A Sinus Headache is a simply headache, experienced by someone due to an inflammation of the membrane within the sinuses. Yet it important for you to know that not all the headache that occur due to flu, cold, or sinus infection are actually sinus headaches. Sinus headache cause a dull, deep, throbbing pain in the front of your head and face. Sinuses are gap filled with air surrounding cheeks, nose and eyes, sometimes swelling may also occur in sinuses. This generally leads to headache, which is known as sinus headache. Many a times bending down and leaning over leads to worsen the pain.
Sinus headache often start on as soon as you get up in the morning and may get better by afternoon. Sinus headache is difficult to diagnose, because it symptoms are similar to that of tension headache or migraine.
Causes:
Sinus Headache is caused due to sinus (nasal) congestion and inflammation/irritation called sinusitis. Sinusitis is caused due to a respiratory infection, such as cold or flu, or allergies, like hay fever. Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to flow all over the nasal passages. When sinus becomes tender, the nasal area gets blocked and therefore the mucus cannot drain. When the sinuses are blocked, they give place for viruses, bacteria and fungus to live and grow rapidly. Even though, cold is often said to be the main culprit, sinusitis can be caused by everything that prevents the sinus from draining.
Signs and symptoms of Sinus Headaches –
- A terrible pressure like pain in one or specific area on face or head
- Face is tender even when touched
- Severe pain is experienced during sudden movement of head or while during forward bending.
- Worse pain is experienced in the morning, due to the mucus has been collected all the night.
- Post-nasal drip with an aching throat
- Yellow or green discharge from your nose
- Swollen or red nasal passages
- Mild fever, sickness or fatigue
Other common symptoms of Sinus Headache are;
- Throat infection or sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Yellow or green discharge from nose
- Mild Fever
- Tiredness
- Weakness
Treatment approach for Sinus Headache
Although there are many different ways and approaches to avoid or get rid of Sinus Headache but the best way is to treat the underlying sinus inflammation. It is very common that your doctor may prescribe you with some antibiotics or corticosteroids, but the best way to treat this condition is through making necessary lifestyle changes. Making necessary lifestyle changes such as using a humidifier (moisturize) or watering your nasal passage with salt water can also help you to some extent. There are several other dietary supplements and herbs that may help you to prevent colds and flu or may even short its duration of affecting your health. You can use this natural and lifestyle changing remedies along with antibiotics to treat your infection and to strengthen your immune system.
Other treatment option to cure sinus headache are;
- Use nasal sprays or drops to clear nasal passages.
- Inhale steam 3 to 4 times a day, this will cure sinus headache.
- Dissolve a dry ginger powder in water, warm it and allow it to lukewarm and then apply it over your forehead, nose and on cheeks.
- You can also apply cinnamon powder with water on your forehead to relive headache.
- Avoid eating cold food and cold drinks.
- Sinus can get better with good sleep.
- Apply a drop of pure ghee on each nostril to get rid of sinus headache.
- Everyday apply a drop of Castrol oil in each nostril.
- Practice “Anulom Vilom Pranayam” each day for at least 20 minutes.
We recommend you to seek for a immediate medical help if;
- Headache continues to exist for more than 24-hours.
- You experience chronic headaches after 50 yrs of age.
- If you begin feeling week, loss of memory, confusion, blurred vision, weaken limbs, unable to maintain bodily balance, etc.
- If you experience long-lasting symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, stiffness, etc.
- Severe/unbearable headache along with reddening of eyes