How are sinus headaches diagnosed. What are the common symptoms of sinus headaches. Which treatment options are available for sinus headaches. How can you differentiate between sinus headaches and migraines. What role do ENT specialists play in diagnosing sinus headaches. When should you seek medical attention for sinus headaches.

Understanding Sinus Headaches: More Than Meets the Eye

Sinus headaches are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. While many people attribute their facial pain and pressure to sinus issues, the reality is more complex. In fact, studies have shown that over 80% of self-diagnosed or physician-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines or tension headaches. Only a small percentage, about 3-5%, are truly caused by sinusitis.

Why is there such confusion? The answer lies in the similarity of symptoms between sinus-related pain and other types of headaches. This overlap can make it challenging for both patients and healthcare providers to accurately identify the root cause of the discomfort.

Common Symptoms Mistaken for Sinus Headaches

• Pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Eye redness, tearing, or eyelid swelling
• Symptoms on one or both sides of the face

These symptoms can be present in both sinus-related issues and migraines, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. It’s crucial to understand that the presence of these symptoms alone does not automatically indicate a sinus problem.

The Migraine-Sinus Connection: Unraveling the Mystery

Migraines can often masquerade as sinus headaches due to the way they affect the trigeminal nerve. This important cranial nerve has branches that extend to the forehead, cheeks, and jaw. When irritated during a migraine, it can produce pain and nasal symptoms in or near the sinus cavity, mimicking the sensation of a sinus headache.

Is it possible to distinguish between a migraine and a true sinus headache? While it can be challenging, there are some key differences:

• Migraines may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
• Migraine sufferers often have a family history of the condition
• Migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, stress, or environmental factors
• True sinusitis is typically associated with thick, colored nasal discharge, which is less common in migraines

Diagnostic Approaches: Separating Fact from Fiction

Accurately diagnosing the cause of sinus-like symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. ENT specialists and other healthcare providers use a combination of methods to determine the true nature of a patient’s headaches.

Medical History and Symptom Analysis

A thorough review of a patient’s medical history, including the frequency and severity of symptoms, is often the first step in diagnosis. Doctors may ask about family history, potential triggers, and associated symptoms to help differentiate between migraines and true sinus issues.

Physical Examination

A comprehensive physical exam can provide valuable insights. ENT specialists may perform a nasal endoscopy, using a thin, flexible scope to visualize the inside of the nose and sinuses. This can help identify any structural abnormalities or signs of infection.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to rule out other conditions or confirm a diagnosis. These may include:

• CT scans of the sinuses
• MRI of the brain (to rule out more serious conditions like tumors)

Interestingly, a normal sinus CT scan during symptomatic periods can help rule out sinusitis and point towards migraines or other causes of facial pain and pressure.

Beyond Sinus and Migraine: Other Potential Causes of Facial Pain

Facial pain and pressure can have various origins beyond sinus issues and migraines. Understanding these potential causes can help in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome

TMJ syndrome affects the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. It can cause pain in the face, jaw, and around the ears, sometimes mimicking sinus pain.

Dental Issues

Problems with teeth, such as infections or grinding, can cause facial pain that may be mistaken for sinus-related discomfort.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

This condition causes intense, sporadic facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve.

Temporal Arteritis

An inflammatory condition affecting the arteries in the head, temporal arteritis can cause scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision changes, potentially confused with sinus issues.

Treatment Strategies: Tailored Approaches for Relief

Once the true cause of facial pain and pressure is identified, treatment can be tailored to address the specific condition. The approach may vary significantly depending on whether the issue is related to sinuses, migraines, or other factors.

Migraine Treatment

For those diagnosed with migraines, treatment options may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Prescription medications for acute relief (abortive therapies)
• Preventive medications for frequent or severe migraines
• Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers

It’s important to note that overuse of pain medications can lead to rebound headaches, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Sinus-Related Treatment

If sinusitis is confirmed, treatment may involve:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Decongestants
• Saline nasal irrigation

In some cases, addressing underlying allergies or structural issues in the nasal passages may be necessary.

The Role of ENT Specialists in Diagnosing and Treating Sinus Headaches

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus-related issues and facial pain. Their expertise in the complex anatomy of the head and neck makes them particularly well-suited to differentiate between various causes of sinus-like symptoms.

Comprehensive Evaluation

ENT specialists can perform a thorough evaluation of the nasal passages and sinuses using advanced techniques such as nasal endoscopy. This allows them to visualize any structural abnormalities, inflammation, or signs of infection that may be contributing to symptoms.

