How to Treat a Sinus Headache

A sinus headache is caused by inflammation in the sinus cavities called sinusitis. Sinusitis has numerous causes, including bacterial, fungal and viral infections, allergies and autoimmune disorders. Treatment for a sinus headache is multi-dimensional and starts with a proper diagnosis.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibiotics
• Over-the-counter pain killers
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays
• Over-the-counter saline spray
• Decongestants

1. Check your symptoms to determine if you truly have a sinus headache or another type of headache. Sinus headaches are characterized by yellowish or greenish nasal discharge, pain and pressure in the front of the face, including cheeks, brow and forehead and worsening of pain when bending forward.

2. Determine if you have risk factors for sinusitis. People with nasal growths, allergies and asthma (among other conditions) are more likely to develop chronic sinus headaches.

3. See your primary care physician for proper diagnosis. Diagnosing a sinus headache can be difficult and may require tests of mucus for infection. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are sometimes used, as well.

4. Treat a sinusitis infection caused by bacteria with antibiotics. If your doctor determines a bacterial infection is causing your sinus headache, completing a full course of antibiotics should clear the infection and treat the headache.

5. Use prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays to treat sinusitis caused by allergies. These can help reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages causing the sinus headache.

6. Take over-the-counter pain killers and decongestants as the sinusitis goes away. These can help ease the discomfort of the sinus headache while the antibiotics clear the infection.

7. Prevent sinus headaches from returning by using a humidifier to keep indoor air moist. This is particularly important when you sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have recently had a cold or a respiratory infection, that could be the cause of your acute sinusitis.
• Over-the-counter saline spray can help clear nasal passages and reduce painful inflammation. Saline sprays can be used as necessary, as they do not contain chemicals or drugs.
• Most people who think they are suffering from sinus headaches are actually suffering from migraines. Migraines and sinus headaches share common symptoms. However, migraines often have additional symptoms, including throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
• Don't try to treat yourself if you have a high fever, stiff neck, diminished mental capacity or severe facial pain or swelling. You could have a more serious condition that requires medical treatment.
• Some sinus headaches are caused by structural problems within the sinuses. In these cases, surgery may be indicated.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[monaviemom]

on 9/22/2008 An ice pack to the painful sinus helps, too.