Sinus headaches are triggered by multiple causes, including allergies, pressure changes in the ear, tooth infection, swimming in polluted water, or a cold. Sinus infections can flare up at any time of the year but some people may notice a particular pattern at certain times of the year due to changes in activities or release of pollens, etc.
During a sinus headache, tissue in the nasal passages becomes inflamed and prevents drainage of nasal secretions. Many sinus headaches exhibit the same symptoms as tension headaches or migraines. While it is important to consult your doctor to accurately diagnose the type of headache from which you are suffering, you can use these tips to treat a sinus headache once it has been confirmed.
1Drink fluids frequently. Keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Nasal passages become congested when the tissue in the passages is inflamed and is unable to drain and drinking liquids will assist with nasal decongestion. The liquids assist with drainage, and with bringing down the inflammation that leads to sinus headaches.Ad
2Use a decongestant nasal spray. The liquid in decongestant nasal sprays will help to lessen the pain of sinus headaches by keeping down the inflammation in the nasal passages, thus helping them to drain.
- It is recommended that you use a salt water nasal spray. Use it no more than six times daily. Nasal sprays other than the salt water variety may increase congestion or inflammation. Follow the dosage and usage directions that come with the nasal spray.
3Take a decongestant targeted to assisting with sinus pain relief. Decongestants aim to ease sinus headaches by decreasing inflammation and facilitating drainage in the nasal passages.
- Follow the dosage and usage directions that come with the decongestant.
- Do not take the medicine more frequently or for a longer period of time than directed.
- Consult your doctor to ensure that the decongestant will not affect any health conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure or if you're taking prescribed medication.
4Use a neti pot. Water from the neti pot increases drainage and decreases inflammation in the nasal passages that contributes to sinus headaches.
- Follow the directions that come with your neti pot to prepare a saline and water solution.
- Fill the neti pot with the saline and water solution.
- Place your head over the sink.
- Tilt your head to one side. Your forehead and chin should be in alignment.
- Place the spout of the neti pot into the higher nostril. Ensure that there is no space between the spout and nostril.
- Lift the pot so that the water flows into your raised nostril and out of the lower nostril. Breathe through your mouth as you allow the water to flow.
- Set the neti pot aside when you have used all the water.
- Use a tissue to blow your nose gently. Do not close off your nasal passages as you exhale through your nose.
- Tilt your head to the other side and repeat the entire process.
- Clean the neti pot using dish detergent and warm water.
6Massage the sinus areas. Use your own fingertips to work gently over the areas where you feel the pain, especially over the region of the forehead and the temples. Imagine helping to open up space to allow drainage as you work over the area. If you don't notice some relief after five minutes, stop.
- If you can get a friend to assist, lie down and have your friend massage your head. Have them place their thumbs above your eyebrows in the center of your forehead and draw the thumbs up toward the hairline, then lift. Repeat but draw the thumbs to the temples, then lift at the hairline. Repeat a fraction higher each time until the whole forehead region has been massaged.
7Avoid smoking. Stay away from smoking, and from second-hand smoke. Smoking may contribute to sinus headaches by increasing inflammation in the nasal passages, and preventing them from draining.
8Stay out of polluted air. Pollutants and allergens may trigger sinus headaches by inflaming the nasal passages and keeping them from draining.
10Abstain from alcohol. Consuming alcoholic drinks may lead to swelling of the sinus and nasal tissues that contribute to sinus headaches.
11In the future, see your doctor if you have a severe cold. You may be able to treat the cold before a sinus headache emerges.Ad
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- Heat pads placed over the areas of sinus pain can help to alleviate the pain.
- Avoid sinus triggers such as smoke, dust and dirt. Keep your sleeping area well vacuumed, regularly.
- While healing, avoid swimming or other sports that can adversely affect your sinuses.
- Sinus infection lasting for more than three weeks should be checked by a doctor.
- Do not use a neti pot if you cannot blow your nose.
- If you get sore ears as well as the sinus headache, see your doctor as they may need medical treatment.
- Cease taking any sinus medicine once the infections have cleared up, unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid drinks
- Salt water nasal spray
- Neti pot
Sources and Citations
- http://health.cvs.com/GetContent.aspx?token=f75979d3-9c7c-4b16-af56-3e122a3f19e3&chunkiid=11556 – research source
- http://www.medicinenet.com/sinus_headache/page3.htm – research source
- http://www.neti-pot.com/how-to-use-a-neti-pot.cfm – research source
In other languages:
Português: Tratar uma Dor de Cabeça de Sinusite, Español: tratar un dolor de cabeza por sinusitis, Italiano: Curare un Mal di Testa da Sinusite, Français: traiter une sinusite, Deutsch: Sinus oder Nebenhöhlenkopfschmerzen therapieren, Русский: лечить синусовою головную боль, 中文: 应对窦性头痛, Bahasa Indonesia: Mengatasi Sakit Kepala Sinus, Nederlands: Hoofdpijn bij holteontsteking behandelen
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