose a sinus headache. During the exam, your doctor will touch your face for swollen or tender areas. You will also have your nose checked for signs of inflammation, congestion, or nasal discharge. Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you suspect that an allergy might be causing your symptoms, you will be referred to an allergist for further examination.
- In some cases, an otolaryngologist may be needed. An ear, nose and throat specialist will use optical glasses to observe the sinuses and diagnose the disease.
Warning
- Pregnancy headaches can be caused by sinusitis, migraine or tension headaches, but be aware that this could be the result of preeclampsia or cerebral venous thrombosis.
- Elderly patients are at increased risk of developing secondary forms of headache such as trisomy and temporal artery inflammation.
