Will Migraine Medication Help Sinus Headache

Preventive Medications And Treatments

A wide range of drugs may be prescribed to prevent migraine attacks from forming, and some medical treatments can help. Such approaches are considered especially in cases of chronic migraine, in which you have 15 or more headache episodes a month.

Several types of preventative migraine medications may be prescribed. The most common of these are:

• Antiepileptic drugs: Depakote and Topamax
• Calcium channel blockers: Calan
• Calcitonin gene-related monoclonal antibodies: Vyepti and Ajovy

Additionally, in cases in which medications arent yielding results, Botox injections can be considered. In this therapy, doctors target specific areas in your forehead, temples, the sides and back of the head, and the neck. Though the frequency and intensity of migraines are reduced, the effect is temporary, and appointments are needed every three months.

When the condition is associated with the menstrual cycle, hormone replacement therapy may be attempted.

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Hot And Cold Compress

One of the best home remedies for sinus headache is an alternate hot and cold compress. When moist moderate heat is applied on the sinus region it eases the pressure and loosens the thick mucus. Whereas when cold compress is applied, it provides relief from the pain by constricting the blood vessels in the sinus region.

• Take some water and heat it. Make sure the temperature is warm enough such that your facial skin can handle it without any burns or other discomfort.
• Soak a wash cloth or face towel in this water and wring out the excess.
• Fold and place the towel on your face covering the sinus region .
• Leave it for 3 minutes.
• Remove the face towel and soak it in cold water.
• Wring out the excess, fold and place on forehead for 30 seconds.
• Close your eyes and relax.
• Repeat the process 2 â 4 times in a day.

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Sinus Headache Or Migraine How To Tell The Difference

When you have a headache, it can be hard to pinpoint the cause. Is it a sinus headache? Is it a migraine? While it may not matter to you in the aching, painful moment, understanding the difference between the two can help you to manage your pain more effectively.

Although sinus headaches and migraines share symptoms and other characteristics, the two headaches have distinct diagnoses. About 90 percent of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

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Before Taking This Medicine

Ask a doctor before taking medicine that contains acetaminophen if you have ever had liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled diseases such as glaucoma, asthma or COPD, high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or overactive thyroid.

Do not use cough or cold medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Benadryl Allergy Sinus Headache if you have:

• liver disease, cirrhosis, or a history of alcoholism

• diabetes

• enlarged prostate or urination problems.

It is not known whether Benadryl Allergy Sinus Headache will harm an unborn baby. Do not use cough or cold medicine without a doctorâs advice if you are pregnant.

Acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. may also slow breast milk production. Do not use cough or cold medicine without a doctorâs advice if you are pregnant.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

How To Tell The Difference Between A Migraine And A Sinus Headache

An actual sinus headache, also called rhinosinusitis, is not as common as most people think. The most common causes of a sinus headache are viral or bacterial infections. These infections can cause yellowish thick nasal discharge, diminished smell/ taste, fever, headaches, bad breath, cough, and pain in the teeth or ears. The typical treatment includes antibiotics and should clear up within seven days.

Migraines, on the other hand, are more than just bad headaches. According to The American Migraine Foundation, migraines affect at least 39 million patients in the U.S. alone. But, as many people do not have a correct diagnosis, the real number is potentially much larger. The most common symptoms of migraines include headaches accompanied by pounding or throbbing sensation, sensitivity to light, sound, or other stimuli, nausea, nasal congestion with thin, clear mucus, and fatigue.

Its an excellent idea to schedule a visit with your doctor when your headaches grow worse over time or become more frequent when over-the-counter medication ceases to provide relief and begins to interfere with your ability to function at a normal level.

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Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain Reliever Coated Tablets

One of the main complications that come hand in hand with sinus congestion is the pain. The increase of pressure due to accumulated mucus can make it difficult to breathe and pave the way for throbbing headaches. Because of this common symptom combination, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain Reliever has been dubbed the best medicine for sinus pressure because it targets both pain and congestion effectively.

The main ingredient this formulation uses for decongestion is phenylephrine HCl, which works to reduce mucus production to stop congestion from persisting. It also encourages the body to expectorate phlegm so that the airways can be cleared of congestion. Aside from this function, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain Reliever also targets pain with ibuprofen. So while the product works to resolve the cause of sinus pressure, it also temporarily addresses any acute pain you might experience for fast and immediate relief.

