Say Goodbye to Sinus Headaches
The sinus headache could have one or several triggers, including colds; allergies to mold, dust or pollen; bacterial or fungal infections; problems with the immune system; or structural problems of the nasal cavity. People who suffer with asthma, have nasal growths or polyps, or have a disorder that affects the way mucus moves within the respiratory system, such as cystic fibrosis, may be at higher risk to experience sinus headaches.
There are two types of sinusitis, chronic and acute. Chronic sinusitis affects nearly 30 to 40 million Americans every year. It starts with the swelling of the mucous membranes in your sinuses and causes fluid to build up. This eventually plugs the cavity and stops normal mucus drainage. Acute sinusitis is the most common case and is usually cleared up in less than four weeks. If the condition recurs or lasts at least 12 consecutive weeks, the case is then chronic.
Headaches associated with sinusitis usually have very distinctive signs and symptoms. The most common is pain and pressure across the forehead and cheeks and around the eyes. Nasal stuffiness and sometimes an achy feeling in the upper teeth also accompany this. Other symptoms include sore throat (which can be the result of a tonsil infection brought on by the dripping of infected mucus down the throat), fever and chills, facial swelling, yellow or green discharge, and fatigue.
In most cases, the symptoms often appear as soon as you awaken and the pain may worsen if you lean forward or lie flat. This is a factor that often confuses the sinus headache with a migraine. Migraines may also be accompanied by some nasal symptoms like congestion, facial pressure and a watery, nasal discharge. Migraines though, will have throbbing pain and you will also experience sensitivity to light or sound.
The key to treating sinus headaches is to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the sinuses. You also want to facilitate backed-up mucous drainage. For acute cases, there are steps that could be executed at home to provide relief:
-Breathing moist air, whether through a humidifier, steam vaporizer or just a hot shower. This begins loosening the backed-up mucous for nasal drainage.
-Alternating between a hot and cold compress. The hot compress should be applied for three minutes at a time and the cold compress for thirty seconds. This should be done 2-6 times a day.
-Nasal irrigation through rinses and spray which help to shrink sinus membranes and increase drainage.
-Over-the-counter medications with a primary ingredient of aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or a combination of any decongestants and antihistamines may also provide relief. In difficult cases, nasal steroid sprays can be used.
-Alternative medicine in the form of herbal treatments, such as the magnolia flower, angelica, mint, and chrysanthemum. These treatments though, have not been scientifically confirmed.
In more severe, chronic cases of sinus headache, medically treatment may be needed. A CT scan may be administered to determine the extent of blockage, as well as an allergy test and desensitization. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but if they fail to provide any relief, an endoscopic or image-guided surgery may be necessary.
Although some people are naturally at risk for experiencing a form of sinusitis, there are some preventive measures to keep cases from becoming chronic, good hygiene being one of the most effective. Other actions include carefully managing allergies and preventing asthma attacks, treating cold symptoms immediately, using a humidifier to keep nasal passages clear, and avoiding cigarette smoke.
Related Tags: sinus headaches
Learn more about sinus headaches and Frequent Headaches at http://www.frequent-headaches.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- 4 Tips To Lessen Pain Of Headaches
If you always suffer from headaches for being cooped up in the office all day, you are not alone. Su - Pain - Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment for Severe Pain
Is this you? Experiencing severe pain all over your body. You feel exhausted all of the time. You ha - Pain - Plantar Fasciitis Pain Therapy To Relieve Your pain
If you experience foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis, you are most likely in search of successful - Do You Suffer From Irritable Bowel Syndrome Migraine Pain?
There have been a number of studies carried out about the impact of IBS symptoms, including irritabl - Prednisone and Massage
One of the most often presented conditions that massage therapists encounter is chronic pain, making - Headaches - Distressing If Not Serious
Headaches can be very distressing. They are a common symptom and many headaches are self-limiting an - Headache - Such A Common Complaint
Headaches can be very distressing. They are a common symptom and many headaches are self-limiting an - Headaches - Prevention Worth Considering
Headaches can be very distressing. They are a common symptom and many headaches are self-limiting an - Sinus Headache Relief In The Shape Of A Bed!
The sinus headache is unique in it's location. It primarily affects the face, but can also affect th - Pain - Shoulder Pain Causes, Tests, And Treatments
Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are common, and are caused by problems with the shou
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Is My Tension Headache Serious? How Do I Know?
Muscles in the back of the head and scalp tighten which decreases blood flow into the head and leads - Fibromyalgia Pain Management
Because of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and fibromyalgia (a painful autoimmune disease), I was ba - Can Migraine Headaches Be Caused By Driving?
Nowadays we all have to drive more than ever and if our car seats aren't set up properly it can lead - Migraines Headaches - What Are They And How Are They Caused?
A migraine is a recurring vascular headache - they happen again and again. It is much more than a ba - Neck Pain - Lower Back Pain: Should Treatments Be Focused Only To The Area That Hurts?
If a person has neck pain or lower back pain and treatments are directed only to the area involved, - Ease Your Back With Natural Pain Relief
It is a well known fact that many of us suffer with back ache in various degrees from simple aches t - How to Overcome Joint Pain with 3 Exercise Tips
If you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis, then you must be eager to seek about joint pain c - Beating Fibromyalgia
As a sufferer of Fibromyalgia I believe that trying to beat Fibromyalgia is a healthy attitude to ad - Frequent Headache Symptoms Might Require Attention
Almost everyone suffers from a headache from time to time. But for those who deal with frequent head - Trigger Point Therapy
Many of the people that come to Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers are seeking someone to help them