Sinus headaches are one of the many types of headaches that can be aggravating and extremely painful for some people. However, there are measures that can be taken to help relieve the symptoms from pain associated with the inflammation of the sinuses. This page provides guidance on how to alleviate a sinus headache.

Sinus headaches can occur to anyone. There are many causes and symptoms that a person should be aware of in order to manage and relieve the symptoms successfully. Whether the headache is taken care of at home or by a doctor, numerous remedies exist that can help relieve and take care of a sinus headache.

1. If you have severe sinus pain for more than 24 hours or OTC medications fail to alleviate pain, consult your physician.

2. Try relaxing and avoid any sudden movements that may make the headache worse.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

Sinus headaches are often caused by an inflammation of the sinus cavitites due to an infection, allergic reaction, pregnancy, colds or structural problems in the nasal cavity.http://mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647/DSECTION=causes Since the sinus cavities produce mucus that drains through the nose, any inflammation will prevent this flow of mucus, thus causing pain similar to that of a headache.

It is essential to identify your symptoms of a sinus headache. Understanding your symptoms can be beneficial when it comes to treatment. Typical symptoms associated with sinus headaches include:

1. Deep, throbbing pain and pressure around the eyes, across the cheeks and forehead that can intensify with movement of the head. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
2. Achy feeling in the upper teethhttp://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
3. Feverhttp://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
4. Facial swelling http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
5. Yellow and green discharge http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
6. Sore throat and coughhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647/DSECTION=symptoms

There are many remedies you could try at home that will help to prevent and alleviate any sinus headaches.

1. Over-the-counter medications that include ingredients such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain associated with sinus headaches. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
2. Decongestants .http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
3. 'Antihistamines for help treating symptoms due to allergies. (ie. Benadryl, Claritin).http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sinus-headache-000073.htm
4. Breathing moist air from a cool-mist humidifier, warm shower, steam vaporizer or steam from a basin of water can help relieve a sinus headache by adding humidity to dry air.http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
5. Hot and cold compresses that are alternated across your sinuses (hot compress for three minutes, cold compress for thirty seconds). This should be done three times for each treatment and at least two to six times a day.http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm
6. Nasal irrigation or rinse which will help wash away mucus, dust particles, pollen and bacteria from the nasal cavity, thus reducing inflammation. Over-the-counter nasal sprays can also be used.http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm

Medical advice may be needed if home remedies fail to alleviate any symptoms or if you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms.

A physician or ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat) specialist will need to determine if the headache is indeed associated with the sinuses (a migraine or tension headache can be confused for a sinus headachehttp://mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647 ) or if there is another issue and a more invasive approach should be taken (ie. surgery).

A physical examination along with tests, such as a CT Scan and a MRI may be done to determine if there is inflammation in the sinus cavities. Your doctor may prescribe a treatment regimen including antibiotics (for any infection), as well as an antihistimine and decongestant. Cortisteroids may also be prescribed to further reduce any inflammation.

It is possible to take preventative measures which will reduce the chance of any future sinus inflammation.

1. The use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home can be useful in preventing dry air.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647/DSECTION=prevention
2. Allergy therapy can be used if allergens are determined to be the cause of the sinus headache. http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/sinus-headaches
3. Avoid certain irritants such as smoke and other air pollutants.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647/DSECTION=prevention