Many individuals find it difficult to determine the exact type of headache being experienced since the symptoms tend to overlap. It is important to note that sinus headaches can occur once the nasal turbinates become inflamed which provides a congested feeling or pressure in the area. An individual who suffers from allergies can experience sinus headaches frequently during seasons when allergies flare up.
What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?
The common symptoms of a sinus headache include pressure around the forehead and cheeks, pain that is dull or throbbing, pain that worsens when bending, fatigue, tender face, occasional nausea and sensitivity to abrupt changes in the temperature. The individual can often experience the symptoms of sinusitis including fever, sore throat and greenish/ or yellowish nasal discharge.
What are the causes?
Sinus headaches can be triggered by various causes. The common causes include infections, colds, and allergies, obstruction of the nasal cavity, compromised immune system and frequent swimming.
Diagnosing a sinus headache
If an individual suffers from a sinus headache, it is best to have it checked. The doctor will perform a few tests in order to rule out other types of headaches. CT scan, sinus film and MRI are performed to help determine the condition. Other methods utilized by the doctor involves pressing gently on the sinuses to check if they are tender or assessing the nasal passages using a lighted tube.
Treatment for sinus headache
The best way to manage a sinus headache is to initially determine the cause and focus on the underlying inflammation. The commonly used treatment options include decongestants, nasal sprays, antihistamines, antibiotics, inhalers and nasal corticosteroids to treat the congestion and infection. In severe cases, it would require endoscopic sinus surgery.
The individual must get enough rest. Even small naps can help out a lot in minimizing the severity of a sinus headache. Always remember that fatigue and stress can aggravate a sinus headache.
The humidity level in the house is also a factor. You have to increase the humidity level or instruct the individual to take a shower or hot bath or use a humidifier. Another way is to boil a pot of water and with the head of the individual draped with a towel, he/she must position over the pot. Instruct him/her to inhale the steam for 10 minutes at four times in a day. The face of the individual must be at least 18 inches away from the pot to avoid burning the skin.
As a first aid measure, it is also important to increase the intake of fluids. This will help encourage the sinuses to drain by hydrating the body. Drinking hot tea is a good choice since the steam will help loosen the congestion in the sinuses.
Preventive measures
By using a saline nasal spray, humidifier, inhalation of steam, relaxation and acupuncture, they can help alleviate the minor symptoms as well as prevent future attacks from occurring.