Treatment For Sinusitis And Sinus Headaches

Some aspects of the treatment for sinusitis and sinus headache are not all that different from migraine treatments. The treatment goals are:

• To reduce inflammation
• To facilitate drainage of the nasal passages
• To identify any underlying causes and eliminate them
• In the case of chronic sinusitis, reduce the number of attacks or flare-ups

These are very similar to migraine treatment goals: reduce the pain of the attack, facilitate the treatment of comorbidities or symptoms that compound the discomfort, identify any triggers and eliminate them, and in the case of chronic migraine, reduce the number of attacks.

Sinusitis treatments include a combination of symptom relief and addressing the cause. They may include:

• Oral, nasal, or injected corticosteroids
• Saline nasal irrigation
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Environmental changes such as a humidifier or dehumidifier in the home
• Immunotherapy
• Surgery

In cases where a sinus migraine or sinus headache is present, treating the symptoms and condition will usually relieve the headache.

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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.

Get The Right Treatment

The result is the same: Your head hurts. Does it really matter why? Yes, because the diagnosis directs the treatment.

For a sinus headache, the focus is on draining the fluid from the mucus-filled spaces behind your cheeks to relieve the pressure and pain, as well as cooling the inflammation. Typically, you’ll take , antihistamines, or antibiotics, or a combination of these medicines. This wouldn’t help, and may even be harmful, for someone with a migraine.

Itâs also possible to relieve sinus pain and pressure using a bioelectric device that emits micro-current waveforms. Sold over-the-counter device, the device targets blood vessels and nerves to get relief.

Scientists think migraines happen because of a series of changes in your brain stem, nerve cells, and brain chemicals. No one knows exactly why they start, but they can be triggered by certain foods, activities, or other conditions.

Treatment for migraine can include over-the-counter pain relievers as well as prescription drugs that are also used to treat seizure disorders, depression, and heart conditions. Other remedies might come as pills, shots, and nasal sprays.

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Sudafed Pe Sinus Pressure + Pain Relief Maximum Strength Non

• Each caplet contains 5 milligrams of the decongestant phenylephrine hcl and 325 milligrams of acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer.
• This sinus congestion & pain medicine also temporarily relieves nasal congestion associated with hay fever, upper respiratory allergies and the common cold.
• From the #1 pharmacist recommended brand among oral otc decongestants, this maximum strength formula can be used by adults and children 12 years and older for powerful symptom relief.
• The non-drowsy decongestant helps promotes sinus drainage, temporarily reduces fever and helps relieve headaches and minor aches and pain.
• 24-count box of sudafed pe sinus pressure + pain relief maximum strength non-drowsy decongestant tablets provide powerful relief of sinus pain, sinus pressure, nasal congestion and headaches.

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What To Expect From Your Doctor

Your provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• When did you first experience your headache, and what was it like?
• Has your headache been continuous or occasional?
• Has anyone in your immediate family had migraines?
• What seems to improve your headaches?
• What appears to worsen your headaches?

More from the Mayo Library

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What Are Nasal Allergies

When you are allergic to something, your immune system produces substances known as IgE antibodies to components of our environment that are harmless. These antibodies are used to misidentify the harmless substances as forgien invaders meant to do you harm. Examples of substances, also known as allergens, are dog dander, cat dander, dust mites and for us South Texans MOUNTAIN CEDAR . When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system overreacts and attacks the allergen by releasing inflammatory hormones that send signals to immune cells to help fight off the harmless substances. The most abundant hormone is Histamine, which is why antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, etc., help treat allergy symptoms. The immune response causes inflammation and mucus production, which can cause the following symptoms.

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Is Postnasal Drip Serious

Postnasal drip is not considered a serious condition. Some people may experience long-lasting postnasal drip because of allergies, and though its uncomfortable to live with, its symptoms are manageable. Postnasal drip has been known to cause further health problems like sinus and ear infections, so its important to see a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days, if you have a fever, or if you have blood and/or colored discharge when you blow your nose.

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Sinus Infections

Signs and symptoms of a sinus infection or sinusitis

• If there is an infection, fever, chills, feeling poorly, or achy muscles occur.
• Opaque or greenish-yellow nasal drainage.
• Postnasal drainage, in which secretions drip down to the back of the throat. This can cause a cough and sometimes people have signs like coughing up yellow sputum. However, they may actually be coughing up the drainage that has dripped down from the sinuses instead of coughing up phlegm from the lungs.
• Swollen lymph nodes may occur in the neck if an infection is present, which is no different than the swelling of lymph nodes that accompanies an acute sore throat or ear infection .

Signs and symptoms of sinus inflammation

• If there is no infection, ear drainage may be clear.
• If the maxillary sinus is inflamed, pain may also be felt in the upper teeth since the sinus is located within the bone that holds those teeth.
• Pain also may radiate to the temples, back of the neck, or top of the head.

