What are the Best Treatments for a Sinusitis Headache?

A sinusitis headache differs from other types of headache because it causes pain around the eyes, in the face and in the forehead. Sinus pressure can be the result of viruses, bacterial infections, allergies or even fungal infections. The best treatments for a sinusitis headache include over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain, homeopathic remedies, using warm compresses to apply heat, taking a hot shower and drinking hot tea.

Relieving the pressure on the sinuses will most likely relieve the sinusitis headache pain. There are over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain of a sinus headache, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or, for those age 18 or older, aspirin. Homeopathic remedies also work well to alleviate the pressure, which is the root cause of a sinusitis headache.

One easy way to relieve sinus pressure is sitting upright instead of lying down. When one does this, gravity works to help alleviate the pressure, which helps ease the pain. Drinking hot tea can also help. The steam produced while drinking hot, non-caffeinated tea can help loosen sinus congestion.

Warm compresses applied under the eyes, on the cheeks or wherever the pain exists can help reduce pressure as well. A washcloth or other small towel can be heated in a microwave for 10-20 seconds. Caution should be used when removing it from the microwave to avoid burns. Also, one should make sure that the cloth is warm and not too hot before using it as a compress.

A steamy shower can also help to relieve pressure by unclogging the sinus ducts. Clogging the shower drain and adding some eucalyptus oil can help in cases of severely clogged sinuses. If standing in a shower is not an option, one can also boil a pot of water, remove it from the stove and drape a towel over his or her head while breathing in the steam. A humidifier used in the bedroom at night can help relieve sinusitis headache pressure while one sleeps.

Many people find relief from allergies and chronic sinusitis headaches by using the neti pot. The method uses a saline solution to cleanse the sinuses and help alleviate the bacteria or allergens that might cause congestion. An Internet search for "neti pot" will yield numerous results that explain how to properly use the system.

When sinusitis headache pressure and pain is not alleviated using an at-home remedy, or if the nasal discharge is rust-colored, green or yellow, this likely indicates a serious infection. Medical attention is needed, and the sufferer should contact his or her doctor. The doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and determine the proper treatment.