Differentiate Between Sinus Headache And Migraine Headache
Many people who assume they are having sinus pain due to sinus pressure are actually having a migraine headache. Migraine pain can involve the same nerves as the sinus cavities and is frequently accompanied by nasal congestion, nausea, and aggravation by bright light. “If sinus pain is caused by a migraine, the best natural treatment is lying down in a dark, quiet room,” advises Das.
Sinus Headache Medicine In A Pinch
The best sinus headache medicine is of course plenty of fluids and a bit of TLC. There are many treatments that will help ease your pain naturally however, if you need some instant relief, you should consider over-the-counter medication.
That being said, if you are taking these medications regularly for ten days in a row, you should consult your physician to find a more permanent solution.
Sinus Pain Has A Variety Of Causes
If your head is throbbing and you feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead, you could have a sinus headache. “Many factors can cause a sinus headache,” says Subinoy Das, MD, chief executive officer and interim medical director for the U.S. Institute for Advanced Sinus Care and Research in Columbus, Ohio. The most important factor is swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses, causing pressure and pain on in the face and head.
Symptoms of sinus pain and headache include pain associated with congestion from a common cold or allergies pain around your eyes, forehead, or over your teeth pain that is worse in the morning and pain that gets worse when you bend over. Some of the more natural methods of relieving sinus pain that reduce swelling, thin mucus secretions, and improve sinus drainage are often very helpful.
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Nasal Saline Sprays: Non
Nasal saline is an invaluable addition to the list of over-the-counter medications. It is ideal for all types of nasal problems. The added moisture produced by the saline reduces thick secretions and assists in the removal of infectious agents. There is no risk of becoming addicted to nasal saline. It should be applied as a mist to the nose up to six times per day. Nasal saline can also be made at home: contact your otolaryngologist for details.
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Blood Pressure And Cough And Cold Medications

Many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve pain. NSAIDs may increase your blood pressure. Cough and cold medicines also frequently contain . can make blood pressure worse in two ways:
- Decongestants may make your blood pressure and heart rate rise.
- Decongestants may prevent high blood pressure drugs from working properly.
What can you do? Avoid using cough and cold medicine that contains NSAIDs or decongestants. Ask your doctor for suggestions about other ways to ease symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.
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When To Seek Medical Care
See a doctor if you have:
- Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
- Symptoms that get worse after improving.
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.
- Fever longer than 3-4 days.
You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:
- Seasonal allergies
Best Medications For Sinus Infection
Given that sinus problems have various causes, its crucial to properly evaluate your symptoms before buying best meds for sinus infection. If you have a cold or seasonal allergies, OTC medications will generally work well. Nevertheless, if you experience sinus pain, tooth pain, fever, or if your sinus congestion lingers longer than ten days, see your doctor. Antibiotics might be recommended for sinusitis caused by bacteria.
Antibiotics can not be used to treat a sinus infection caused by an infection, nevertheless. Nevertheless, OTC medications can provide symptom relief. OTC medications include decongestants, expectorants, analgesics, and antihistamines. Each of these functions in a different way and serves a different function.
The significance of selecting the right decongestant can not be overemphasized. The following information will help you comprehend these remedies and what will work best for you.
Expectorants
Expectorants work best on sinus infections where blockage has actually settled in the chest or throat, causing coughing. Expectorants work to thin the mucus. The sinusitis suffer is then much better able to get rid of the thinned mucus through coughing, resulting in much faster relief of blockage.
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Safety Guide For Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe and effective when used according to the Drug Facts label.
Ask a healthcare provider before use if:
For nasal decongestants:
- You have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Before giving a topical nasal decongestant in children under 2 years old.
For hemorrhoid medicines:
- You have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You are taking a prescription medicine for high blood pressure or depression.
- Before using a topical hemorrhoid treatment containing phenylephrine on a child under the age of 12.
Do not use if:
For nasal decongestants:
- Never use an oral medicine containing phenylephrine at the same time as a topical nasal decongestant that also contains phenylephrine.
- You are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor or you stopped taking an MAOI less than two weeks ago.
- You are currently taking certain drugs for depression or a psychiatric or emotional condition.
- Do not give an oral decongestant or cough and cold medicine containing phenylephrine to a child under the age of 4.