What Causes A Sinus Headache

Inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses is the primary cause of a sinus headache. The inflamed tissues swell and produce secretions that clog the normal drainage system of the sinuses, causing a build-up of fluid and secretions. The pressure of this fluid build-up causes the pain of a sinus headache. Inflammation of the sinuses is known as sinusitis. The inflammation may arise due to an

• infection,
• allergic reaction such as hay fever, or
• irritation.

Most commonly, infectious sinusitis is due to a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections of the sinuses can also occur. Since the maxillary sinuses are located in the cheekbone, infections of the upper teeth can spread into these sinuses. In very rare cases, benign or malignant tumors can invade and block drainage in the sinuses and lead to a sinus headache.

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How Do You Stop Sinus Headaches

If youre wondering, why do I keep getting sinus headaches every day and how can I get some relief from my frequent sinus headaches? you have options. For many, sinus problems can be treated effectively with the use of OTC medication and home remedies. Patients whose sinus issues and frequent sinus headaches do not respond well to traditional treatment, however, may wish to seek additional treatment. And one of the safest and easiest treatments available today is balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure performed at Sinus Solutions of South Florida Dr. Napoleon Bequer, a highly acclaimed ENT of South Florida. The procedure lasts less than 20 minutes and has provided thousands of patients nation-wide with long-lasting sinus relief. The concept of balloon sinuplasty is simple. During the procedure, your doctor inflates a balloon within the sinus cavities, restoring proper sinus drainage.

No cutting of bone or tissue is involved, and most patients are able to return to regular activities within 24-48 hours.

Tired of dealing with frequent sinus headaches? Ask your ENT about balloon sinuplasty.

This 20-minute procedure has proved highly successful at providing long term relief from common chronic sinus problems including sinusitis, allergies, frequent sinus headaches, sleep apnea, and more.

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The Effects Of Decongestants On High Blood Pressure

Know the risks

According to the CDC guidelines, nearly half of the U.S. adult population has high blood pressure. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should know that decongestants may raise your blood pressure and may interfere with the medications you take.

What is the impact of decongestant medicines on blood pressure?

Many over-the-counter cold medicines contain a decongestant that can affect your blood pressure. This can be concerning for people who already have a high blood pressure level.

Why should high blood pressure sufferers consider cold medicines without decongestants?

If you have high blood pressure, its important you choose a cold medicine thats decongestant-free like Coricidin® HBP. It effectively treats cold and flu symptoms without raising your blood pressure.

Can decongestants affect the efficacy of my blood pressure medication?

Yes. Taking decongestants during a cold may interfere with the effectiveness of your blood pressure medications. Its important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications.

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What Are Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, swollen, abnormal, sac-like growths that line the inside of a persons nose or sinuses. They are often teardrop-shaped and grow together in groups. Though nasal polyps themselves are not a form of cancer, it is possible for other growths to form in the nasal cavity that are cancerousthough they are not considered polyps.

Frequently, nasal polyps grow where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity and can vary in size. While small polyps may not cause any problemsand may not be noticeablelarger polyps can block your sinuses or nasal airway, making it difficult to breathe.

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Why Is There A Warning About Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Or Diabetes

ContacÃî Cold + Flu advises patients suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure and/or diabetes to consult with their doctor before using Contac. Decongestants in cold medicines decrease the size of enlarged blood vessels in nasal passages, but they can also affect blood vessels in the rest of your body and raise blood pressure. For most people, this increase isnât significant. However, some people can have exaggerated responses to decongestants, contributing to dangerously high blood pressures. As stated on the label, check with your doctor before using Contac Cold + Flu if you have liver disease, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland , or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Frequently Asked QuestionsContinue reading > >

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What Are The Treatment Options

Your primary care provider, or a neurologist, can provide recommendations for treating your headaches based on their severity and frequency, and can rule out more serious causes of your headache. Treatment for migraines includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications and preventative medications for patients with severe or frequent headaches, or if headaches are present for more than 15 days per month.

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be associated with rebound headaches or medication-overuse headaches if taken too often. Tell your doctor how often you take pain medications for headaches. Avoid triggers, and talk to your doctor about your sleep habits. Keep a headache diary to record your headache symptoms, triggers, and treatments.

Sinus headaches caused by migraines or tension headaches should not be treated with antibiotics. Because there are similar symptoms between acute sinusitis and migraine headaches with nasal and sinus symptoms, it can be difficult to tell if your symptoms are truly a sinus infection. Sinus pain and pressure without discolored nasal discharge is most likely not a sinus infection. If you have been diagnosed with frequent sinus infections and have been treated with repeated episodes of antibiotics without improvement, migraines or tension headaches could be causing your sinus pain and pressure.

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