The month of June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. When you experience one of these, it could really put a damper on your day. One type of headache that’s very common is a sinus headache. If you’ve been dealing with this inflicting pain, here are four tips for recovering from it fast.
What is a Sinus Headache?
A sinus headache is a symptom of sinus infections. Your face usually hurts when you experience one. It could cause a person to feel a constant, dull ache behind the eyes or the cheekbones. You may also feel it within your forehead or the bridge of your nose. Typically, a viral or bacterial infection in your sinuses causes this.
It starts with your sinuses making more mucus. It builds up in your sinuses creating a place where bacteria and viruses can settle and grow. These intruders make your sinus tissue swell, trapping mucus so it can’t flow from your sinuses. As a result, a sinus headache is developed where your sinuses are swollen, irritated, and fluid-filled.
4 Tips For Recovering from It Faster
Getting a sinus headache is usually no fun, especially during the summer. While it does normally go away when a sinus infection does the same, there may be some instances where it could last more than a week. If you’re interested in getting rid of it quickly, here are some simple tips for doing so.
Try Nasal Irrigation with a Saline Rinse
Consider using a saline nasal spray that is formulated to add moisture to the nasal passages, thin mucous secretions, and flush out inflamed cells and germs. Some people use neti pots, which is like a little teapot with a long spout, to relieve sinus headaches. A sinus rinse has been known to remove dust, pollen and other debris, but also loosen thick mucus. It could also help relieve symptoms of sinus infections and allergies. Just be sure you’re using nasal irrigation safely.
Apply a Warm Compress to Your Sinuses
Use a warm washcloth or heating pad over your nose and eyes to relieve a sinus headache. Heat has been effective in reducing sinus pressure and improving drainage. You’ll inhale the warm moisture and it’ll help calm the aching symptoms on your face. So that’s a simple method of alleviating your sinus headache.
Take a Decongestant or Pain Reliever
Besides putting a warm compress on your face or using a nasal irrigation, some people also take an over-the-counter decongestant or pain reliever. Decongestants have been known for being effective at relieving nasal congestion and improving sinus drainage. This treatment does this by reducing swelling of blood vessels in your nose. Some examples of these options for those dealing with sinus headaches include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or pseudoephedrine. Be sure to exercise precautions in not overusing these medications.
Use Steam Inhalation for Instant Relief
Many people have found inhaling steam to open up their nasal passages. Whether they just take a hot, steamy shower or tilt your head and inhale a hot, bowl of water, this at-home method could help relieve any sinus pressure. Breathing steam from hot soup or tea could also be effective. If you’re dealing with a serious sinus headache, take some time to inhale steam three or four times a day.
Fight Sinus Headaches Effectively This Summer
Getting sinus headaches in the summer isn’t any fun. But you can relieve this with these simple tips you can do at home. However, be sure to stay hydrated, use plenty of Vitamin C, and get plenty of rest to keep sinus headache pain at bay.
What are your tips for recovering from a sinus headache? How do you ease your painful symptoms fast? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you know going through this.
