When Should I Seek Medical A Care For A Sinus Headache
- Sinus headaches and infections may sometimes be successfully treated at home .
- However, you should seek medical care if you are not sure what is causing your symptoms or if you have signs of a severe infection including high fever, symptoms that do not resolve with time, or if over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective in controlling the pain.
- You should also seek care if you notice swelling in the face that accompanies the pain, swelling around your eye or changes in vision, since this could be a sign of an abscess.
What Causes Sinus Pain
Sinuses are hollow spaces in your facial bones that are lined with membranes that secrete mucus. Sinus pain is often a result of inflammation that blocks mucus from draining and leads to pain.
Sinus swelling can follow viral illnesses, including the common cold, or it can be due to mucus production from allergies or breathing in polluted air that leads to irritation. It can also happen if there are nasal blockages due to abnormal growths called nasal polyps or structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, that make you prone to congestion.
Looking After Yourself At Home
If your symptoms are mild and have lasted less than a week or so, you can usually take care of yourself without seeing your GP.
The following tips may help you feel better until you recover:
- Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve a high temperature and pain check the leaflet that comes with your medication first to check it’s suitable, and never give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
- Use over-the-counter nasal sprays or drops to help unblock your nose and allow you to breathe more easily these shouldn’t be used for more than a week at a time.
- Apply warm packs to your face to soothe your pain and help mucus drain from your sinuses.
- Regularly clean the inside of your nose with a salt water solution to help unblock your nose and reduce nasal discharge.
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How To Ease The Symptoms
Here are a few tips that can help you feel better:
- Getting plenty of rest and staying comfortably warm
- Drinking plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids
- Avoid bright environments
- Eating regular, healthy meals
You can also consider taking Nurofen Sinus Pressure & Headache Relief tablets which contain ibuprofen to help reduce the pain and pseudoephedrine to help relieve the pressure on your sinuses by unblocking your nasal and sinus passages so you can breathe easier.
All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
When Tylenol Or Advil Fails
If you don’t get headache relief from a dose of Tylenol or an NSAID, you might want to consider a two-tablet dose of Excedrin Extra Strength. This medication contains a combination of drugs, including:
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
For some people, a combination of pain relievers and caffeine may work better for treating tension-type headaches than a single pain reliever. That said, combined products may cause more side effects, such as stomach upset or dizziness, although these are generally mild and short-lived.
However, remember that Excedrin contains both aspirin and acetaminophen. So, be sure to stay within recommended daily limits, especially if you combine it with other types of medication.
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Inhaling Steam And Drinking A Lot Of Fluids
Many people find it pleasant to breathe in steam with or without adding things like chamomile or peppermint oil, because the warmth and moisture can have a short-term soothing effect on the mucous membranes lining the nose. But this kind of inhalation doesn’t have a clear effect on cold symptoms.
Drinking a lot of fluids is also often recommended if you have a cold. There’s no scientific proof that this will help, though, so there’s no need to force yourself to drink more fluids than you feel like drinking when you have a cold. Still, people often find that hot tea or warm milk have a soothing and warming effect.
What Are Sinus Headaches
Real sinus headaches are almost always from a sinus infection. Sinus infections are common with 10% to 30% of the population experiencing at least one sinus infection each year.
Sinus infections are also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis. This occurs when the sinus becomes inflamed. Common symptoms include thick nasal mucous, blocked nose and facial pain. Sinus infections may be caused by an infection, allergy or air pollution. Most cases are due to viral infection. Infections are often transmitted through coughing, sneezing, kissing, contact with contaminated surfaces, food or water or contact with infected animals or pets.
To understand how sinus headaches are confused with migraine its important to know what migraine is.
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How Do Ibuprofen And Acetaminophen Work
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that keeps your body from producing the substances that cause inflammation. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, works to hinder the signals that let you know youre in pain.
The truth is both are effective, but only temporarily, and neither one will alleviate all of the common symptoms of sinusitis. In addition, each one comes with monetary costs and inconveniences . Like any medication, they also come with risks. For example, ibuprofen can cause heart and stomach issues while acetaminophen can lead to allergic reactions. Fortunately, these side effects are rare, but its a big chance to take.
