How can you quickly alleviate sinus headache discomfort at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for sinus pressure and pain. Which simple treatments provide rapid relief from sinus headache symptoms.

Understanding Sinus Headaches: Causes and Symptoms

Sinus headaches are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. These headaches typically result from inflammation in the air-filled cavities of the skull, known as sinuses. When these cavities become inflamed due to infection, environmental triggers, or structural issues, it can lead to blockages that prevent proper mucus flow, causing pressure and pain similar to a headache.

However, it’s crucial to note that many self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines. The American Migraine Foundation suggests that the majority of what people perceive as sinus headaches are, in fact, migraines with nasal symptoms. This misconception can lead to ineffective treatment strategies.

Common Symptoms of Sinus Headaches

• Pressure, pain, or fullness around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
• Nasal congestion and/or runny nose
• Watery eyes, tearing, and/or swelling in the eyelids
• One or both sides of the face affected
• Possible fever

Can sinus headaches occur without nasal congestion? While nasal congestion is a common symptom, it’s not always present in sinus headaches. Other conditions that may contribute to sinus-related pain and pressure include deviated septum, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, nasal polyps, and seasonal allergies.

Quick and Natural Relief: 6 Home Remedies for Sinus Headaches

When sinus headache pain strikes, finding fast relief is a top priority. Instead of immediately reaching for over-the-counter medications, consider trying these natural remedies first:

1. Hydration: The Power of Fluids

Why is staying hydrated crucial for sinus headache relief? Proper hydration helps thin out mucus, making it easier for it to flow through sinus blockages and alleviate pressure. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas, particularly those with anti-inflammatory properties like ginger or peppermint, can also be beneficial.

2. Moisturize the Air: Combat Dry Environments

How does adding moisture to the air help with sinus headaches? Dry air can exacerbate sinus inflammation, making symptoms worse. Using a humidifier or vaporizer in your living space can add much-needed moisture to the air, soothing inflamed sinuses. Alternatively, inhaling steam from a pot of boiled water can provide similar benefits.

3. Apply Warmth: Localized Heat Therapy

What makes warm compresses effective for sinus pain? Applying a warm, damp towel or compress over painful areas can help relieve tension and promote sinus drainage. The heat helps to increase blood flow to the area, potentially reducing inflammation and providing comfort.

4. Peppermint Oil: Nature’s Pain Reliever

How does peppermint oil alleviate sinus headache pain? When applied to the forehead and temples, peppermint oil can provide therapeutic benefits similar to lidocaine. Its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the intensity of headache pain when inhaled or applied topically.

5. Nasal Irrigation: Cleanse and Clear

Why is nasal rinsing an effective sinus headache remedy? The nasal passages act as the first line of defense for your sinuses and respiratory system. Rinsing them with a saline solution can help remove irritants, thin mucus, and reduce inflammation. Tools like neti pots, nasal rinse bottles, or nasal nebulizers can be used to administer the solution effectively.

6. Nasal Drainage Massage: Manual Pressure Relief

How might nasal drainage massage help alleviate sinus pressure? While the efficacy of this technique is debated among experts, some believe that manually changing the pressure around your sinuses could help drain blocked fluids. This gentle massage technique focuses on key areas around the sinuses to potentially promote drainage and relieve pressure.

Distinguishing Sinus Headaches from Migraines

Given the overlap in symptoms between sinus headaches and migraines, it’s crucial to accurately identify the root cause of your discomfort. Misdiagnosing a migraine as a sinus headache can lead to ineffective treatment strategies and prolonged suffering.

Key Differences Between Sinus Headaches and Migraines

• Sinus headaches are often accompanied by thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Migraines may include sensitivity to light and sound, which is less common in sinus headaches
• Sinus headaches typically worsen when bending forward, while migraines may not
• Nausea and vomiting are more commonly associated with migraines

Are there specific signs that indicate a sinus infection rather than a migraine? If you’ve experienced sinus infections before, look for additional symptoms such as fever, bad breath, difficulty breathing through your nose, postnasal drip, and loss of smell (anosmia). These symptoms are more indicative of a sinus-related issue rather than a migraine.

The Role of Hydration in Sinus Health

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy sinuses and alleviating sinus headache symptoms. When the body is well-hydrated, it can more effectively thin and move mucus through the nasal passages, reducing congestion and pressure.