Specialized Treatment

For patients with true sinus issues, ENT specialists can offer a range of treatments, from medical management to minimally invasive surgical procedures when necessary. They can also identify and address underlying factors that may be contributing to recurrent sinus problems, such as allergies or anatomical variations.

Collaboration with Other Specialists

In cases where symptoms are determined to be related to migraines or other non-sinus causes, ENT specialists can work collaboratively with neurologists or other appropriate healthcare providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags and Warning Signs

While many headaches and episodes of facial pain can be managed at home, there are certain situations that warrant prompt medical attention. Being aware of these red flags can help ensure timely and appropriate care.

Severe or Sudden Onset Pain

A headache that comes on suddenly and is described as the “worst headache of your life” could be a sign of a serious condition, such as a brain aneurysm, and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Neurological Symptoms

Any headache or facial pain accompanied by neurological symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking should be evaluated promptly.

Fever and Severe Sinus Symptoms

High fever combined with severe sinus pain, especially if accompanied by visual changes or severe swelling, could indicate a serious sinus infection that has spread beyond the sinuses.

Chronic or Recurrent Symptoms

If you experience frequent headaches or facial pain that interferes with your daily life, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies

While not all headaches and facial pain can be prevented, there are several lifestyle modifications and strategies that can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, whether they’re related to sinus issues, migraines, or other causes.

Maintaining Nasal Health

• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist
• Practice regular nasal irrigation with saline solution
• Avoid irritants such as smoke and strong odors

Managing Allergies

For those with allergies contributing to sinus symptoms:

• Identify and avoid allergens when possible
• Use air purifiers in your home
• Consider allergy medications or immunotherapy under medical supervision

Stress Reduction

Stress can exacerbate both sinus issues and migraines. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can be beneficial.

Sleep Hygiene

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest can help prevent headaches and support overall health.

Dietary Considerations

For some individuals, certain foods or beverages may trigger headaches or sinus symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help identify potential triggers to avoid.

By implementing these lifestyle modifications and working closely with healthcare providers, many individuals can find significant relief from sinus headaches and related symptoms. Remember, accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice if you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms.

Sinus Headaches – ENT Health

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How Do You Diagnose “Sinus Headaches” Caused by Migraines?

What Are the Treatment Options?

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

Not every headache is the result of sinus and nasal passage problems. For example, many patients visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, to seek treatment for what they think is a sinus headache, only to learn they actually have a migraine or tension headache.

The confusion is common, as a migraine can cause irritation of the “trigeminal,” or fifth cranial nerve, a nerve with branches in the forehead, cheeks, and jaw. This may produce pain and nasal symptoms in or near the sinus cavity.

Pain in the sinus area does not automatically mean that you have a sinus disorder. Sinus headache is a common term used by patients and some healthcare providers to describe pain or pressure in the face, over the cheeks or forehead, or between or behind the eyes (where the sinuses are located). Sinus headache, however, is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a description of symptoms of headaches.

What Are the Symptoms of Sinus Headaches?

Patients with migraines or tension headaches commonly have sinus and nasal symptoms during their headaches, including sinus pressure, sinus pain, nasal congestion or runny nose. Studies of patients who have self-diagnosed or been diagnosed with sinus headaches were found to have migraines or tension headaches in more than 80 percent of cases; only three to five percent of these patients had sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis and migraine headaches can be similar, which can be confusing about what is causing sinus pain and pressure. Migraines and headaches can cause the following nasal symptoms:

• Pain and pressure around the eyes, across the cheeks, and the forehead
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Eye redness, tearing, or eyelid swelling
• Symptoms on one or both sides of the face

Sinusitis is associated with nasal congestion or obstruction and a thick nasal discharge, sometimes with facial pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness. However, facial pain or pressure or fullness without cloudy or colored nasal discharge is most likely not a sinus infection.

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How Do You Diagnose Sinus Headaches Caused by Migraines?

Sinus headaches are most likely due to migraines or tension headaches. Migraines are diagnosed by symptoms, including the frequency and severity of symptoms, family history, and by physical exam. Migraines can also include nausea and vomiting. These episodes may be triggered by hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods or alcohol or caffeine, stress, or environmental changes like weather, altitude changes, or allergens. Many patients with migraines have family members who also experience migraine headaches.

If you have unusual or severe symptoms, additional tests such as an MRI of the brain may be ordered to rule out more serious conditions that can cause headache pain, such as tumors or bleeding around the brain. If you have repeated episodes of sinus pain and pressure, a nasal endoscopy (a pencil-sized scope used to see inside the nose and sinuses) or imaging such as an MRI or CT scan can determine if sinus pain or pressure is due to a sinus infection or other sinus pathology. A normal sinus CT scan while you have symptoms could help rule out sinusitis, and determine if migraines, headaches, or other causes of facial pain and pressure are causing the sinus symptoms.

