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Sinus Headache – Symptoms, Causes, Effects, And Treatment

Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are one of the most painful ones among all the other headaches. Sinuses are spaces in your forehead that are filled with air. Apart from the forehead, there are many other places where you can find them, such as behind the nose bridge and cheekbones. 

Due to an infection or allergic reaction, they can get inflamed and swollen. It results in producing more mucus and blocking the drains that channel them. These blocks cause a lot of pressure on the sinuses. The pain from these sinuses feels like headaches and is called sinus headaches

It is more like a symptom of a sinus infection that causes pain. If you have allergies or colds, then you are at a higher risk of developing sinus headaches. First, however, you need to identify if the sinus headaches are actually migraines. In that case, you have to take the help of a doctor immediately. 

Sinus Headache Symptoms 

Sinus Headache Symptoms

Are you feeling a constant and intense pain in your forehead, cheekbones, and nose bridge? It can be a sinus headache that is causing this pain. But, there is only one way to be sure about what is causing them. First, you have to identify the symptoms to determine it is a sinus headache or any other headache. 

Here are some of the common sinus headaches symptoms you may look for in a person with pain in the forehead, nose bridge, and cheekbone. 

  • Swelling around the face
  • Runny noses 
  • Fever
  • A full feeling in the ear
  • Bending increase the pain 
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling achy on the upper teeth 
  • Pressure on forehead, cheeks, and brow 
  • Mucus discharge 
  • Reduced sense of smell 
  • Food tastes bad in the mouth 

These are the most common symptoms that you need to look for. However, there are many other kinds of headaches that are often mistaken as sinus headaches. The most common pens are migraines, tension headaches, and others. These are recurring headaches that need medical treatment. 

As the treatment of each of these headaches is different, you need to figure out the headache type. For example, if you have a fever, congestion, and headaches, it is caused by a sinus headache. However, if the nasal discharge is clear, then it is a migraine as mucus discharge is discolored in sinus headaches. 

Sinus Headache Causes 

Primarily, sinus headaches are caused by viral infections that cause the nose to swell. This swell blocks the drain that channels the sinuses and causes pain. This pain and pressure in the sinuses are known to be a sinus headache. However, allergy can also cause a sinus headache as a reaction like hay fever. 

The increased production of inflammatory fluid causes pressure and pain, causing sinus headaches. Apart from that, viruses and bacterias can also travel to the sinus through nasal cavities. They get into the fluid stagnant in the sinus and cause infection. If the symptoms are presently less than a week and not getting worse, they are caused by viruses.  

On the other hand, if bacteria cause the sinus headache, you will get prolonged inflammation, symptoms, and others. Apart from these, some of the rare conditions that can cause sinus headaches are tumors, fungal infections, etc. If you have any dental infections, then it is best to get the treatment done. 

Infections in teeth can reach the root and infect the upper sinus causing sinus headache. As sinus headaches are primarily associated with inflammation from rhinovirus, the headache is also called rhinosinusitis. Therefore, it is essential to get your testing done to determine a regular sinus headache or sinus headache covid

Sinus Headache Effects 

Sinus Headache Effects 

Sinus headache can be very irritable as it interrupts your daily life activities. In addition, the pain and pressure from sinuses will make it hard for you to bend your head. If the sinus headache is not treated right away with the help of a doctor, then it can become chronic and recurring. Compared to normal sinus, chronic sinus is more severe and occurs more than four times per year. 

Also, it can stay for more than two months aligned with the symptoms. You can get rid of the sinus effects by controlling some specific food intakes such as caffeine, alcohol, cheese, chocolate, strong cheese, red wine, and others. Also, get adequate sleep and reduce stress to reduce the sinus effects. 

Sinus Headache Treatment 

Sinus Headache Treatment 

If you are suffering from this condition, it is very important to know how to get sinus headache relief. Of course, the key to getting rid of the sinus headache is to treat the underlying cause. However, there are some ways to decrease the pressure and pain from the sinus. Here are some of the most popular ones given below. 

  • Apply warm water soaked cloth around the painful areas
  • Thin the mucus with the help of nasal drops or spray 
  • To make the drains clear for mucus, use a decongestant. It also reduces the swelling in the sinus 
  • Take vapor steam from boiled water to moist the areas and help the sinus congestion relieve 

Apart from these, some other treatments are used for a sinus headache. If the pain is too much to handle and can’t be treated at home, then you can take the help of some other treatment methods. They are given below in detail to treat the headache. 

  • Pain Killers – It will help to get quick relief from the pain and swelling from the sinus headache
  • Antibiotics or Decongestants – Doctors can prescribe any antibiotics or decongestants to make the drains clear and resume mucus flow 
  • Nasal Spray – If an allergy causes a sinus headache, then a nasal spray might work the best on you.

Both home remedies and other treatments work very well to treat a sinus headache.

Conclusion 

Sinus headache is one of the most common headaches that can cause a lot of pain and pressure. Here is everything you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and effects. Learn how to get rid of the pain and pressure of the sinus headache quickly. 

FAQs  

1. Is Sinus A Serious Problem?   

Sinus cavity infection can become life threatening if it is close to the brain. The delay in treatment can worsen the issue as the infection may spread to the brain. Sinus is normally lined with a thin layer of mucus that can trap dust and germs easily. The particles in the air are also caught in this layer, which helps prevent infections.

2. Are There Any Home Remedies For Sinus?  

The best home remedy is the consumption of water. Consuming water helps in thinning the mucus layer and lubricating the sinuses. You can also drink hot beverages such as herbal tea, which can be hydrating as well as soothing. The steam from the hot beverage can also be beneficial for you.

The other home remedies include using warm and cold compress over your face to loosen the mucus layer and clear any obstruction.

3. Can I Clean My Sinus?   

Cleaning your sinuses is possible through nasal irrigation which helps you in thinning the mucus layer. You may use neti pots or squeeze bottles to clean the sinuses with a saline mixture that is available as a pre-packed mixture. Or you can make your own mixture by mixing three teaspoons of iodine-free salt and one teaspoon of baking soda.

This can be added to a cup of distilled, filtered or sterilized water. Your saline water is ready for use!

4. Is Sinus A Permanent Disease?  

Acute sinusitis is a short-term infection that goes away naturally with a cold. As the condition is related to cold, it is usually resolved with the cold. However, chronic sinusitis may last for 12 weeks or more. You must take care of acute sinusitis so that does not become a permanent disease.

5. What Food Should I Avoid During Sinus?   

Having warm, nutritious food such as soups and fruits are better for you. The food items that you should avoid during a sinus infection are dairy, foods with high sugar and foods with histamine or salicylates.

Tomato, chocolate, cheese, bananas, and gluten are a few examples of food that must not be consumed.

6. What should I eat after sinus?   

You should preferably eat light food that is healthy and free of oil or spices. Try having chicken soup, soft food such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and pasta. You may also have spicy food that can clear your sinuses such that the mucus membranes are irritated to result in a runny nose.

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