Hydration Strategies for Sinus Health

1. Drink water consistently throughout the day
2. Incorporate hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to dehydration
4. Consider warm liquids like broths or herbal teas for added hydration and soothing effects

How much water should you drink to support sinus health? While individual needs vary, aiming for 8-10 glasses of water per day is a good general guideline. However, factors such as climate, activity level, and overall health may influence your specific hydration needs.

Environmental Factors and Sinus Headaches

The environment plays a significant role in sinus health and can greatly impact the frequency and severity of sinus headaches. Understanding and managing these environmental factors can be key to preventing and alleviating sinus-related discomfort.

Common Environmental Triggers

• Dry air
• Allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander)
• Air pollution
• Sudden temperature changes
• Strong odors or chemical fumes

How can you minimize environmental triggers for sinus headaches? Start by maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels (between 30-50%) using a humidifier. Regularly clean your living space to reduce allergens, and consider using an air purifier to remove irritants from the air. When outdoors, especially during high pollen seasons, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and consider using a face mask to filter the air you breathe.

The Importance of Proper Nasal Hygiene

Maintaining good nasal hygiene is crucial for preventing sinus infections and alleviating sinus headache symptoms. The nasal passages serve as a primary defense against harmful particles, so keeping them clean and healthy is essential for overall sinus health.

Effective Nasal Hygiene Practices

1. Use a saline nasal spray to moisturize and cleanse the nasal passages
2. Practice nasal irrigation with a neti pot or nasal rinse bottle
3. Avoid touching or rubbing your nose frequently
4. Use a clean, soft tissue when blowing your nose
5. Keep your nasal passages clear of excess mucus

Why is nasal irrigation particularly effective for sinus health? Nasal irrigation helps to flush out irritants, thin mucus, and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. This process can provide relief from congestion and pressure, potentially preventing the development of sinus infections and associated headaches.

When to Seek Professional Help for Sinus Headaches

While home remedies can be effective for many cases of sinus headaches, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary. Recognizing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Signs You Should See a Doctor

• Persistent headaches lasting more than 10 days
• Severe pain not responding to over-the-counter treatments
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Changes in vision or mental state
• Swelling or redness around the eyes or cheeks
• Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction

What treatments might a doctor recommend for chronic sinus headaches? Depending on the underlying cause, a healthcare provider may suggest prescription medications such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, stronger pain relievers, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In some cases, they may recommend further diagnostic tests or refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for more targeted treatment.

Understanding the nature of sinus headaches and implementing effective home remedies can significantly improve your quality of life. By staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy environment, practicing good nasal hygiene, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can better manage and potentially prevent sinus-related discomfort. Remember, while these remedies can provide relief, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

6 Easy Home Remedies – NasoNeb®

February 13, 2023

Ask any sinusitis sufferer about their last sinus headache and they’ll be able to describe the discomfort in stunning detail. Even discussing the often debilitating pain can be enough to make you reach for the medicine cabinet in preparation. But what if we told you headaches caused by sinus disorders aren’t nearly as common as you think[*]?

Before you make a beeline for your stash of over-the-counter pain relievers, start by taking a closer look at your symptoms. Then, explore some easy home remedies to relieve your headache. If necessary, seek professional advice to ensure you’re treating the root cause of this symptom.

What is a sinus headache?

The human sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull lined with soft, pink tissue called mucosa. This lining can become inflamed due to infection, environmental triggers or structural complications. Inflammation in the sinuses can create blockages that prevent mucus from flowing properly through the nasal cavity. This leads to a congested feeling that creates sinus pressure and pain similar to a headache.

It should be noted that the typical use of the term “sinus headache” does not imply the presence of a sinus disorder. Rather, it is a term used to describe symptoms in this region of the body[*].

What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?

It may seem simple to connect facial pain to your sinus symptoms, but according to the American Migraine Foundation, the vast majority of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraine[*]. Either of these causes can lead to the following symptoms:

• Pressure, pain or fullness around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
• Nasal congestion and/or runny nose
• Watery eyes, tearing, and/or swelling in the eyelids
• One or both sides of the face affected

Sufferers may also experience fever in addition to feeling pressure or pain around the sinuses. Fortunately, there are several home remedies to help relieve sinus pressure without pain pills or antibiotics. Let’s look at a few therapeutic alternatives.