Other causes of facial pain and pressure can include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, clenching or grinding your teeth, trigeminal nerve pain, temporal arteritis (associated with scalp pain, pain in the temple, jaw pain, and vision changes on one side), dental infection, or other neurologic causes of facial pain.

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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 (also known as acute or abortive therapies) 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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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

1. I get frequent sinus headaches. Is this the same thing as having a migraine or tension headache?
2. If I also have trouble breathing and have a heavy discharge from my nose, what does that mean?
3. Are migraines a symptom of a potentially bigger problem? Should I get an MRI or see a neurologist?
4. I’ve tried over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but they don’t always work. Are there other prescription medications I could use instead?

Copyright 2023. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.

Last reviewed August 2018.

SINUSITIS VIDEOS

Dr. Spencer C. Payne provides an overview of sinus headaches.

Other Nose Conditions

Our sinuses not only help us breathe, they keep out potentially harmful dirt, allergens, and other agents in the air. ENT specialists treat allergies, deviated septum, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinus headaches and migraines, nasal obstruction and surgery, and more.

Related Be ENT Smart Articles

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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How To Fix Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches can be extremely painful, but they are often misdiagnosed for migraines or regular headaches, which have different treatment options. In this article, we explore exactly what a sinus headache is, what causes them, and provide some of the best treatment options so that you can get some relief from your pain.

What is a sinus headache?

The sinuses

A sinus headache can only come from sinusitis (rhinosinusitis)—an inflammation of the sinuses that can last up to eight weeks. Many people believe they have a sinus headache when they usually have a migraine. There’s an obvious difference between the two: if your headache is accompanied by migraine symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, you are more likely to have a migraine. Similarly, if you have a headache but none of the symptoms of sinusitis like nasal congestion, a runny nose, and head pain when you bend over, you are more likely to have a regular headache.

Your sinuses are four air-filled spaces behind your forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes. They are usually empty aside from a thin layer of mucus. If you have allergies, a cold, or a flu, the membranes in your sinuses can become irritated, inflamed, and filled with mucus that can’t drain away. This causes congestion, which encourages the growth of bacteria or viruses, leading to a sinus infection and a potentially painful headache. Nasal polyps (abnormal growths) in the nose or sinuses can also cause sinusitis, as can a deviated septum. Finally, habits like smoking, regular airplane travel, scuba diving, or other activities that involve air pressure changes in your sinuses can lead to sinus infections.

There are two types of sinusitis:

• Acute sinusitis—this usually lasts for about 10 days, and no longer than eight weeks. It can be treated with medications like antibiotics and painkillers.
• Chronic sinusitis—this lasts longer than eight weeks and returns more than four times a year. It may be treated with nasal corticosteroids, allergy medications, and more.

Sinusitis and the headaches that can accompany it are not considered to be contagious.

Sinus headache symptoms

Sinus headache is usually accompanied by sinus infection symptoms. If you’re suffering from this type of infection, you might experience the following common symptoms:

• Pain that feels like a dull ache behind your cheeks, forehead, and nose
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• A runny nose
• Thick, yellow or green nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip (mucus in your throat, frequent swallowing, and the urge to clear your throat regularly)
• A poor sense of smell
• A feeling of pressure behind your forehead, or fullness in your ears
• Swelling or tenderness around your nose, cheeks, eyes, or forehead
• Higher levels of pain when you bend over
• Fever
• Achy muscles

Less common symptoms include:

• Earache
• Jaw ache or toothache
• A sore throat
• Bad breath
• Fatigue

How do doctors diagnose sinus headaches?

A doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms to determine whether the headache is from sinusitis, or something more common like a migraine or regular headache. If the headaches are frequent and severe, they may complete a test such as an MRI, X-ray, CT scan, or nasal endoscopy to identify sinus blockages, which can help them to recommend the right treatment for you.

How to get rid of a sinus headache

One of the best ways to get rid of a sinus headache is to treat the underlying cause, whether it’s a cold, flu, or seasonal allergies. The most common treatments include:

• If the issue is related to allergies like hay fever, you can try taking an antihistamine. If the problem is severe, you can also talk to your doctor about trying a steroid nasal spray like Dymista. You might also consider talking to an allergy specialist about potential long-term treatment like immunotherapy.
• Prescribed antibiotics if the infection is bacterial or fungal.
• Decongestants to help reduce the inflammation in your nasal passages.
• Paracetamol to reduce the pain, and ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation. You can take these together, but be sure to read the instructions for both before doing so, to avoid taking too many over a 24-hour period.
• Keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist—drying them out makes the problem worse. The goal is to help your sinuses to drain as much mucus as possible. You can try the following:
  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer
  • Take long, hot showers or baths
  • Drink lots of water
  • Use a saline nasal spray, or try a nasal flush/rinse kit like Fess.
• An electronic device like ClearUP that emits waveforms to mitigate sinus pain.

