Do you have a throbbing head and feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead? You might have a sinus headache. Sinusitis or a sinus infection can be a disruptive and uncomfortable condition. Sinus headache relief typically involves a combination of over-the-counter medications and other therapeutic options that target inflammation and congestion in the sinuses. Lets take a deeper look into what is available.
📝 What is sinusitis?
Sinus infection (sinusitis or rhinosinusitis) is a common condition characterised by inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. Structural problems in the nose nasal polyps or a deviated septum can prevent the sinuses from draining properly and allow inflammation to take hold.
The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities located in the facial bones around the nose and eyes. They are lined with a thin membrane that produces mucus to moisten the nasal passages, trap bacteria, dust, allergens and other particles.
Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, preventing the proper drainage of mucus. This can lead to a buildup of mucus, creating a favourable environment for bacteria, viruses, or fungi to thrive. The resulting infection causes the symptoms associated with sinusitis.
🤕 What causes the sinus headache pain?
A sinus headache is caused by inflammation and congestion in the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull around the nose, forehead, and cheeks. The build-up of pressure inside the sinus cavities creates the throbbing pain you feel in your forehead, cheeks and behind the eyes. Since the sinuses are lined with many blood vessels and nerve fibres, this build-up of pressure can be felt as fairly noticeable pain.
Other common symptoms of sinusitis
At the same time as a headache, you might have other sinus symptoms, such as:
- Toothache
- Bad breath
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Feeling of pressure in the ears
- A stuffy nose
- A runny nose
- Reduced sense of smell
- Postnasal drip (mucus in your throat)
- Green or yellow mucus from the nose
💡 How to get rid of a sinus headache instantly?
Fast pain relief is generally the goal when dealing with a sinus headache. Here are some ways to get rid of that pain:
Home remedies
Steam inhalation
A simple and effective method to gain relief is breathing in steam to help reduce sinus congestion. The moist air also works to clear nasal blockages. Just boil water, pour water into a bowl, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes
Warm compress
You can place a warm compress, such as a washcloth dampened with warm water, over your sinuses to relieve swelling. This may help open your nasal passages
Humidifier
Dry air can worsen sinus headaches by causing further irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and reduce symptoms
Nasal irrigation
Use a simple nasal saline solution (salt water) with nasal irrigation tools, like Neti Pot to flush your nasal passages. This reduces nasal congestion, sinus inflammation and sinus pressure. A saline nasal spray or drops to thin mucus is also effective
Pressure point massage
Self-massage is easy to do by yourself. Gently massaging specific sinus pressure points can reduce sinus pain and encourage sinus drainage of mucus. Apply gentle pressure to the bridge of your nose, forehead, and cheeks with your fingers in a circular motion for several minutes. This natural remedy is a quick way to relieve a severe headache or facial pain
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water, clear broths, and herbal teas are great ways to keep sinuses clear and mucus thin. Maintaining proper hydration is another quick way to relieve a headache. Avoid alcohol as it can lead to dehydration, thickening of the mucus and making it harder to drain
Rest
Rest helps your body fight infection and speed up recovery. Propping yourself up with a couple of pillows keeps your head elevated and helps you breathe more comfortably
Medication
Nasal sprays
Nasal decongestant sprays containing steroids act locally in the nose and sinuses, helping reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, allowing for better drainage
Decongestants
Oral pseudoephedrine are common over-the-counter decongestants. Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and may cause side effects such as insomnia, racing pulse and jitteriness
Pain relievers
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve headache pain
Antihistamines
If allergies contribute to sinusitis, antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce allergic reactions and relieve symptoms
📝 Conclusion
If these remedies do not work and the headache persists for 10 days or more, consider consulting a healthcare provider for prescription remedies or specialised treatments. Antibiotics may be needed in cases where a bacterial infection is present or suspected.
Sources
- Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Chronic sinusitis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
- Unlocking the mystery of your sinuses – Mayo Clinic Health System
- Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) – Antibiotic Use – CDC
- Sinusitis (sinus infection) – NHS
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
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