How do I treat a sinus headache?

Regardless of the cause of your headache symptoms, fast pain relief is generally the goal. What may be labeled a “sinus headache” can be caused by sinus infection (sinusitis), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), or migraine with nasal symptoms[*]. Without a diagnosis, using your regular nasal decongestant sprays and nasal steroid sprays may be counterproductive to relieving symptoms of sinus headache.

If you’re unsure of the root cause, you may want to try some simple pain relieving remedies first. Here are a few actions to take the next time you’re looking for easy DIY pain relief:

• Drink plenty of fluids: Proper hydration aids to thin out mucus and move it through sinus blockages to alleviate pressure.
• Add moisture: Dry air exacerbates sinus inflammation; take extra care by humidifying your air. Using a humidifier, vaporizer, or inhaling steam from a pot of boiled water can add moisture to your air and soothe inflamed sinuses.
• Place a warm wet towel or compress over painful areas: When applied locally, heat can be a powerful tool to relieve tension.
• Apply peppermint oil to your forehead and temples: When inhaled, peppermint oil provides therapeutic benefits for migraine headache sufferers, reducing the intensity of pain similar to lidocaine[*].
• Rinse your nasal cavity: The nasal passages are the first line of defense for your sinuses and respiratory system. Viruses, bacteria, and air pollutants can lead to sinus infection and other inflammatory responses. Ensure you’re keeping your nose clean with a simple nasal saline (salt water) solution. There are a number of tools you can use to administer this solution including a neti pot, nasal rinse bottle, or nasal nebulizer.
• Nasal drainage massage: While the experts are divided on the benefits of this DIY sinus relief therapy, some suspect that manually changing the pressure around your sinuses could help to drain fluids blocked by inflammation[*].

Can I have a sinus headache without nasal congestion?

Although nasal congestion is commonly associated with sinus headache, it is not always present, as other conditions can contribute to this symptom. Other issues that may lead to inflammation, pain, and/or pressure in the sinuses include:

• Deviated septum
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
• Nasal polyps
• Seasonal allergies

How do I know if my headache is sinus related?

Although pain may be located in the face and sinuses, many symptoms of sinus headache overlap with those of migraine. Wondering if your symptoms are caused by sinus infection or migraine? If you’ve previously experienced sinus infections, you may want to look for other signs of sinusitis as well:

• Fever
• Bad breath
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Postnasal drip
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Anosmia (loss of smell or taste)
• Sore throat
• Worsened pain from bending forward or lying down
• Recent viral respiratory infection or cold
• Lasting pain over days to weeks

On the other hand, there are signs that may point more clearly to migraine than sinusitis. These can include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light
• Triggered by changes in weather
• Triggered by stress
• Consistencies with menstrual cycle

Regardless of the root cause, you should not be experiencing sinus headaches everyday. This may be an indication of a chronic illness that should be assessed by a general physician, Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, or a neurologist.

When is sinus pressure serious?

No matter the symptom you’re dealing with, excessive pain, swelling, fever, nausea or disorientation that affect your quality of life should always be taken seriously. Pay close attention to symptom frequency and duration as well; do your symptoms last or occur for more than 15 days a month? If so, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and targeted treatment plan.

If your symptoms are caused by sinus disorder, progressive worsening of pressure, pain or swelling in the facial area could indicate a severe infection. Without proper treatment, this can become dangerous.

Migraine, on the other hand, is a neurological disease. To diagnose migraine, your provider may want to order a CT scan of your sinuses to check for sinus disease. They may then prescribe a migraine-specific medication as part of your treatment plan.

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How to Relieve Sinus Pressure: 7 Natural Home Remedies

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You can relieve sinus pressure with the help of natural remedies like a humidifier, saline washes, and biofeedback. Seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week.

Many people experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinus pressure results from blocked nasal passages. When your sinuses cannot drain, you may experience inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.

Your sinuses are paired in two, and are found in four main areas of the face:

• frontal, in your forehead
• ethmoid, between your eyes and across your nose
• maxillary, in your cheeks
• sphenoid, behind your eyes and along the back of your head

While some over-the-counter treatments can help reduce symptoms, there are also many effective natural remedies.

