How to Ease Your Bothersome Sinus Headaches

If you’re among the 29 million Americans who struggle with sinus infections (sinusitis), you’re probably familiar with the pain and discomfort sinus headaches bring. And chances are you’d like to find lasting relief. 

Sinus infections can hit any time of year, but the cold, winter months can cause them to be especially plentiful. Other common causes include:

• Structural issues or polyps in your nose/passages that block sinus drainage 
• Asthma, which increases your risk of recurring sinus infections
• Chronic swelling of your nasal tissues from exposure to allergens
• Exposure to certain environmental pollutants 

At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our board-certified providers specialize in helping patients get relief from chronic sinus infections and sinus headaches. Since the best way to treat this common problem is by addressing the root cause of the infection, it’s best to schedule an appointment.   

In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about sinus headaches, ways you can ease your pain, and signs it’s time to seek medical help. 

How can I tell if my head pain is a sinus headache?

Swelling and pressure in the hollow cavities around your nose and eyes, called the sinuses, trigger sinus headaches. Your sinuses have mucous membranes to help keep nasal passages moist. 

Colds, allergies, and other things can irritate your sinuses, which can cause them to swell with inflammation. This triggers more mucus production. But since the tissues are swollen, this extra mucus gets trapped, leading to infection and building pressure.

This added pressure causes head pain that feels like a headache. Signs your head pain is a sinus headache include:

• Pressure and pain in your face or head, often the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the eyes or nose
• Pressure and pain that get worse when you bend over or lie down
• Pressure and pain that are worse first thing in the morning
• Pain in your upper teeth or jaw
• Pain that gets worse during sudden changes in temperature, such as going from a heated car to the cold outdoors or vice versa

Most of the time, sinus headaches accompany other sinusitis symptoms, such as congestion, yellow or green mucus, fever, facial swelling, and postnasal drip.  

What are the options for treating sinus headaches?

To help ease the pain of sinus headaches, there are some at-home treatments you can try. For example, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can offer some relief from the pain associated with these types of headaches.

Other ways you can treat sinus headaches include:

• Using a saline nasal spray or rinse
• Having a humidifier in your office or bedroom to moisten the air 
• Applying warm compresses to your face to ease pressure
• Taking OTC decongestants to reduce swelling and mucus  
• Using nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation

You’ll also want to avoid exposure to things that can make the inflammation in your sinuses worse, such as very dry air, smoke, fragrances, and environmental chemicals.  

When should I seek medical help for sinus headaches?

There are a number of reasons why you should seek medical treatment if you have one or more sinus headaches. For example, if you have sinus symptoms that last for more than 10 days, or if a sinus headache comes with a fever higher than 102°F, or if you get recurring sinus headaches, you should schedule an appointment with Integrative Primary Care.

Your provider will review your symptoms and medical history. Then your provider will perform a thorough exam. If sinus issues are the cause, your provider will create a personalized plan that will address your sinus headaches and other symptoms. Your plan may include medications, such as antibiotics and prescription decongestants. 

To learn more about managing sinus headaches or to get help for chronic sinusitis, call 832-500-7585 or book an appointment online with Integrative Primary Care today.