Sinusitis may also go away by itself as your immune system does its work. Your headaches will also cease if this happens.

If you have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They may recommend a procedure like endoscopic sinus surgery, which removes blockages from the sinuses and allows them to drain more easily. But other treatments are usually tried before going down this road.

How to prevent sinus headaches

Because sinus headaches are caused by inflammation and infection of the sinuses, there’s a number of preventative actions you can take you avoid getting them:

• Try to avoid colds and flus by washing your hands regularly, and steering clear of people who are sick.
• If you have allergies like hay fever, you can try vacuuming your house regularly, keeping your windows and doors closed when pollen counts are high, and buying a pollen filter for your car’s air vents.
• Quit smoking, or avoid secondhand smoke.
• If you notice that your headaches are triggered by alcohol or caffeine, try to avoid them.
• Keep the air conditioner off—it dehumidifies the air which can irritate your nasal passages. Try using a fan instead.
• Regularly use a saline nasal spray, or try a nasal flush/rinse kit like Fess. This helps to flush out any bacteria and viruses that cause infections.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your nasal passages nice and hydrated. The moister they are, the less chance you have of getting an infection.

When should I see a doctor?

Whether you have sinusitis or not, you should consider seeing a doctor if experience the following:

• Your headache lasts for longer than two weeks
• The intensity of your headache is getting worse
• You are getting more frequent headaches
• The headaches are affecting your life
• You have a fever that has lasted for longer than three days
• Non-prescription painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen aren’t working

Sinus headache: what it is

Sinuses (sinuses) are air-filled cavities located on the forehead, cheekbones and behind the nose. The sinuses are drained through the channels in the nose. If the sinuses become inflamed (most often as a result of an allergic reaction, infection, or tumor formation), swelling and mucus production increase, and the nasal passages may become blocked. As a result, the pressure in the sinuses increases, which causes headache-like pain.

SYMPTOMS OF SINUS HEADACHE

Sinus headache presents as a deep and persistent pain in the forehead, cheekbones or bridge of the nose. The pain is usually aggravated by sudden movement of the head or by physical exertion and is accompanied by other sinus-related symptoms: nasal discharge, a feeling of congestion in the ears, fever, and swelling of the facial tissues.

Many chronic headaches are often referred to as sinus headaches, but many of these types of headaches are actually migraines or tension headaches. Treatments for headaches depend on the type of headache, which is why it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine if your headache is caused by sinus problems or other causes. If the headache is indeed caused by a sinus blockage due to an infection, it may be accompanied by a fever. Usually, a general examination is sufficient to determine the presence of sinus blockage, but in some cases, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging is used to clarify the diagnosis.

TREATMENT OF SINUS HEADACHE

Treatment of sinus headache is usually aimed at relieving the symptoms and getting rid of the infection. Treatment includes a course of antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection, as well as short courses of antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or decongestants (sudafed) to relieve symptoms. Doctors also prescribe an inhalation of an antihistamine such as aphrine, but it should not be used for more than three days in a row. Longer use may lead to a return of symptoms, and in a more pronounced form.

Other drugs used to treat sinus infections are pain medications, and if these do not relieve the patient, corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation. If the exacerbation of the disease is caused by an allergen, it is necessary to conduct a preventive course of anti-allergic therapy.

Simple home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, or nasal sprays (salt water spray) can be used to treat and relieve symptoms of sinus headache.

Taking decongestants or painkillers too often and for too long can cause headaches. If you are taking any of the mentioned medicines for a long time, it is very important to consult your doctor. Anti-edematous drugs can increase blood pressure, so if you have hypertension, check with your doctor before taking them. He will replace them with other drugs that do not have such side effects.

In rare cases, when conservative treatment does not help, and the symptoms make the daily functioning of the patient very difficult, surgical intervention is possible – the removal of polyps or the opening of small or chronically inflamed sinus sinuses.

It would be incorrect to say that sinus headache is caused by an allergy. This is not true, but an allergic reaction can lead to swelling of the mucous tissues of the sinus, which in turn causes a headache. If you suffer from any type of allergy, treating that allergy will not get rid of the headache. These two conditions—sinus headache and allergy—should be treated separately.

