How to Relieve a Sinus Headache

Headaches are a common issue for many people, but when the pain comes with a feeling of pressure and aching behind the forehead, eyes, or cheekbones, you might be experiencing a sinus headache. Sinuses are hollow cavities within the skull, filled with purified and humidified air. The skull has four pairs of sinuses, which can become inflamed or congested, causing headaches. If you can determine that the cause of your headache is sinus pressure rather than a migraine, you can reduce inflammation and clear the sinuses with home remedies, over-the-counter medication, or professional treatments.

Moisturize the Air. Use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to help reduce sinus inflammation. You can also inhale moist air by filling a basin with hot water, bending over the bowl (carefully avoiding too close contact), and draping a towel over your head. Inhale the steam. Alternatively, take a hot shower and breathe in the steam. Try to breathe moist air two to four times a day, for 10-20 minutes each time.

• The indoor humidity should be maintained at 45%. Humidity levels below 30% are too low, and above 50% is too high. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home.

Hot and Cold Compresses. Alternate between hot and cold compresses. Apply a hot compress to your sinuses for three minutes, followed by a cold compress for 30 seconds. You can repeat this process up to three times in one session, two to six times a day.

• You can replace the compress by soaking a towel in hot or cold water, wringing out excess water, and placing it on your face. This works similarly.

Drink Plenty of Fluids. It’s important to stay hydrated in order to thin out mucus in the sinuses, making it easier for it to drain, while also maintaining overall hydration for your body. Studies suggest that men should drink 13 cups of water daily, while women should aim for 9 cups.

• Many people find that consuming hot fluids is also beneficial. Enjoy a hot cup of tea or sip on broth to help thin out mucus.

Use Nasal Saline Spray. Follow the instructions on the packaging, using it up to 6 times a day. Nasal saline spray helps to keep nasal hairs healthy, reduces inflammation inside the nose, and treats inflamed sinuses. It also moistens the nasal cavities, allowing dry mucus to be cleared and helping mucus to drain more easily. Nasal saline spray can also help remove pollen, which reduces allergy symptoms, a common cause of sinus headaches.

• You can make your own saline solution by mixing 2-3 teaspoons of salt with 240ml of distilled, sterile, or cooled boiled water. Dissolve and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Use a rubber bulb syringe or dropper to apply it to your nostrils, up to 6 times a day.

Use a Neti Pot. Mix a saline solution and pour it into the neti pot. Stand over the sink and tilt your head forward. Tilt your head to one side and pour the saline solution into one nostril, ensuring that the solution flows toward the back of your head. The saline solution will travel through your nasal passages and down your throat. Gently blow your nose and expel the saline solution. Repeat the process for the other nostril. Nasal irrigation helps reduce sinus inflammation and clear mucus. It also helps eliminate allergens and irritants from the sinuses.

• The solution in the neti pot should be sterilized by boiling or using distilled water.

Take Antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body in response to allergens. Histamine is responsible for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose, and a runny nose. Many antihistamine medications are available over-the-counter and are typically taken once a day. Second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are designed to minimize the sedative effects that are common with first-generation antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine).

• If seasonal allergies are the cause of your sinus headache, you can try using a corticosteroid nasal spray. This over-the-counter treatment is one of the most effective for treating allergies. Use fluticasone or triamcinolone nasal spray daily, with one or two sprays in each nostril.

Use Decongestants. Decongestants can be used topically (e.g., oxymetazoline nasal spray) or orally (e.g., pseudoephedrine) to relieve nasal congestion. Topical decongestants can be used every 12 hours, but no longer than three to five days; misuse can cause rebound effects. Oral decongestants are taken once or twice daily and can be combined with antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine.

• Due to the presence of methamphetamine or pseudoephedrine, either alone or combined with antihistamines, these medications are strictly controlled to prevent misuse for illegal drug production.

Take Pain Relievers. You can take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen for short-term relief of sinus headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers won't cure the underlying cause of sinus headaches but can help alleviate or reduce the pain associated with sinus issues.

• Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the medication packaging or consult your doctor for guidance.

Prescription Medications. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection that could accompany or cause sinus headaches. Bacterial sinus infection symptoms include sore throat, yellow or green mucus, nasal congestion, fever, and fatigue. Acute bacterial sinus infections are treated with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. Chronic bacterial sinus infections require a 3- to 4-week course of antibiotics.

• Your doctor may also prescribe triptans, which are used to treat migraines. Studies have shown that triptans can significantly improve symptoms in most patients with sinus headaches. Some triptans include sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and eletriptan.

Consider Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy). If you don't respond well to medication, experience serious side effects, or can't avoid exposure to allergens, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. These are typically administered by an allergist.

Explore Surgical Options. You should consult with an ENT specialist to determine if surgery is necessary to treat your sinus headache. Surgery may be used to remove nasal polyps or bone spurs that can cause sinus inflammation or to open up the sinuses themselves.

• For example, with balloon sinuplasty, a balloon is inserted into the nasal passage and inflated to widen the sinuses.

Take Supplements. Research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of supplements for sinus headaches. Some supplements may help prevent sinus headaches:

• Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, may help reduce sinus inflammation. Do not take bromelain with blood-thinning medications, as it could increase the risk of bleeding. You should also avoid bromelain if you are on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, a class of medications often used for high blood pressure, as it may enhance the risk of sudden blood pressure drops.
• Quercetin, a plant pigment responsible for the vibrant colors in fruits and vegetables, is believed to act as a natural antihistamine, though more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Lactobacillus, a type of probiotic, helps maintain a healthy digestive system and boosts immune function. Supplements may reduce allergic reactions and digestive side effects like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain caused by antibiotics.