1. Steam

Dry air and dry sinuses can increase sinus pressure and cause headaches and throbbing pain. Steam adds moisture to the air, helps to moisten your sinus passages, and thins out mucus that may have thickened over time.

Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam to reduce pressure. You can also use a humidifier for more long-term relief.

Buy a humidifier now.

For an extra boost, add eucalyptus oil to your bath to speed your recovery. Eucalyptus contains cineole, an ingredient known to speed healing of acute sinusitis. The oil also may help to reduce nasal stuffiness and clear your pathways.

2. Saline flush

A common treatment for sinus pressure and congestion is a saline wash. Saline spray contains salt that helps to increase moisture in your nose and reduce sinus pressure. You can buy saline spray in drugstores, or you can make your own with baking soda, distilled water, and iodine-free salt.

3. Resting

A good night’s sleep can help the body to heal. Sleep stimulates your brain to release hormones that encourage tissue growth. Also when you’re at rest, your body is able to produce more white blood cells essential for attacking viruses and other bacteria.

Try to avoid activities or beverages that are over-stimulating before bed. Allowing your body to rest can help to reduce sinus pressure, speed your recovery time, and leave you feeling more refreshed. Check out some natural sleep aids if you need some added help.

4. Elevation

Just as sleep is essential for healing, how you sleep can alleviate sinus symptoms. Lying flat can increase mucus buildup in your nasal passages, increase your sinus pressure, and disrupt your sleep cycle.

Prop your head up with pillows at night to keep your head above your heart. This sleeping position will prevent sinus buildup and can help you to breathe more comfortably.

5. Hydration

Dehydration can contribute to your sinus passages drying out and increased pressure in your face. Increase your water intake throughout the day if you’re feeling under the weather. Fluids will reduce blockages in your sinuses.

While water may be your first choice to remain hydrated, you can also retain fluids through other foods and beverages including:

• broth soups
• ice cubes
• tea
• water-based vegetables and fruits

6.

Relaxation techniques

Your sinus pressure may cause you to feel tension in your head, face, and neck. Biofeedback therapy, an alternative treatment method that teaches you how to control your bodily functions, can relieve this pressure.

This method has had proven success in relieving headaches, incorporating deep breathing exercises and meditation to achieve relaxation and reduce pain. Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help to reduce pain and pressure from sinus infections.

7. Exercise

Similar to yoga, exercise can reduce sinus pressure. Physical activity can increase blood circulation and temporarily relieve congestion to ease breathing. Although uncomfortable to perform while being sick, physical activity can help to improve your recovery time and speed healing.

Sinus pressure symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable. In addition to using traditional treatment methods like decongestants and pain relievers, alternative home remedies can also boost your recovery.

If you continue to experience sinus pressure symptoms after a week, or if they begin to worsen, seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a more serious infection that may require prescribed antibiotics.

Headaches – causes and treatment

What are headaches

Headache is extremely diverse and each of us at least once in his life experienced all the “charms” of this disease. It can be short-term, long-term, “creepy”, sudden, tedious, rare, frequent, “knocking” in the temples, “pressing” on the eyes, etc.

So what are headaches?

Types of headaches:

• Tension headache. It is characterized by bursts of monotonous pain spreading throughout the head, sometimes fixed in the occipital or back zone of the head, in the area of ​​​​the eyes and temporal part.
• Sinus headache. It manifests itself in inflammatory processes in the sinuses, accompanied by temperature, swelling of the face, sensations of tension in the forehead, cheekbones.
• Migraine. This type of headache is most often marked by severe attacks predominantly in one part of the head.
• Cluster headache. Doctors consider it one of the most excruciating types of headaches. It is manifested by prolonged bouts of intense pain of a pulsating nature.
• Toxic headache. It develops with excessive ingestion of alcohol, nicotine, intoxication (chemicals), taking medications (side effect).

Causes of headaches

There are a lot of causes that provoke headaches and they all have different etiologies. Headache can torment a person due to “jumps” in blood pressure, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and systems; due to pain along the nerve, head injuries, brain tumors; due to poisoning, stress, infectious pathologies, etc. The list is really extensive and in each case this ailment must be considered individually. Often recurring pains indicate malfunctions in the work of some specific organs and latently developing pathologies.

