How to Deal With a Sinus Headache

If you have pain behind the eyes and your face is tender, then you might have a sinus headache. Maybe you had a cold, and now every time you move your head the pain gets worse. The reasons don't matter; you just want the pain to stop. By choosing an appropriate sinus headache treatment, you can make your sinus headache a distant memory.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier, vaporizer or bowl of water
• Hot and cold compresses
• Nasal rinse
• Decongestant

1. Breathe in steam. Some sinus headaches are the result of dry air. Inhaling steam can provide relief. Use a humidifier, a vaporizer or lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head.

2. Alternate hot and cold compresses across your sinuses. Put the hot compresses on for three minutes and the cold compresses on for 30 seconds.

3. Use a nasal rinse to remove pollutants and dust particles that might be contributing to your sinus headache. This treatment will reduce the size of the sinus membranes, allowing them to drain better.

4. Buy a decongestant or sinus pain reliever if your sinus headache is caused by an allergy. These will usually contain one or all of the following substances: aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

5. Visit an alternative therapist for recommendations on herbal remedies such as magnolia flower, mint, chrysanthemum and angelica. Some therapists may also recommend acupuncture.

Tips & Warnings

• Put some peppermint or grapeseed in the humidifier or bowl of hot water to speed up the decongestion process.