What is a sinus headache?
A sinus headache is a symptom of sinus infections (sinusitis). Sinus headaches make your face hurt. You may feel a constant, dull ache behind the eyes or in your cheekbones, forehead and the bridge of your nose. The pain gets worse when you move your head suddenly or you bend over. Typically, sinus headaches go away once a sinus infection runs its course.
What causes sinus headaches?
If you have a sinus headache, a viral or bacterial infection in your sinuses may be to blame. Sinuses are a series of connected hollow spaces behind your cheekbones, forehead and nose. Air that comes in through your nose travels through your sinuses on its way to your lungs.Your sinuses are lined with tissue.
They also make mucus that keeps your nose moist and traps intruders like bacteria, viruses, fungi and dust-carrying allergens. Normally, free-flowing mucus carries off intruders before they can make trouble in your sinuses. But sometimes your sinuses’ reaction to intruders starts a chain reaction that leads to sinus headaches.
First, your sinuses start making more mucus. Mucus building up in your sinuses creates a place where intruders like bacteria and viruses can settle and grow. Growing intruders make sinus tissue swell, trapping mucus so it can’t flow from your sinuses. The result is swollen, irritated, fluid-filled sinuses that make your face feel achy and tender.
What’s the treatment for sinus headaches?
Sinus headaches happen because you have a sinus infection. Healthcare providers may treat bacterial infections with antibiotics. Viral infections typically go away without treatment.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend other medications to ease discomfort, like:Antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms. Decongestants to reduce swelling in your nose and sinuses. Pain relievers to ease headache pain. Steroids to reduce inflammation.
Is there a way to get rid of my sinus headache instantly?
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for sinus headaches. You need treatment for the underlying cause to get rid of a sinus headache. But there are things you can do to ease sinus pressure and pain: Apply a warm compress to painful areas of your face. Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow mucus to drain. Try a saline nasal spray or drops to thin the mucus. Use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of boiled water. Warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