Check If You Have Sinusitis
Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a blocked nose
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
- toothache
- bad breath
Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth.
The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose.
Sinusitis causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up.
This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up.
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How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Does it feel like your sinus infection just wont quit? If you experience at least two of the following for 12 weeks or more even though youve been treated it may be chronic sinusitis:
- A stuffed nose
- Discharge of mucus or postnasal drip
- Pain or pressure in your face
- Problems with smell
Chronic sinus infections can be triggered by colds but are typically caused by long-term inflammation. Sometimes, when treatments to control that inflammation fail, people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to drain their mucus.
Which Painkiller Should You Pick
So which pain med reigns supreme? While theres no right answer, these pointers can help you decide.
Fever
Most research suggest acetaminophen and ibuprofen have similar results in controlling fevers, so pick what works for you.
Stomach trouble
If you have a sensitive stomach or find that ibuprofen causes heartburn or nausea, give acetaminophen a whirl.
Period pains
Ibuprofen reduces your bodys production of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and start periods each month. Ibuprofen can ease menstrual cramps and may also make menstrual bleeding lighter.
Other meds
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can interact negatively with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If youre taking medication, talk to your provider doctor or pharmacist before reaching for the painkillers.
Persistent pain
If youre taking painkillers over several days, consider alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lower the risk of side effects.
Kids
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can control pain in kids. But ibuprofen tends to work better as a fever reducer. Be sure to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your little ones age and weight.
Whats the takeaway? When used responsibly, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe choices for turning down the dial on fever and pain. And isnt it good to have options?
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What Are The Side Effects Of Ibuprofen And Pseudoephedrine
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction .
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- confusion, severe drowsiness, ringing in your ears, severe dizziness, feeling like you might pass out
- fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
- easy bruising or bleeding
- a skin rash, no matter how mild
- signs of stomach bleeding–bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain , tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
- kidney problems–little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath or
- nerve problems–fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, seizure .
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea, constipation
- sleep problems or
- flushing .
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How To Take Ibuprofen And Pseudoephedrine
Use Ibuprofen And Pseudoephedrine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An overdose of ibuprofen can damage your stomach or intestines.
Take this medicine with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
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Faq: How Often Can I Take Advil Cold And Sinus
1 caplet/liquid-gel every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If symptoms do not respond to 1 caplet/liquid-gel, 2 may be used. Do not use more than 6 caplets/liquid-gels in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.
How often can you take Advil Cold and sinus?
- Adults and children 12 years of age and over: take 1 caplet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If symptoms do not respond to 1 caplet, 2 caplets may be used. Do not use more than 6 caplets in any 24 -hour period unless directed by a doctor.
How It Works Safety Considerations And More
When you have a headache that’s severe enough to require medication, chances are you reach for an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen. This familiar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, is effective for some headaches.
Ibuprofen is available over the counter as well as by prescription. As an OTC product, it’s sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin. It’s also available in generic and store-brand forms, which often are less expensive.
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I Know What It Is Now What
Once you understand the checklist youll have a much better idea of which category you fall into. Of course, youll want to confirm this with your doctor for an official diagnosis. If you think that you are one of the majority and that your sinus headaches are actually migraine then its time to see a headache specialist. The good news is that with good treatment and support from a specialist you can significantly improve your condition.
Many people with headaches and sinus complaints self-treat with over the counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen/paracetamol. In most cases, migraine-specific medication and personalized strategies are far more effective.
A range of treatment options are available depending on the severity and frequency of your headaches.
One of the most effective types of medicinal migraine treatments are called the triptans. Ninety-two percent of people from the SAMS study were candidates for triptans, but only 12% were using them.
Triptans require a doctors prescription and can be very useful if headaches are not very frequent. For more severe and frequently recurring cases there are preventative treatment options which help prevent attacks before they occur. There are medicinal and non medicinal preventives which you should explore with your doctor.
A word of caution: migraine overall is poorly managed.
Many people still havent been diagnosed. Fewer receive quality treatment.
