Guide to Sinus Headache Relief

Finding the effective sinus headache relief sufferers crave can be a frustratingly elusive quest. Continue reading to learn more about sinus infections and relief from sinus pain.

What is a Sinus Headache?

A sinus headache is pain due to inflammation and congestion in the sinus passages, and can be caused by the congestion of a cold, allergies or a sinus infection. A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the sinus passages. Sinusitis can be either acute (coming on suddenly) or chronic (lasting for many weeks or months). Chronic Sinusitis is the more common of the two.

Our sinuses are made up of four passages on each side, creating pairs called the Frontal Sinuses, which are behind the forehead, the Maxillary Sinuses, which are behind the cheekbones, and the Ethmoid and Sphenoid Sinuses, which are behind the eyes.

People without compromised immune systems usually get a sinus infection after a viral upper respiratory infection, also known as a cold, has weakened their immunity, damaged the mucosal lining of the sinuses and caused the normal bacteria living there to multiply. Other causes include allergens, air-borne pollutants and more rarely, fungi. People who have allergies might get a sinus infection from prolonged allergic congestion, or even after eating or drinking fermented foods and beverages like vinegar, beer or wine.

What are the Symptoms of a Sinus Infection?

The symptoms of a sinus infection vary depending on which passages are infected. Generally speaking, pain or pressure felt in the face, teeth or ears in combination with post-nasal drip, bad breath, and nasal congestion are good indications of a sinus infection. A fever may also be present but is not always a symptom.

Sinus Headache Prevention

Prevention is by far the best way to relieve sinus pain. Keep your immune system working optimally by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Wash your hands often to cut down on exposure to colds and germs. At home, use a humidifier or a dehumidifier to keep your air at healthy levels and use an air purifier to reduce exposure to pollutants and allergens.

Consider using a sinus wash or neti pot daily or weekly to clean out your sinus passages and cut down on the blockages that lead to infection.

Natural Sinus Headache Relief

If you have a sinus headache but are reluctant to take any medicine, there are several things you can do to stop the pressure and the pain.

Keep Hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids while experiencing a sinus headache or infection. Sipping hot water with lemon and ginger root will help to clear out the nasal passages and support the immune system.

Spice it Up. The minute you feel a sinus headache coming on eat something very spicy, like some wasabi or a jalapeno pepper, to clear out the nasal congestion. If you have had a sinus headache for a few hours and you can tolerate the flavor and intensity, add cayenne pepper and fresh grated horseradish to some hot water to sip.

Use Steam. Cover your head with a towel and hold it over a bowl or pot of steaming hot water to allow the steam to work to drain your sinuses. Add one peppermint tea-bag or a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water to clear the sinuses more thoroughly. A hot shower, bath or using personal steamer will work as well.

Apply Pressure. Sinus headache pain can sometimes be eliminated my applying pressure to the head and face. To do this, you will need an elastic bandage, a heavy pillow or bag or rice or sand, and a wall. Wrap the bandage tightly, but not uncomfortably, around your head, eyes and face to just above the nostrils. Lie down, with your head on a pillow or folded towel near a wall, so that the crown of your head is pressing against the wall then drape the rice or sand bag over your forehead. Stay for as long as feels comfortable, breathing naturally through the mouth and consciously relaxing all the muscles of your body.

Medical Treatment for Sinus Problems

Sinus pain that does not go away can be relieved using a combination of over the counter medications. Combining an anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, with a nasal decongestant will lessen the blockage, swelling and pain in the sinus passages. Decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications do have side effects, so consult your doctor to be sure they are appropriate and safe for you to take. An intranasal steroid spray can also be used to reduce swelling and keep the passages clear.

If your sinus headache does not respond to over the counter medicine, then a prescription may be necessary. Many sinus headaches are caused by bacterial infections and can only be treated successfully with antibiotics, but some instances of sinusitis are viral, like the common cold, and will not respond to antibiotics. Over use of antibiotics leads to a host of other problems, so it is always best to allow a doctor to determine what ails you specifically.

Severe chronic cases of sinusitis, which do not respond to medicine or antibiotics can be treated with sinus surgery. During surgery the infected tissue and any polyps will be removed, and if a deviated septum is blocking the passages it will be straightened to clear them.

Much of the information on sinus headache releif and treatment included in this article has come from personal experience. I referred to these sites to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sinusitis.html

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/sinusitis

http://mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-sinusitis/DS00232/DSECTION=symptoms