Magazine Medical Office No. 204
Author: Yakov Grin
Photo: Yandex Pictures

Sinus headache home remedies – Drink-Drink

Sinus headaches are often a symptom of a sinus infection. Sinus headaches often feel like pain or pressure around the head and face. These headaches usually last only during the sinus infection and then go away.

Sinus headaches are often confused with migraines, making them difficult to diagnose. It is important to know if you have a sinus headache or a migraine because the treatments are different.

Causes of sinus headaches

Sinus infections primarily cause sinus headaches. However, people often mistake a migraine for a sinus headache. The following information can help you decide if you have a sinus headache or a migraine.

Sinus Infection

Bacterial, viral or fungal sinus infections are the main cause of sinus headaches. They are usually caused by either sinusitis or rhinosinusitis.

If you have thick or discolored nasal discharge, it’s probably safe to say you have a sinus infection. There are a number of causes of sinus infections, including the common cold and seasonal allergies.

General causes

• Colds
• Seasonal allergies
• Nasal polyps can cause a sinus infection. That is, if your nose is blocked or clogged, you are at risk for a sinus infection.

  Viral sinus infections often go away on their own. However, if your symptoms persist, you should contact your health care provider. They may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the nature of the infection, to help your body get rid of it. Once the infection is gone, sinus headaches should be gone.

  Should you exercise when you are sick?

  Migraine with nasal symptoms

  Sinus headaches are not as common as you might think. Most of the time, what people think of as a sinus headache is actually a migraine with nasal symptoms. Migraines are relatively common, but they are more than just severe headaches. Migraine is a neurological disease with recurring symptoms.

  Migraine often presents with moderate to severe headache, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, runny nose, and increased sensitivity to light, noise, or smells. Migraines can also sometimes get worse with physical activity. If you have a combination of several previous symptoms and experience these symptoms several times over the course of a month, it may be worth asking your healthcare provider about migraines.

  Sinus headache home remedies

  Sinus headache home remedies

  Home remedies are affordable options for improving your symptoms. Home remedies may work along with treatment from a health care provider to improve quality of life, but they cannot replace diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional, especially when symptoms persist or worsen. If you have symptoms that persist, worsen, or are accompanied by a fever, you should contact your doctor. Here are the best home remedies for sinus headache.

  steam

  Some studies have shown that inhaling steam can reduce the symptoms of sinusitis. Researchers have found that inhaling the vapor can relieve sinus headaches but does not improve any other symptoms of a sinus infection.

  If you have sinus pain, inhaling steam for short-term relief may be effective. To do this, you can turn on a hot shower, stand near a hot shower and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. You should not shower as the temperature of the water can burn your skin.

  Flushing the nose with saline

  Flushing the nose can also help relieve nasal symptoms. You can flush your sinuses with a device such as a neti pot to push saline through your nasal passages. The saline solution should help clear the nose and remove as much of the clogged secretion as possible.

  One study found that using nasal irrigation to relieve symptoms was more effective than no nasal irrigation. When using a nasal rinse to rinse your nose, be sure to lean over a sink so that you can easily rinse off the water and get rid of nasal discharge.

  Acupuncture

  Ani Baran, a licensed acupuncturist and owner of the New Jersey Acupuncture Center in Bayonne and Jersey City, recommends acupuncture for nasal congestion. Baran goes on to explain that acupuncture has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and the addition of essential oils can help open the sinuses and expel mucus.

  Most nasal congestion is caused by inflammation, so the anti-inflammatory response to acupuncture should help clear nasal congestion. During acupuncture treatment, your brain should release endorphins, which also relieve pain. Clearing nasal congestion and releasing endorphins should help relieve sinus headaches.

  What is an anti-inflammatory diet?

  Warm compress

  If your face is sore, a warm compress will help. There are two ways to make a warm compress: wet or dry.

  A wet compress is made by soaking a towel in hot water and then wringing it out. For safety reasons, make sure the water is not too hot to touch. For a dry compress, you can use a heating pad. Whatever compress you choose, apply it to your face to help relieve pain.

  Spicy food

  Have you ever eaten spicy food and had a runny nose? Spicy food is known to clear the nasal passages. You should eat something spicy if you have a stuffy nose, if you can stand the heat it gives.

  Nasal congestion may relieve pressure in the head, which may help with sinus headaches. Some examples of spicy food include hot peppers, hot sauce, wasabi, or horseradish. You can find these things in foods like chili peppers, salsa, or curries.

  Horseradish Nutrition and Health Benefits

  Vitamin C

  Increasing your intake of vitamin C is known to help your immune system, which can help your body fight what causes sinus headaches. You increase your intake of vitamin C-rich foods or opt for vitamin C supplements.