What’s Best To Take For Sinus Headache

What Kind Of Doctor Or Other Healthcare Professional Treats Sinus Headache

• Frequently, sinus headaches are managed by primary care physicians including those that specialize in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics.
• For complicated cases, an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be consulted.
• With unusual infections, such as fungal infections, a specialist in infectious diseases may be consulted.

Home Remedies For Sinus Headache

Nicky LaMarco is a health writer for Verywell Fit. Sheâs also written for Health Digest, Livestrong, and Insider. Nicky earned her first-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a diploma in medical billing and coding. Sheâs passionate about health, fitness, and medicine.

Sinus headaches are often a symptom of a sinus infection. Sinus headaches often feel like pain or pressure around the head and face. These headaches generally last only while experiencing the sinus infection, then go away.

Sinus headaches are often confused for migraines, making them difficult to diagnose. Knowing whether you have sinus headaches or migraines is essential because the treatments are different.

How Are Sinus Headaches Diagnosed

Most of the time when people diagnose themselves with a sinus headache, its really a migraine. So, its important to see your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or ongoing, you may also need imaging tests. A magnetic resonance imaging test can rule out serious brain conditions. Multiple imaging tests can reveal sinus blockages and include:

• X-rays.
• Computed tomography scan.
• Nasal endoscopy .

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Will Surgery Cure Sinus Infections And Inflammation

If the sinus headache persists, and repeated courses of treatment fail to relieve the sinusitis, surgery may be an option. Otorhinolaryngologists may be able to widen the openings that allow the sinuses to drain and decrease the risk of recurrent inflammation that may obstruct the sinuses from draining.

Sinus Headache Risk Factors And Prevention

Sinus headaches are usually associated with a condition called sinusitis. Acute sinusitis caused by a virus is better known as the âcommon coldâ or an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms may persist for a week or two, but they usually get better with medicine or treatment. If a bacterial infection sets in, it could lead to chronic sinusitis or chronic sinus infections and inflammation. Other causes of chronic sinusitis include allergies and environmental irritants, including smoke, perfumes, dust, pollen, and pet dander. Chronic sinusitis often lasts three months or longer and affects nearly 37 million people in the United States each year. Anyone could develop an issue with sinus headaches, but youâre more at risk if:â· You have a family or previous history of migraines and headaches· You have undergone hormonal changes commonly associated with headachesSinus headache prevention usually starts by making lifestyle changes. Learn what triggers your sinus headaches and try to avoid them. For example, some people may benefit from avoiding tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, or certain foods or odors. For some patients, exercising regularly with warm-ups, eating a well-balanced diet, and committing to a regular sleep pattern could help keep sinus headaches at bay. Some women who take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may need to reduce or stop taking these medications if the hormonal changes cause their sinus headaches.

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How You Can Treat Sinusitis Yourself

You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:

• getting plenty of rest
• taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
• cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion

You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose.

What Can An Ent Do To Reduce Or Prevent Sinus Pain

There are multiple ways to relieve sinus pain including, pain-free balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic nasal surgery that uses small balloon catheters to drain the large nasal sinuses. This is an almost immediate way to relieve pressure and can dramatically improve the quality of life for those with a deviated septum.

Request an appointment to see if balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment option for you.

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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 To Do When Home Remedies Aren’t Working

When you have a sinus headache, trying some treatments at home should be your first step. However, if you’ve tried a few things and nothing is helping, seeing a doctor can help you to get the right treatment and perhaps identify an underlying cause. You should also see a doctor if you have a fever, if there is pain or swelling of your face or eyes, redness around your eyes, cheeks, a severe headache, stiff neck or confusion.

After other treatments have been exhausted and your sinus problems are recurring, surgery might be suggested as an option for sinus headaches and blocked sinuses. This is something that you might discuss with your ENT to determine whether it’s the right choice for you and how it can help, as well as some of the risks that surgery can have. Before discussing surgery, it’s important to try other remedies to find out if any of them work.

If sinus headaches are a regular problem for you, Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Associates can help. Contact us today at Sylva 828-586-7474, Franklin 828-524-5599, Murphy 828-835-1014 or New Asheville 828-458-8100 to schedule an appointment or learn more.

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Irrigate To Relieve Sinus Pressure

“Salt water irrigation is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses this can help prevent or relieve sinus pain. You can use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray, but I recommend using a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit that you can get at the drugstore,” advises Das.

Try this commonly-used, easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution with your own sinus irrigation kit: Fill a clean 8-ounce glass with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water. Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 1 minute . Add 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda. And be sure to clean all equipment and make a fresh batch of solution each time you use your kit.

Natural Remedies For Sinus Congestion

When youâre 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, hereâs three:

1. Humidity:Keeping your nasal passages moist when youâre experiencing sinus congestion may help to relieve that âstuffyâ 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 isnât safe to use as itâs 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 thereâs 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.

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How Long Do Sinus Headaches Last

Viruses cause most sinus infections. A viral sinus infection typically resolves on its own. Similar to how the common cold clears up by itself, your sinus headache should feel better within about a week. If it doesnt go away, see your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial or fungal sinus infection that requires medication.

