What are Sinus Headaches?
Sinus Headaches refers to a condition in which the affected individual experiences severe throbbing headaches caused due to inflammation and increased pressure around the sinuses that is caused by accumulation of fluid within and around the sinus cavity. The primary cause of these headaches is a blockage of the nasal passages which interferes with adequate drainage of the fluid from the sinuses.
When the fluid present in the sinuses does not drain it gets accumulated and increases pressure around the sinuses. Increased sinus pressure not only causes sinus headaches but also causes fullness and pressure around the eyes and forehead. The fluid buildup around the sinuses also proves to be a breeding ground for bacterial infections.
Sinus Headaches are quite similar to regular migraine or tension headaches. They tend to get worse while sleeping and bending forwards while vacuuming. The affected individual has a nasal quality to their voice and there is persistent dripping from the nose. There is also pain experienced on the upper teeth. This article gives a brief overview of whether Sinus Headaches can go away on its own and if that is not the case what can be done about it.
Can Sinus Headaches Go Away On Their Own, If Not, What Can Be Done About it?
Sinus Headache is quite an annoying condition. The pain can be severe and quite debilitating. The symptoms are quite severe at onset and the patient may be even bedridden. Mild cases of Sinus infection in which the headaches are quite mild in severity do not warrant any treatment and tend to go away after a couple of days.
However, severe cases of sinus infection causing severe headaches tend to last longer and require medications either over the counter or prescriptive for effective treatment and alleviation of Sinus Headaches. Chronic cases of Sinus Headaches are a persistent problem and have a high recurrence rate.
Even if the symptoms go into remission post treatment for a few days they tend to flare up again and may even get worse than before. This raises the possibility of developing a bacterial infection within the sinuses and calls for administration of antibiotics to treat the infection and calm Sinus Headaches. However, in majority of the cases antibiotics are not required and the condition resolves with over the counter medications.
The best way to deal with Sinus Headaches is by using decongestants. These medications work by clearing the blockage which is the primary cause of Sinus Headaches and opens up the sinuses. The best form of a decongestant is the nasal spray which can be bought over the counter. This can be used up to three times a day.
Decongestants also come in oral form and can be used.
It should be mentioned here that caution should be maintained when using over the counter nasal sprays or oral decongestants in that they should not be used for more than three to four days as it may then worsen the condition even more. For Sinus Headaches, pain medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can also be used for symptom relief on a temporary basis.
Using steam inhalation and humidifier is also quite an effective way to treat Sinus Headaches. This form of treatment makes the sinuses moist and also opens up the nasal passageway for the excess fluid to easily drain from the nose and decrease the severity of the headache. They are also quite helpful in calming down the inflammation in and around the sinuses.
If the infection waxes and wanes then it may be a case of a bacterial infection which if not treated may lead to various complications. In such a scenario, administration of antibiotics for a few days is recommended until the infection clears up and the symptoms dissipate. Antibiotics become necessary when symptoms do not improve, or improve and then recur, despite medications after more than week.
If the patient notices production of greenish yellow mucous then this also points towards a bacterial infection affecting the sinuses and requires antibiotic treatment.
Another symptom that suggests a potential bacterial infection and calls for antibiotic treatment is tenderness along the face which tends to be worse on one side than the other.
In summary, Sinus Headaches can go away on their own if the pressure around the sinuses is extremely mild and there are minimal symptoms caused by it. However, in cases where there is excessive buildup of fluid around the sinuses with increased sinus pressure medications are required for draining of the fluid and opening up the sinuses to get rid of Sinus Headache.