For those affected by sinusitis or sinuses, sinus headaches are the headaches that feel like an infection between the nose and eyes. It might give you pain and pressure near cheeks, eyes and forehead. Research says that there could be cases when headaches might be due to migraines or tension and not from sinusitis. So in order to avoid such confusion, it’s better to undergo proper diagnosis and take the right medical treatment to get relief.

Let’s know about the signs and symptoms along with treatment methods for sinus headaches.

Signs & Symptoms

If an individual is experiencing only pain, then it’s not a sinus headache. The pain in case of sinus headache is felt around sinuses, in the forehead and especially around eyes and above nose. And this pain is aggravated with movement. A person affected by sinus headache usually has these signs and symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Cough

• Nasal discharge

• Stuffy nose

• Sore throat

Various Treatment Methods Of Sinus Headache

A doctor may ask you the sufferer to treat the pain as well as the underlying causes of sinus headaches. Here are the different treatment methods for sinus headache.

• Decongestants

The decongestants are the medicines that can be bought without a prescription. They help in opening up the blocked sinus cavities by controlling the swelling and mucus in the nasal passages.

Be careful and follow the instructions well. Do not use nasal decongestant sprays for over 3 days straight as it may worsen the congestion. Also, do not use oral decongestants for over 7 days. If you’re taking a pain medicine, ensure that the decongestant does not have it too as you might end up consuming too much.

• Antihistamines

These drugs could be effective if allergies are causing sinus problems.

• Over-The-Counter Painkillers

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium are over-the-counter drugs that may help in treating sinus headache. It’s highly recommended to read and follow the label. Also, do not use them for over 10 days without consulting a doctor.

• Nasal Steroid Sprays
  
  In certain cases, the doctor may prescribe these sprays and other drugs for reducing the congestion and pain.

• Using Salt Water

A bulb syringe or neti pot could be used for flushing out the sinuses with salt water. It helps in moistening and clearing the mucus from nasal passages. This curbs the pressure. Saline (salt water) nasal sprays can also be used for flushing out the stuffy nose.

Distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water should be used always. Wash the neti pot thoroughly after every use and allow it to air dry.

• Moistening The Sinuses

A humidifier or vaporizer can be helpful in case dry air is irritating your sinuses. Holding a warm, wet towel over the face for a few minutes or a making use of a saline solution nasal spray can also help.

• Avoiding Irritants

When you avoid your irritants like perfume, cigarette smoke and certain chemicals, you reduce chances of worsening of symptoms.

• Surgery

And when the home treatments don’t seem to work or if you are having severe headache, fever, redness around eyes or cheeks, consult a doctor immediately. Surgery can even be suggested if headaches or other sinus problems become frequent.