When Should I See An Ent For Sinus Pain And Pressure

A good rule of thumb is to talk to your doctor if sinus pain and pressure is affecting your daily life. Other things to look out for include:

• It makes it difficult to sleep
• Youve had a stuffy or runny nose for over a week
• Your sinus headaches more frequently
• Over-the-counter treatments dont work
• You injured your nose

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The Hot & Cold Compress

For treating sinus headache, the hot and cold compress is the best choice.

When you apply this remedy, it will help to relieve blocked sinuses as well as open them up in order to decrease the inflammation. Thus, if you have sinus headache, lets follow this detailed direction below:

• Now pour warm water into a pad to make hot compress meanwhile wrap some ice cubes to make cold compress
• Then apply the hot compress for 3 minutes
• Next apply the cold compress immediately after taking the hot compress
• Leave it on more than 30 seconds
• Do this process from three to five times a day
• Repeat every day until your condition is better

Remedies And Treatments For Sinus Infection Pain

There are several effective home remedies and treatments for sinus infection pain. Many remedies are available over the counter at a low cost.

Common sinus infection treatments include:

Allergy Medicines

Many cases of sinusitis are linked to uncontrolled allergies. If you have allergies, taking medications like antihistamines and avoiding allergens can help treat your sinusitis symptoms.

Steam Inhalation

If your sinuses are blocked, it can help to moisten your sinus cavities by inhaling steam. Doing so loosens the blocked mucus and allows it to drain. Try draping a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of hot water. Alternatively, you can take a hot shower or bath, breathing in the warm, moist air.

Nasal Irrigation

This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses. Nasal irrigation can clear sinus drainage from the nose to make it easier to breathe. It also thins the mucus in your nose, reduces inflammation, and washes away irritants in the nasal passages.

Saline rinses require sterile water, which can be either boiled or purchased. To avoid introducing additional bacteria to the nasal passages, keep your Neti Pot clean between uses.

Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays

Nasal corticosteroid sprays help prevent and treat inflammation and excess mucus in the nasal passages. They also treat polyps .

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Rest

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How Are Sinus Headaches Treated

Sinus headaches treatment is usually directed toward sinus headache pain reliefand treating the infection. Treatment might include antibiotics for the infection, as well as a short period of pain and fever reliever , decongestants , or antihistamines to treat the sinus headache symptoms and provide sinus headache relief.

Analgesics can relieve headache pain while the nasal decongestants relieve sinus congestion and pressure, help clear nasal passages, and shrink swollen membranes.

If the sinus headache pain continues after using pain-relievers, corticosteroids may be prescribed to further decrease the inflammation. When an allergen is causing the sinus flare-ups, preventive allergy therapy is often needed. If you have questions or concerns about your sinus headache pain and how to treat sinus headaches, consult your doctor. Medication should be used as directed.

Should You See Your Doctor Or Dentist

If youre sure the pain is caused by sinus inflammation, see your doctor first. He or she will provide advice for prescription or over-the-counter medications that should clear out your sinuses and alleviate the pressure. If youre unsure whats causing the pain, or if the tooth pain continues after your sinuses have cleared up, there may be something else going on thats causing the issue. Your dentist will take X-rays and examine your mouth and oral cavity to determine if there are any breakages, areas of decay, or abscesses that could be contributing to your toothache. If your dentist gives the all-clear, head to your doctor to discuss potential sinus care.

If youre experiencing tooth pain from sinus pressure and are looking for relief, our dentists are here to help. Find a Perfect Teeth dentist near you today!

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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.

How Long Does A Take For A Sinus Headache To Go Away

• Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are generally effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.
• Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.

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How Do I Get Rid Of A Sinus Headache

To get rid of a sinus headache, you have to treat the underlying cause. But you can take steps to ease sinus pressure and pain at home:

• Apply a warm compress to painful areas of the face.
• Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow mucus to drain.
• Try a saline nasal spray or drops to thin mucus.
• Use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of boiled water. Warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion.

Sinus infection

Viruses, bacteria and sometimes fungi cause sinus infections. Viral infections often go away on their own. But if your infection is bacterial or fungal, you need antibiotics or antifungal medications. Your healthcare provider may also recommend other medications to ease discomfort, such as:

• Antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms.
• Pain relievers to ease headache pain.
• Steroids to reduce inflammation.

Migraines with sinus symptoms

Sinus headaches that are actually migraines need a different type of treatment. The first step is to relieve your pain. You should know that frequently using over-the-counter medications when you have a headache can cause even more headaches .

Your provider may recommend prescription medication for migraine pain. You may also need a preventive medication that helps you have fewer migraine attacks.

What Are Sinuses And Sinus Headaches

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of the nose. The sinuses produce a thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. When a sinus becomes inflamed, usually as the result of allergies or an infection, the inflammation will prevent the outflow of mucus and cause a pain similar to that of a headache.

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Remedies For Sinus Headaches

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Sinus headaches are caused by blocked sinuses, giving you pain and pressure around your sinuses, including between your eyes and above your nose. The pain can get worse when you move and the headache usually comes with other symptoms too, such as a stuffy nose or a sore throat. Experiencing a sinus headache can be tough, but there are remedies that can help you to deal with the problem.

Dealing with the pain you’re experiencing is important, but it can also be necessary to consider treatments for the underlying cause of your sinus headaches too. An ear, nose and throat doctor might prescribe certain medications or suggest treatments that you can try at home.