Sinus headache is characterized by pain and pressure in the clogged sinuses in the forehead above your nose and between your eyes. You can feel tenderness when touching the area. Another typical symptom is pain intensity increases during bending and in the lying down position.
You may have a headache due to other reasons also, therefore in order to ensure it is a sinus headache look for other symptoms such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, nasal discharge and fatigue.
Once it is confirmed that it is sinus headache they relief is possible with many natural home remedies. You may not require any medicine if these remedies are timely used.
Which Home Remedies Relieve Symptoms of a Sinus Headache?
The main objective of sinus headache treatment is to reduce the symptoms, cleaning the sinuses and feel relief from the pain and pressure. The very first step is to reduce congestion in the nasal passage.
1. Reduce Nasal Passage Congestion
There are many different but simple methods to reduce congestion in the sinuses. Try as many simultaneously as possible for a quick relief from sinus headache.
Drink Enough Fluids - If you hydrate yourself fully then the sinuses will drain easily and the congestion will reduce giving relief from sinus pain and pressure. Drink 8-10 glasses of water and other fluids such as fresh juices to keep you fully hydrated. Soda, caffeine and alcoholic drinks will dehydrate you, so avoid them.
Use Neti - Buy a neti pot if you don't already own one. It is a very powerful tool to quickly remove nasal congestion. Fill the neti pot with warm water added with salt. Half teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water is just about the right proportion. Stand near a wash basin. Tilt your head on right side to bring the nose in a horizontal position. Fill upper nostril with warm salt water through the neti pot and let it drain from the other nostril. Now fill up the net pot again with warm salt water. Tilt your head on the left side and repeat. This will clear your clogged nose and sinuses. It is better to do neti under supervision of an experienced person for better results, particularly if you have never done neti before.
Use Humidifier - Since sinus headache increases in the lying down position, it is important to keep the atmospheric humidity high to keep the nasal passage moisturized. This will reduce the sinus pressure and you will get pain relief. Keep a humidifier in your bedroom. Make sure that your humidifier is always clean; otherwise it can cause fungal infection.
2. Hot and Cold Compress
Alternate hot and cold compress will help clearing your sinuses to relieve you from sinus headache. Sleep on your back and keep a pillow under your head. Keep a warm towel or washcloth on your forehead for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the hot cloth and place a cold compress on the forehead for 30-40 seconds to complete one cycle of hot and cold compress. Repeat 3-5 cycles 3-4 times a day to keep you sinuses clean.
3. Eat Spicy Food
This is not for everyone. If you can handle spicy food then add red chilies in you food preparation to make it spicy. Capsaicin in red chili not only helps draining the sinuses but also reduces the pain.
4. Practice Deep Breathing
Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing help in reducing sinus headache. The mind relaxes due to good oxygen supply during deep breathing, this helps in dealing with the pain perception reducing sinus headache.
5. Listen to Soothing Music
Many studies have revealed that listening to your favorite music relieves you from sinus headache. The humming sound appears to clear the sinuses to some extent reducing pressure and pain. This will also shift your focus from the pain and keep your focus on music , thus giving double benefit of pain relief.
If none of these methods work and you have yellow or green mucus from your sinuses, then you need to do more. Contact your doctor to get rid of the bacterial sinus infection.
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