Diseases associated with headaches

What diseases can be accompanied by headaches? We list several pathologies, one of the main symptoms of which is headache . This is – hypertension, eye diseases, such as glaucoma or myopia, which “give” pain in the head. The most formidable diseases with symptoms of severe headaches are a brain tumor, Horton’s disease (acute inflammation of the temporal and carotid arteries), trigeminal neuritis, inflammation of the brain, acute cerebrovascular accident, aneurysm rupture (expansion of the lumen of the cerebral artery), meningitis (inflammation meninges), etc.

Infectious and viral manifestations such as sinusitis, sinusitis, influenza are also accompanied by headache.

Examinations for headaches

Methods of examination of modern medicine for headaches give an almost 100% correct picture of the processes occurring in the brain. A large number of different examinations contributes to error-free diagnosis and allows you to choose the most effective therapy. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who have experienced a headache prefer to eliminate it with fast-acting pills (the symptoms “go away”, but temporarily, since the true cause of the pain remains unidentified).

Headache is not an autonomous disease, but a symptom that can help to correctly diagnose and avoid complications.

We would like to inform you which examinations are recommended for headaches:

• An encephalogram records electrical impulses, on the basis of which the activity of brain cells is assessed. This method is used for arterial pressure, cervical osteochondrosis, insomnia and other pathologies associated with headache.
• Computed tomography (CT) provides information about damage to parts of the brain, vascular atherosclerosis, abnormal brain disorders in children, pathological neoplasms, damage to the bones of the skull, etc.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examines the condition of internal organs and tissues.
• Angiography inspects human vessels for their pathological changes and damage, narrowing of vascular lumens.
• Blood pressure monitoring reveals arterial hypertension, manifested by headaches.
• Lumbar puncture is manipulations with the extraction of fluid from the spinal cord, which are performed in complex diseases (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.). A puncture is done with severe headaches in cases of urgent need due to increased intracranial pressure.

Methods for treating headaches

There are certainly a lot of methods for treating headaches, but the most common among them are:

• Physiotherapy. One of the most effective treatments for headaches. It includes laser and magnetic therapy, massages, acupuncture.
• Medical treatment. Proponents of pills “know” how to deal with a headache and, at the slightest manifestation of discomfort, use them without delay and hesitation, but qualified doctors prescribe drug therapy for such a symptom, making sure that the pathology is identified accurately and the diagnosis is confirmed by examinations. And only in this case, the question of how to cure a headache can be removed from the agenda.

Classical treatments

Headache medication

Only a professional doctor who has studied all the complaints, symptoms and nuances of a patient’s headache can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe therapeutic drugs. However, many of us want to know which pills help with headaches. Let’s list some of the most popular remedies:

• Analgin eliminates spasms, migraine attacks.
• Citramon increases blood flow, eliminates headaches, drowsiness and fatigue.
• Pentalgin has a tonic effect on the vessels of the brain.
• Tempalgin is a well-known analogue of analgin.
• Solpadeine stimulates the psychomotor centers of the brain.

Non-traditional methods of treatment

Oriental medicine believes that various pathologies can cause headaches, but among the main ones it calls problems with the spine, “a column of gold coins”, as Tibetan doctors call it.

Also, according to the doctors of the Sagan Dali clinic, the cause of headaches is intestinal disorders, constipation, accumulation of a liquid substance in the paranasal sinuses, head muscle tension, which provokes vasoconstriction and lack of oxygen, muscle tension in the cervical-collar zone ( can pinch a nerve).

Tibetan healers have long known how to relieve headaches without medication. And to the burning question of how to get rid of a headache without pills, they would have answered briefly: pulse diagnostics, acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicine, combined with additional methods of Tibetan medicine.

Tibetan medicine distinguishes people according to the basic constitutions of “wind” (sanguine), “bile” (choleric), “phlegm” (phlegmatic). They are different in physique, temperament, “set” of diseases, temperament, food preferences, reactions to events, etc. “Wind” people have a thin and fragile physique, “bile” people are denser, “strong”, “mucus” people are large, with a wide bone.