IF YOU HAVE MIGRAINE DO THIS NEXT BEFORE THINGS GET WORSE
How Long Does A Sinus Headache Last And Do Sinus Headaches Go Away On Their Own
Sinus headaches caused by sinus infections can last up to two weeks or more, depending on the severity of your sinus infection. Although some sinus infections go away on their own, leaving a sinus infection untreated comes with potential complications, including the spread of the infection, loss of smell, and in extreme cases, meningitis and brain abscess.
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Where Are The Sinuses Located
The sinuses are named according to their location in the skull bones:
- The frontal sinuses are located over the forehead, above the eyes on both sides.
- The maxillary sinuses are located over the cheek area, in the bone known as the maxilla, located under the eyes on both sides of the face.
- The ethmoid sinuses are located in the bone that divides the eyes and nose.
- The sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull, behind the eyes.
The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that secrete fluid and are connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts. The sinuses are sometimes collectively referred to as the paranasal sinuses because of their proximity to the nose.
Inflammation due to any cause can cause a buildup of fluid and increased sinus pressure, causing the typical symptoms of a sinus headache.
What Home Remedies Help Soothe Sinus Headache Symptoms
There are a number of self-care measures available to help decrease sinus congestion and promote drainage of the sinuses, providing relief for sinus headache.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated.
- Breathe humidified air.
- OTC pain medicationssuch as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help control pain.
- such as pseudoephedrine may be useful in promoting drainage of the sinuses. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions should check with their healthcare practitioner before using these medications. A number of over-the-counter decongestant medications are available, either singly or in combination with antihistamines, pain relievers, and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
- are also available that contain decongestant medications, but these should not be used for more than three days, due to the possibility of rebound inflammation, a worsening of the condition once use of the spray has stopped.
- Inhaled steroid preparations are sometimes prescribed to treat allergic sinusitis, and bacterial infections of the sinuses are treated with antibiotics.
- Antihistamines may be useful if allergies such as hay fever are the cause of congestion.
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How Is A Sinus Headache Diagnosed
A sinus headache can sometimes be confused with a migraine or tension headache. If youve recently had a cold, allergies, or other symptoms that are usually associated with sinusitis that can indicate that your pain may be from a sinus headache. But if pain is your only symptom, its probably not a sinus headache.
If an underlying issue is causing your sinusitis and sinus headaches, your doctor may recommend more testing. For example, if allergies are causing your issues, allergy testing may be recommended.
What Are The Pressure Points To Relieve A Sinus Headache
How to do acupressure for your sinusesUse a mirror to help you find the points on your face.Apply firm but gentle pressure on the points for at least 3 minutes each. You can use your fingers, thumbs, or a thin, blunt object, like the eraser tip of a pencil.Repeat throughout the day for several days.Sep 20, 2019
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The Right Way To Treat A Sinus Infection
5 min Read Time
Your head is throbbing, especially around your eyes. You cant stop coughing, and for some reason, your breath is terrible. Blowing your nose is a mess.
Bad news: You could have a sinus infection. Most frequently triggered by the common cold, over 30 million American adults are diagnosed with sinusitis yearly.
So, what exactly are sinus infections? How can you tell if you have one? And holy cow how can you feel better as quickly as possible?
Which Sinus Headache Medicine Should I Use
by Dr. Paul Young MD | Sep 30, 2018 | Sinus
If you notice pain or pressure behind your eyes around your sinuses, you may be suffering from a sinus headache. Frequent sinus headaches are certainly a cause for concern, and if you find yourself constantly congested, you should visit an ENT to discover the real root of the problem.
However, in the meantime, you can turn to over-the-counter drugs for a bit of temporary relief. Below, well discuss the three common types of sinus headache medicine and how they can help.
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Cleaning Inside Your Nose
You can clean the inside of your nose using either a home-made salt water solution or a solution made with sachets of ingredients bought from a pharmacy.
To make the solution at home, mix a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into a pint of boiled water that has been left to cool. To rinse your nose:
- wash and dry your hands
- stand over a sink, cup the palm of one hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it
- sniff the water into one nostril at a time
Repeat these steps until your nose feels more comfortable . You should make a fresh solution each day. Don’t re-use a solution made the day before.
Special devices you can use instead of your hand are also available for pharmacies. If you choose to use one of these, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions about using and cleaning it.