Sinus issues are increasing in numbers every day, and anyone who has had sinus issues can tell you the sinus headache symptom and remedy that best suits them. It is incredibly painful and can actually incapacitate a person during busy sinus seasons, like spring and fall. While there is no cure or vaccine for sinus problems, there are some great remedies out there. But what exactly is a sinus headache?
Sinus headaches are commonly associated with colds, but can appear with severe allergies as well. Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, nasal drainage, cough and fever. You feel run down, with a congested nose and a box of tissues not too far from you. The only thing you want to do is hid under the sheets until it goes away. On top of all the congestion, you wander around in this fog with a throbbing headache that just doesn't seem to go away and is centered just above and just under your eyes.
The sinus headache occurs when your sinuses become thick with nasal mucus and become infected with a rhinovirus. Since the sinuses are located around your eyes, when this occurs, you feel a great deal of pressure behind the eyes that radiates throughout the face. The same occurs with allergy sufferers, when their sinus cavities become over stimulated with allergens. Except with allergy sufferers, the sinus headaches continue on an almost daily basis during certain times of the year, whereas sinus headaches associated with the common cold will eventually go away in a matter of days.
How do I Treat a Sinus Headache?
There are plenty of over the counter drugs that can help alleviate sinus headache symptoms, and other drugs that can directly alleviate the source of the sinus congestion. There are decongestants available that can dry up the nasal passages, but decongestants can cause other problems if misused. If using a nasal spray to combat nasal congestion, you may actually develop a condition called rebound congestion, where the sinus cavities actually constrict to the point that it obstructs breathing. This rebound congestion can cause sinus headache symptom to linger longer than you would like, if you misuse nasal sprays. Another problem is side effects that can be unpleasant. Since most decongestants are a stimulant, it can give you the jitters, which, in some individuals, can be just as bad as the sinus headache.
For particularly nasty sinus headache symptoms, a doctor can provide different prescription medications, like Humarid, to help clear up sinuses quickly. However, most individuals can find relief with just a decongestant, an aspirin and an antihistamine at the drug store. Yet, if the sinus headache continues, consult a doctor, as it may be something much more than a sinus infection.
Can I Avoid Having Sinus Headache Symptoms?
Not everyone can avoid a sinus headache, but if you have chronic congestion, do not overuse nasal sprays. One of the best things you can do when you feel a cold coming on is to drink water. This will hopefully keep the nasal discharge watery and thin enough not to cause congestion. This will keep the pressure down within the cavities and keep the headache from forming. Blowing your nose regularly will keep the discharge thin within your cavities as well. Keeping the mucus thin is key to avoiding the headache pressure within the sinuses.
You can also apply ice packs to sinuses. Since cold is a naturally constrictor, this will help keep vessels in your nasal cavities and sinuses from growing enlarged and painful. But mostly, sinus headache symptoms are simply a notice from your body that there is an imbalance of some sort. Frequent sinus problems and sinus headache symptoms can mean a medical condition that could require a trip to an ear, nose and throat specialist, who will find the right remedy for you.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about
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