Doctors of the Sagan Dali clinic recommend representatives of these three basic constitutions:

• Representatives of the “wind” constitution for headaches should drink hot ginger tea with lemon and honey or sweet tea and sleep well. Avoid cold food and drink.
• Representatives of the constitution “bile” with headaches, it is desirable to exclude fatty and spicy foods, alcohol and smoking from the diet. Cool compresses work well for them.
• For headaches, slime constitutions are advised to practice a short fast for about a day and drink hot ginger tea. There is also a somewhat “exotic” way to eliminate a headache as rubbing warm vegetable (or ghee) oil on the head with a small amount of red pepper. This method promotes a good outflow of blood from the head.

And in addition, if you have a desire to learn how to quickly get rid of a headache, then you need to find and massage:

• point on the back of the head, “behind the ear in the fossa” (Feng Chi). It eliminates headaches, tinnitus, helps with eye fatigue. Calms and normalizes sleep.
• point on the tubercle between the thumb and forefinger (he-gu). Contraindicated in pregnant women. The famous he-gu point removes pain in the temples, forehead, muscle spasms, and soothes toothache.

Pressure for headaches

How much pressure can there be for headaches? With headaches, high blood pressure is often observed (from 140/90 mmHg and more), in which the pain is permanent and localized mainly in the back of the head.

Headache during pregnancy

The causes of headache during pregnancy can be different. Most often, the malaise is associated with hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman. Eating cold foods and foods that adversely affect blood vessels, long intervals between meals can trigger headaches. Bright irritating lighting, noises, unpleasant odors, weather conditions, stress, emotional overload, sleep disturbances, worries are the causes of headaches.

How to get rid of a headache during pregnancy

When a woman in “position” has a headache, it is necessary to consult a doctor and identify the true cause of the disease. Treatment of headaches during pregnancy should be extremely careful, moderate and as precise as possible.

Do not self-medicate, most of the medicines that eliminate headaches have a negative effect on the course of the physiological processes of a pregnant woman and the development of the embryo.

And yet, you can get an answer to the question “how to relieve a headache during pregnancy” without using pills. To do this, doctors recommend gently massage the head, wash your hair with warm water, or, conversely, apply a cool compress to the pain site. Effective is the use of cabbage leaves, which must first be kneaded to extract juice. Sometimes they drink tea with sugar or mint, chamomile, lemon balm. In any case, with headaches, especially frequent and significantly reducing the quality of life of a pregnant woman, you should consult a doctor.

Read also

Treatment of osteochondrosis with cups

Types of constitutions in oriental medicine

Auriculotherapy (AUT) for weight loss

Uterine fibroids – treatment without surgery

Menstrual disorders in women 90 005

What is climacteric syndrome and what are the types

Sinus headache (Sinusitis headache)

Sinus headaches are also called sinus headaches. Sinus headache is characterized by sinusitis (sinusitis) and can cause a headache so severe and depressing that it can sometimes be interpreted as migraine or stress headaches.

Sinus headache: when your sinuses give you a headache

Sinus headaches are caused by increased pressure inside the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled areas inside the forehead, jaw, and behind the nasal bone (see picture). When they become inflamed due to an allergic reaction or infection, they may swell and produce more mucus and mucus. This overproduction can lead to clogged drainage ducts, causing the pressure inside the sinuses to build up rapidly and cause severe headaches.

Where are the sinuses?

Illustration showing the location of the four sinus regions.

Affected? Join the Facebook group “ Headache Network – Norway: research, new discoveries and cohesion” for the latest research news and media coverage about this disorder. Here participants can also get help and support – at any time of the day – by sharing their own experiences and advice.

Pain Relief: How to relieve sinus headaches?

For the relief of sinus headaches (sinusitis headaches), we recommend lying down for a while (about 20-30 minutes) with the so-called “headache / migraine mask” above the eyes (a mask that you keep in your freezer and which is specially adapted to relieve migraines, neck headaches and stress headaches – it can also be heated to stimulate circulation to tired and puffy eyes) – this will reduce some of the pain signals and relieve tension. Click on the image or link below to learn more about it. Regular consumption of saline is also recommended to prevent this condition. A nasal spray (available at a pharmacy) may also be needed when the condition has really improved.

For long-term improvement, it is also recommended to regularly use a saline rinse, as well as apply trigger point balls to tense muscles in the shoulders and neck (you know what you have!) and exercise, as well as stretching. Meditation and yoga can also be helpful interventions to reduce mental stress in everyday life. Gentle, regular self-massage of the facial muscles can also help relieve some pressure on the sinuses located under the eyes and near the nose.

