Sinus Headaches
What Do I Do To Cure Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches can be caused due to
sinusitis, which in turn, is caused because of either an allergy or an
infection. It is thus important to recognize what is the cause for the
sinus headache and treat it accordingly.
The main purpose of a
sinus headache relieving medicine is to open the nasal passages, treat
infection if any and allow the sinus cavities to drain.
Nasal
vasoconstrictors and pain-relieving medications like aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen sodium or acetaminophen can be used for the purpose. Care
should be taken that aspirin is not given to children as it may lead to
the development of Reye's syndrome which can be potentially lethal.
Decongestants which thin out the mucus and hence relieve sinus
should also be administered. These are available in the form of oral or
nasal sprays. You should be extremely careful while using nasal sprays
as these can lead to dependence. Also, they are to be avoided if you
have heart diseases, high blood pressure, migraine, Raynaud's disease,
emphysema, difficulty in urinating or if you are taking any
antidepressants. Steroid nose sprays may be used to reduce inflammation.
In
case of a sinus headache due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may
be prescribed. But if there is a structural deformity in the nose or the
sinus passage itself, like nasal polyps, then you might have to go in
for surgery. But surgery is always risky. Hence, other alternative
methods are tried before such an invasive method is utilized. If an
allergy is responsible for sinus headache, then you can use
corticosteroids.
While you are taking a treatment, self care is
also important. It includes breathing in warm, moist air and avoiding
smoke, even second-hand. Ask the doctor about nasal irrigation and do it
at home. Even a saline nasal spray can be used. This can be used up to 6
times a day quite safely.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture
and homeopathy may also work in some cases.