Try Herbal Remedies. Many herbs can help reduce the chances of sinus headaches. They are often used for their preventive or therapeutic effects on colds, boosting the immune system, and reducing sinus inflammation. Research shows that the supplement Sinupret can alleviate sinus inflammation symptoms. This supplement is believed to help thin mucus for better sinus drainage. Other commonly used herbs for sinus headaches include:

• Chinese Skullcap. Brew tea by pouring boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink two to three cups daily to ease sinus pressure.
• Feverfew. Brew feverfew tea by pouring boiling water over 2-3 teaspoons of chopped fresh feverfew leaves. Steep for about 15 minutes, strain, and drink up to three times daily.
• Willow Bark. Brew tea by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered willow bark or chopped willow bark to 240-300 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 more minutes. Drink three to four times daily.

Apply Essential Oils to Temples. Studies suggest that certain essential oils applied to the temples can help relieve sinus pressure and reduce headache symptoms caused by tension. Prepare a solution with 10% eucalyptus or peppermint oil mixed with alcohol and apply with a cotton ball to your temples. You can make this mixture by combining three tablespoons of alcohol with one teaspoon of peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

• Research shows that this essential oil blend may help relax muscles and reduce sensitivity to sinus headache pain.

Consider Homeopathic Treatment. Homeopathy, a belief-based alternative therapy, uses tiny amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing process. People with chronic sinusitis often turn to homeopathy, and research shows that many patients experience improvement in symptoms after two weeks. Homeopathic remedies for sinus congestion and headaches include:

• Arsenic album, belladonna, hepar sulphuricum, iris versicolor, kali bichromicum, mercurius, natrum muriaticum, pulsatilla, silicea, and spigelia.

Try Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique where thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It is believed that these points can help correct energy imbalances within the body. For sinus headaches, an acupuncturist may treat the inflamed (or damp) sinuses by targeting acupuncture points along the spleen and stomach meridians.

• Acupuncture should be avoided if you are pregnant, have blood clotting disorders, or are using a pacemaker.

Consult a Chiropractor. A chiropractor may treat sinus headaches by adjusting misalignments in the body, although this method has not been conclusively proven through clinical trials. The chiropractor targets the bones and mucous membranes of the sinuses to adjust the sinus area.

• This technique adjusts the joints to correct misalignments that may irritate the nervous system. Chiropractic therapy aims to restore the function of damaged body parts.

Differentiate Between Migraines and Sinus Headaches. Studies show that many people diagnosed with sinus headaches have actually had migraines in the past, but they were never properly diagnosed. Fortunately, sinus headaches can be distinguished from migraines through a variety of symptoms. For example:

• Migraines are typically worsened by loud noises or bright lights.
• Migraines are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• You may feel migraine pain anywhere in your head, sometimes extending to your neck.
• Migraines do not cause thick nasal mucus or loss of smell.

Identify the Symptoms and Causes. The primary cause of sinus headaches is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the sinuses. When inflamed, the sinuses cannot release mucus, leading to increased pressure and pain. Sinus inflammation can occur due to infections, allergies, upper dental infections, or, in rare cases, tumors (benign or malignant). Common sinus headache symptoms include:

• A feeling of pressure and tenderness around the forehead, cheeks, or eyes.
• Pain intensifies when bending forward.
• Upper jaw tooth pain.
• The pain tends to worsen in the morning.
• Pain can range from mild to severe, affecting one or both sides of the head.

Consider Risk Factors. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing sinus headaches, including:

• A history of allergies or asthma.
• Prolonged cold or upper respiratory infections.
• Ear infections.
• Swollen tonsils or adenoids.
• Sinus polyps.
• Deformities in the nose, such as a deviated septum.
• A cleft palate.
• A weakened immune system.
• Previous sinus surgeries.
• Being at high altitudes or flying.
• Flying while experiencing upper respiratory infections.
• Tooth abscess or infections.
• Frequent swimming or diving.

Know When to Seek Specialist Help. You should consult a doctor if you experience headaches for more than 15 days in a month, or if you frequently rely on over-the-counter painkillers. You should also see a doctor if painkillers fail to alleviate severe headaches, or if headaches significantly disrupt your daily life (e.g., requiring time off from work or school). Seek emergency care immediately if you have a sinus headache accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• A sudden, severe headache that lasts or intensifies over 24 hours.
• A sudden, severe headache that feels 'unlike any you've had before,' even if you're a regular headache sufferer.
• A severe, chronic headache that begins after the age of 50.
• Fever, neck stiffness, nausea, and vomiting (these could be signs of meningitis, a life-threatening infection).
• Memory loss, confusion, imbalance, speech and vision changes, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs (indicating a possible stroke).
• Severe one-sided eye pain with redness (these could be symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma).
• A new headache pattern or a change in the usual pain type.
• A recent head injury.

Undergo Diagnostic Evaluation. The doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination to diagnose your sinus headache. During the exam, the doctor will palpate your face to check for swelling or tenderness. Your nose will be examined for signs of inflammation, congestion, or discharge. The doctor may also recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. If allergies are suspected as the cause of symptoms, you may be referred to an allergy specialist for further evaluation.

• In some cases, you may need to see an ENT specialist. The ENT doctor will use an endoscope to examine the sinuses and provide a diagnosis.