Sinus Headaches and Sinus Headache Symptoms

Sinuses are bony cavities in the head that are connected to the nose through tiny openings and mucous that lines the sinus drains from the sinus into the nose. When a person suffers from a sinus infection or a cold or allergy, the openings are blocked, which can cause a headache that is referred to as a sinus headache. When the sinus block is cleared, the headache usually disappears. The block could be due to mucous or inflammation of the tissues. This block could manifest as a pain in the eyes or the upper teeth. The block causes the air within the sinus cavities to be absorbed. The air is not replaced because of the block. This causes a negative pressure that causes the headache. The pain can intensify when a patient lies down or bends. The pain occurs as a dull or at times a severe pain due to inflammation of the passages behind the nose, cheeks, and the eyes. Treatment is based on reducing the inflammation and draining the excess mucous.

Symptoms Of Sinus Headaches:

Headache
Pain, pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead
Congestions
Facial swelling
Fever
Chills
Upper teeth aches
Blocked nose
Cough
Yellow or green discharge from the nose that is thicker than normal
Facial tenderness
Blurred vision
Post nasal drip
Soar throat
Swollen and reddish nasal passage
Malaise
Sneezing
Itching in the eyes and nose
Pain intensifies in cold weather
Throbbing pain in the head
Fatigue
Ear disorders
Puffy eyes

These are some of the common symptoms of sinus headaches. It is a fact that most of those who think they suffer from a sinus headache actually suffer from a migraine. Doctors, therefore, have to carefully study their condition and eliminate other causes before concluding it is actually a sinus headache. The confusion occurs because many of the sinus headache symptoms are very similar to migraine such as running nose and throbbing pain.

Sinus headache symptoms need to be understood and treatment started as early as possible to eliminate the chances of the infection spreading to the brain. To be relieved of sinus headache symptoms, the swelling and the inflammation have to be reduced and treatment administered to drain the mucous.

Useful Tips To Help Relieve Sinus Headache Symptoms

Drink plenty of fluids
Steam inhalation [breathing moist air]
Spa treatments
Alternating cold and hot compresses
OTC drugs
Decongestants
Hot showers
Using nasal steroidal sprays
Nasal rinse
Antibiotics
Some people recommend eating a jalapeno because it can help clear blocks, draining the mucous
Surgery

Herbal Remedies:

Applying a paste of ginger on the forehead
Peppermint, eucalyptus oil steam inhalation
Feverfew
Ginger tea
Peppermint, chamomile tea
Goldenseal
Lemon grass
Gingko leaves
Barberry
Chinese skullcap
Lavender
Linden
Willow bark
Jamaican dogwood

Alternate Treatments To Relieve Sinus Headache Symptoms

Acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, naturopathy, biofeedback therapy, relaxation techniques, and homeopathy have been tried by many seeking relief.

Many people have heard about rebound headaches caused by the overuse of drugs, so try various home remedies to alleviate sinus headaches. Care should be taken, though, because sinus headaches should not be neglected. If the sinus headache is caused by allergies, find out the cause and try to avoid the allergen. If it is caused by colds, do not neglect a cold treat it immediately. In some cases, people get sinus headache symptoms by changes in altitude such as while flying, and some are prone to experiencing the symptoms during changes in the weather. Find out what causes sinus headache symptoms and take care you do not aggravate the situation.