Read more: Pain relief headache and migraine mask (Opens in a new window)

Pain presentation: sinus headache symptoms (sinusitis headache) 900 34

Sinusitis usually causes a headache that is felt as deep and depressive pain in the cheeks, forehead and around the nose, and in the transition between forehead and nose. The pain usually gets worse if you suddenly move your head (for example, lean forward) or engage in physical activity. The symptoms and signs of a sinus headache may vary slightly, but some typical and characteristic symptoms are:

• Moderate to moderate fever (you usually don’t have a fever with other types of headaches)
• Slight swelling of the face and around the sinuses
• Sinus pressure (see illustration)
• Difficulty of concentration
• Feeling of constant pressure in the ears
• Difficult or impossible to equalize ear pressure
• Soreness and discomfort in the muscles – especially at the transition of the forehead / nose and above the masseter muscle (Masticatory)

Unlike migraines, then you will not have the neurological symptoms of sinus headaches. Examples of nerve symptoms that can occur with a migraine include muscle weakness and blurred vision.

Epidemiology: who gets sinus headache? Who suffered the most?

Everyone can be affected by sinus headaches, but as mentioned earlier, the most common causes are allergic and inflammatory reactions (eg due to flu and colds). Therefore, sinus headaches most often affect people with a reduced immune system and those with allergies.

Cause: Why do you have a sinus headache (sinusitis headache)?

The two main causes of sinus headaches are allergic reactions and inflammation/infections (eg due to influenza virus). This causes pressure changes in the air pockets we call the sinuses and leads to the characteristic symptoms of a headache. If you are often bothered, there may also be polyps in your sinuses – in some cases, this can be an alternative to removing them to make room and reduce the frequency of this type of headache. On the positive side (especially for your bed partner) it can also reduce snoring.

Exercise and stretching: what exercises can help with sinus headaches?

An important exercise that we would recommend is a gentle massage of the facial muscles, which is directly related to the sinuses. It can also be nice to stretch your neck and shoulders, as they tend to stretch when you have a headache. We recommend that you get a good routine that includes daily, individual, neck stretching.

Try this: – 4 Stretches for Neck Stiffness

We also recommend these 5 specific jaw exercises.

Sinus headache treatment

When we talk about the treatment of sinus headaches, it is actually the greatest relief of symptoms, as well as the elimination of blockages inside the sinuses that cause poor flow of mucus and snot.

• Medical treatment : Allergy tablets and their correct use can prevent allergic reactions and thus prevent sinus reactions.
• Muscle Whip Treatment: Muscle therapy can reduce muscle tension and muscle pain in the neck and shoulders.
• Joint Therapy: A muscle and joint specialist (such as a chiropractor) will work with both muscles and joints to give you functional improvement and symptom relief. This treatment will be tailored to each individual patient based on a thorough examination, which also takes into account the overall health of the patient. Most likely, treatment will consist of joint correction, muscle work, ergonomics/posture counseling, and other forms of treatment appropriate to the individual patient.
• Saline (drug-free): Pharmacies and stores provide drug-free saline solutions (often added to aloe vera) that can be used to maintain good nasal and nasal passage function. Regular use can also work preventively.
• Pain Relieving Headache and Migraine Mask: These masks can be either iced or heated, meaning they can be used for more acute pain (cooling) and more preventative (warming and circulating).
• Yoga and Meditation Yoga, mindfulness and meditation can help reduce mental stress in the body. A good measure for those who have too much stress in everyday life.

Self help: what can I do even with muscle and joint pain?

As already mentioned, it often happens that we additionally tense our muscles and the pain fibers become more sensitive when we have headaches. We always recommend that self-medication be one of the main ways to deal with pain – regular self-massage (for example, with a ball trigger point) and stretching can help prevent muscle and joint pain.

1. General exercise, specific exercises, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within pain limits. Two walks a day for 20-40 minutes are good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we highly recommend – they come in different sizes so you can even hit all parts of the body. There is no better self-help than this! We recommend the following (click image below) is a complete set of 5 trigger points / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Special training with training techniques of various opponents (for example, this set of 6 different resistance knots) can help you train strength and function. Knitting training often includes more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.