- Some topical nasal decongestants may be used in children aged 2 and older. Read the Drug Facts label carefully for accurate dosing information.
For hemorrhoid medicines:
Oral And Nasal Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels inside the nose. There are both oral and nasal formulations.
Sudafed is an oral decongestant used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. Do not use Sudafed for longer than three days as it can also lead to rebound congestion.
While Sudafed is available without a prescription, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and requires an ID to obtain. A similar drug called Sudafed PE can be purchased without hindrance but has not proven to be anywhere near as effective as pseudoephedrine.
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin also provide short-term relief of a stuffy nose. It should also not be used for longer than three days due to the risk of rebound congestion .
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What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home
Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.
Pathogenesis Of Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis usually follows an acute upper respiratory tract infection . As the viral infection spreads in the nasal mucosa, swelling and oedema of the mucosa results. As the mucosal surfaces of the ostiomeatal unit are in close proximity to one another , obstruction of the sinus ostia results. In addition, the viral infection may reduce normal cilial motility. This prevents normal muco-ciliary clearance resulting in an accumulation of mucus in the sinuses and the development of the symptoms of sinusitis. If this mucus becomes secondarily infected by bacteria, acute bacterial sinusitis develops.
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What Medications Are Used To Treat Sinus Infections
Antibiotics:
First and foremost, if you are suffering from an active bacterial sinus infection you may be treated with antibiotics. Depending on whether you have acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis will determine your course of therapy.As acute sinusitis may require 10 -14 days of antibiotic therapy chronic sinusitis may need to be treated for up to 30 days with medication.Remember Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses such as the common cold and will clear up within 10 or so days. In this case, antibiotics will not be helpful as antibiotics kill bacteria not viruses. Based upon your symptoms, medical history and physical examination your doctor will help determine if antibiotics are necessary.
Pain Medication:
Sinus headaches hurt. Sometimes the pain and pressure can make basic everyday activities impossible to do. So many times those suffering from sinusitis will take an over the counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen . Make sure to follow the labeled directions and see your doctor if your symptoms havent improved after a week or if they worsen.
Aerosolized antibiotics, steroids and antifugal treatments:
These may be administered through an aerosol or a nasal rinse. Frequently a compounding pharmacy is required to create this rinse.
Antihistamines:
Where Can I Find The Best Sinus Headache Treatment In Houston

Houston ear, nose, and throat specialist and surgeon Dr. Cecil Yeung has more than 20 years of experience in diagnosing and treating chronic sinusitis, which causes sinus headaches. At Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute, he has pioneered endoscopic sinus surgery in the area, performing more than 4,000 sinus surgeries with a re-do rate thats far less than average. Hes a board-certified physician who is known as a leader in his field as well as for his professionalism and precision.
Dr. Yeung will correctly diagnose the cause of your sinus headaches and sinusitis and recommend the most minimally invasive treatment possible that will yield the results you want.
To get relief from the pain and other symptoms of sinus headaches, contact Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute today!
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Tylenol Sinus + Headache Daytime Non
- 24-count box of Tylenol Sinus + Headache Daytime Caplets for non-drowsy sinus symptom and headache pain relief due to the common cold, hay fever or other respiratory allergies
- From the #1 doctor-recommended pain relief brand, these daytime headache and sinus relief caplets are suitable for adults and children ages 12 years and older
- Each sinus relief caplet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen to temporarily relieve pain and reduce fever as well as 5 mg of phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant to help clear nasal passages
- Pain reliever and nasal decongestant formulated to temporarily relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus headache and pressure
- The non-drowsy formula of this sinus medicine provides effective daytime symptom relief by promoting sinus drainage and helping to decongest sinus openings and passages
Oral Decongestants And Decongestant Sprays
Congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses occurs when blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid. Decongestants help reduce sinuses’ swelling and relieve sinus congestion by reducing blood flow to the nasal passages. OTC nasal decongestants are available as nasal sprays:
- Oxymetazoline-containing products: Afrin, Zicam Sinus Relief, Nostrilla, Dristan, Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray
- Naphazoline-containing product: Privine
- Phenylephrine-containing products: Rhinall, Neo-Synephrine, Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops.
Examples of commonly-used oral decongestants are Sudafed PE and Sudafed . Both of these oral decongestants are available without a prescription, except Sudafed is kept behind the pharmacy counter and available upon request. This restriction on pseudoephedrine is due to the fact that this chemical can be used illegally to manufacture methamphetamines.
