As an ENT doctor, I work with a lot of patients who suffer from sinus headaches. This type of headache stems from sinus issues. There are some things I advise my patients to try at home while we work to find the root cause of the sinus issues and put a stop to the sinus headaches.
What Causes Sinus Headaches?
Sinus headaches often develop after an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or the flu, or in those with seasonal allergies. Some mistake migraines for a sinus headache because they share many symptoms, and if you happen to have a cold or other respiratory infection, it’s very easy to confuse the two. However, true sinus headaches occur due to a sinus infection from something like the cold, allergies, or nasal polyps. Pressure from the sinus infection builds up and causes pain in other areas, like the teeth and head.
What Are the Symptoms of a Sinus Headache?
A sinus headache often follows an upper respiratory infection. The following are signs that the headache you’re experiencing may be sinus-related:
- Pressure or pain around nose, forehead, cheeks, teeth, and/or eyes
- Pain or pressure gets worse when bending down
- Stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Headache is accompanied by thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Congestion
- Fever
Home Remedies for Sinus Headaches
For quick relief in the short term, there are some things you can do at home. Here are some at-home sinus headache remedies.
- Warm compress: To ease some of the pressure and provide some relief, try a warm compress over the nose.
- Steam: Inhaling warm steam may provide relief and help loosen up mucus.
- Decongestants: Oral decongestants, nasal sprays, and saline gel can help relieve congested nasal passageways and allow you to breathe more easily.
What Else Can Be Done for Sinus Headaches?
The above remedies can help relieve symptoms associated with sinus headaches, but they don’t get to the root of the problem. It is essential to see an ENT specialist, especially if you experience sinus headaches often. An ENT can determine the cause of your sinus infections and come up with more long-term solutions, minimizing or even eliminating your recurrent sinus infections.
Give our office a call if you are experiencing sinus headaches. Issues like nasal polyps, a deviated septum, and more can be resolved.
