Sinus Headache Treatment

Sinus headaches are characterized by deep, dull and severely throbbing pain in the temples and front part of the face. Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinus cavities or sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled spaces situated around the eyes, nose and cheeks that serve various functions like humidifying air as it's inhaled through the nose and giving a more resonant quality to your voice.

Sinus headaches are known to start throbbing right after a person wakes up in the morning and then subside in the afternoon after peaking. It is actually difficult to point out which headaches are sinus headaches and which ones are not. The reason is that a sinus headache is very similar to a migraine headache in its symptoms.

Sinus Headache Signs

However sinus headaches show certain properties that can help in identifying them. The pain caused by a sinus headache is usually very localized and focused on one point. The pain often aggravates when you try to move your head suddenly or bend forward. These headaches begin immediately after you have had a bad cold. These were some signs that can identify a sinus headache for you.

Causes of Sinus Headache

The cause of sinus headaches is an infection induced inflammation and congestion of the sinuses that usually spreads from the nasal tract and lungs. This condition is called sinusitis. In normal conditions, the sinuses permit air to circulate and mucus to pass easily through and drain through the nasal passage. However sinusitis causes the sinuses to get inflamed and blocked, which stops normal air circulation creating a haven for fungus, bacteria and viruses to grow. This worsens the sinus infection. Sinusitis in general can be triggered by any kind of respiratory infection.

Sinus Headache Treatment Methods

Here are some treatment methods. The key of course lies in treating the sinusitis cause which is the respiratory infection. However, there are ways in which you can reduce the severity of a sinus headache which I list here.

Steam Vaporizers
Breathing in moist hot air can open up the congested sinus cavities and provide with pain relief. The use of a humidifier or a steam vaporizer to humidify air around you, will help. You can simply inhale warm steam from a hot water basin. This method definitely works in most cases.

Alternate Exposure to Heat and Cold
Subjecting your sinuses to alternate exposure to heat and cold by using a compress can help in opening them up. Let the two exposures be separated by intervals of about 30 seconds. You should do this three to four times at equal intervals in a day.

Use Decongestants
Use of medical decongestants is an effective treatment procedure. Antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays are also very effective in such cases in treating sinus headaches.

Pain Killers
When the pain is excruciating, there are certain pain killers (over the counter) medications, containing either of acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin or ibuprofen or their combination, that can be effectively help in giving you relief.

Increase Fluid Intake and Drink Hot Beverages
If you increase the fluid intake of your body, it will not only energize you, but also prompt your sinuses to drain and decongest. Hot beverages like decaffeinated tea can help in the endeavor.

Also do not forget to take a lot of rest and naps to get better soon! Consult a doctor if these remedies do not work and if the pain persists. He may suggest a strong dose of antibiotics that will attack the root cause which is the respiratory infection and you will feel better sooner.