Always use a nasal decongestant according to the package instructions. An OTC decongestant nasal spray should be used for a maximum of 3 days to avoid rebound congestion, i.e., worsening nasal congestion that wont go away.
You should not take an oral decongestant for longer than 7 days without being medically reviewed, especially if your symptoms worsen or you start having a fever.
Oral decongestants are not appropriate for:
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Boiron Sinuscalm Tablets For Sinus Pain Relief Runny Nose Congestion Sinus Pressure Headache
- Non-habit forming and no risk of a rebound effect
- Tablets dissolve quickly under the tongue without water, chewing, or swallowing pills.
- The non-drowsy, quick-dissolving tablets are phenylephrine-free and wonât interact with other medications. Free from preservatives and artifical colors & flavors.
- SinusCalm tablets relieves nasal congestion, sinus pain and pressure, and headache due to the common cold or allergies.
- Available over the counter in a box of two multidose tubes for home or on the go
Nasal Decongestant Sprays: Medicated Nasal Sprays
Afrinî nasal spray, Neo-Synephrineî, Otrivinî, Dristanî nasal spray and other brands decongest the swollen nasal membranes. They clear nasal passages almost immediately and are useful in treating the initial stages of a common cold or viral infection. Nasal decongestant sprays are safe to use, especially appropriate for preventing eustachian tube problems when flying, and to halt progression of sinus infections following colds. However, they should only be utilized for 3-5 days because prolonged use leads to rebound congestion or âgetting hooked on nasal sprays.â The patient with nasal swelling caused by seasonal allergy problems should use a cromolyn sodium nasal spray. The spray must be used frequently during allergy season to prevent the release of histamine from the tissues, which starts the allergic reaction. It works best before symptoms become established by stabilizing the nasal membranes and has few side effects.
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Natural Remedies For Sinus Congestion
When you’re feeling stuffed up and miserable, getting to the drugstore seems almost impossible. Fortunately for you, there are a number of home remedies for sinus congestion relief, here’s three:
1. Humidity:Keeping your nasal passages moist when you’re experiencing sinus congestion may help to relieve that “stuffy” feeling. To do this, apply a warm, wet towel against your face or run hot water in the shower to unblock the sinuses. You could also use a humidifier for the same purpose.
2. Neti pot: A neti pot looks like a miniature teapot with a long spout. With the help of saline or a saltwater solution, these tiny nasal irrigation devices are used to treat congested sinuses, allergies, and the common cold. You can purchase a neti pot online or at your nearest health food or drugstore. Note of caution: Tap water isn’t safe to use as it’s not filtered or treated and may contain material that could cause infection or irritation.
3. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to reduce pain or improve sleep. While there’s still research that needs to be done, some studies suggest specific essential oils may relieve symptoms of sinus congestion. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy , 1,8 cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil, has been proven to clear airways of mucus and is a natural cough suppressant.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Sinus Infection Medications
The most common side effects of sinus infection medications differ by the type of medication you use. Decongestants tend to cause nervousness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. Side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antihistamines and steroids can cause dizziness and sleep disturbances.
This is not an exhaustive list of sinus infection medication side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions from a medication or treatment, its always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
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Tylenol Sinus Pressure And Pain
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Sinus discomfort can strike at any time. TYLENOL® Sinus Pressure and Pain provides Fast relief of your worst symptoms, including sinus-related pain, congestion, and headache, so you can breathe easier. Tylenol relief for WHAT MATTERS MOST®.
Trust the fast-acting relief of TYLENOL® Sinus products to relieve your sinus symptoms. Extra Strength TYLENOL® Sinus Pressure and Pain is formulated with twice the decongestant* to provide you with the relief you want.
*Each tablet of Extra Strength TYLENOL® Sinus Pressure and Pain contains twice as much pseudoephedrine hydrochloride compared to Extra Strength TYLENOL® Cold & Sinus Daytime .
For effective relief of:
Directions
Medicinal ingredients | Purpose |
Warnings:Liver warning: Acetaminophen may cause severe or possibly fatal liver damage if you take:
Symptoms of liver damage may include:
- yellow skin or eyes
Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions. Symptoms may include:
If any of these symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical help right away.
Do not use
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
Other information