How to Care for a Sinus Headache

A sinus headache is a symptom of inflamed, congested sinuses. To get rid of your headache, you must reduce the inflammation in your sinuses. Learning the cause will make it easier to treat.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Humidifiers
• Teas
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Vitamin B-complex And Vitamin C
• Warm Compresses

1. Take acetaminophen, aspirin (if older than 18) or ibuprofen for pain relief.

2. Apply warm compresses to the site of your pain four times a day.

3. Call your doctor if the drainage from your nose is discolored. Clear or slightly white mucus is acceptable. Yellow, rust-colored or green drainage indicates a serious infection and is cause for concern.

4. Use extra pillows to elevate your head, which will allow your sinuses to drain.

5. Try using a nasal spray or a decongestant. Depending on the cause of your sinusitis, over-the-counter decongestants may offer some relief. Do not use nasal sprays for more than a few days because they can become addictive. If sinusitis persists, see a doctor.

6. Avoid allergens if you suspect your sinusitis is allergy-related.

7. Keep your distance from people with colds and flu. Your body is already compromised and fighting off an inflammatory process.

8. Eat properly to help increase your body's resistance to disease.

9. Get plenty of rest. Catnaps can do a lot to lessen the severity of a sinus headache. Stress and fatigue may aggravate it.

10. Try increasing the humidity in your room. Use a humidifier, or take a hot bath or shower. Boil a pot of water, take it off the stove, drape a towel over your head and the pot, and inhale the steam for 10 minutes, four times a day. Keep your face at least 18 inches away from the pot to avoid burning yourself.

11. Increase your fluid intake. This encourages your sinuses to drain by hydrating your body. Hot (non-caffeinated) tea is especially good because the steam loosens congestion in your sinuses.

Tips & Warnings

• Blow your nose with your mouth slightly open and through both your nostrils. This helps to equalize the pressure in your sinuses.

• Avoid blowing your nose too hard.

• Call your doctor for persistent fever, ringing in your ears, eye drainage or facial swelling associated with your sinus headache.

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.