A bad headache can cause fatigue and stress on an otherwise nice day. When you’re experiencing a bad headache, its remedy may lie in its source. You can best identify a sinus headache by the location of the pain. Sinus headaches usually present with a dull pain behind the eyes, cheekbones, forehead or bridge of your nose. If your headache is the result of a sinus infection, symptoms including postnasal drip, congestion, facial pressure and tooth and ear pain may accompany it.
Sinus headaches will normally go away with your sinus infection. Let’s look at a few tips to manage your sinus headache and other symptoms.
Warm Compresses
A warm compress can reduce inflammation and pressure in your sinuses to ease your sinus headache. You can make a warm compress by microwaving a wet towel in 30-second intervals and placing it on your face over your sinuses. Use a warm compress a few times a day or whenever your headache is bothersome.
Facial Steamer or Humidifier
A facial steamer or humidifier can help keep your sinuses hydrated and thin out mucus to promote drainage and relieve pressure. You can make a steamer at home by sitting in the bathroom while running a hot shower with a towel under the door. Steam will build up around you and relieve congestion. For an extra refreshing steam, pick up some peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils from New Life Natural Foods to add to your shower.
Decongestants
ENT-approved decongestants can temporarily relieve the congestion and pressure causing your sinus headache. Remember to only use decongestants for a short time and under the advisement of an ENT specialist.
Surgery for Recurrent or Chronic Sinus Infections
Sinusitis is chronic when inflammation and symptoms last longer than 12 weeks at a time and recurrent when there are more than four episodes within a one-year period. When experiencing chronic or recurrent sinus infections and headaches, sinus surgery is an effective treatment option. Two common forms of sinus surgery include:
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). FESS widens the passages in your nose and sinuses and removes bone, infected tissue or nasal polyps blocking your sinuses. Studies show that approximately 80% to 90% of people who have undergone FESS feel it helped their sinus issues.
- Balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure wherein your ENT specialist will guide a small balloon into your nose. They will then inflate the balloon to clear passages. In a review of 258 operations, 88.5% of patients reported long-term beneficial outcomes in their sinus issues.
Sinus headaches don’t need to ruin a nice day. By employing warm compresses, steam and decongestants and considering surgical options for recurrent or chronic sinus infections, you can manage your symptoms for better sinus health. Contact Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our sinus specialists.