How to get rid of a sinus headache naturally? It is a matter of concern, and this is not surprising considering that 5% of Americans have a headache at any given point of time. They are best classified as secondary headaches, and this could be attributed to the fact that there is invariably an underlying cause which is responsible for these headaches.
The cause
Sinus headaches are headaches which usually accompany a medical condition known as sinusitis. Sinusitis is specific disease like condition wherein the inner mucosal or membranous lining of the sinuses become inflamed and swollen. These sinuses are air filled spaces located in the region of the forehead and the cheek bones in the upper part of the face.
What does a sinus headache feel like?
This is something most of us have asked ourselves at least once. Health professionals are of the opinion that when you experience some or more of these symptoms, then you are suffering from a sinus headache:
Pain and Congestion
If you experience a sense of heaviness or pain in the region of the forehead, cheeks or the nose, you are probably suffering from a sinus headache. This pain can be aggravated by bending forward, sudden movement or straining thus further confirming the diagnosis.
The mechanics are simple, when the inner wall of the sinus cavities are inflamed and the drainage of fluids from the cavity to the nose are obstructed, it leads to an increased pooling of secretions within the cavities. This leads to intense pain and feeling of heaviness in the region.
Radiating Pain
Experts believe that although the pathology is predominantly limited to the region of the upper face, it is a distinct possibility that one may experience radiating pain in the lower part of the face including the jaw and the upper teeth.
Runny Nose
Red watery eyes, runny secretions from the nose and a typical facial congestion are some of the more important signs and symptoms which are usually associated with a sinus headache.
On the contrary, when headaches are associated with nausea, vomiting and bright lights, the diagnosis is migraine rather than a sinus headache.
Fever and Chills
Some of the common symptoms associated with a sinus headache are a high fever with chills in addition to a thick yellowish mucosal secretion from the nose.
Thus according to MedicineNet it could well be concluded that if you are suffering from a headache with no radiation or constitutional symptoms like fever and nasal secretions; you are in all probability suffering from a tension or a migraine like headache rather than a sinus headache.
Sinus headaches – threat and control
How to relieve a sinus headache is one of the queries which has unlimited answers, considering that there are numerous options available which could be conventional or from the sables of home remedies. However, home remedies continue to be the preferred option as they are not accompanied by and side effects.
How to get rid of a sinus headache fast and naturally
Conceptually, sinus headaches are best managed by controlling and reversing the inflammation in the sinus cavities. This removes the blockage and hence helps drain the sinus cavities effectively. This will result in a release of pressure and pain.
1. Rest and fluids
Bed rest and consuming plenty of fluids is arguably the preferred option. It improves the generalized health and hydration of the body. Thus, it is not surprising that this relatively simple option is considered as an effective treatment modality.
2. Warm water and inflammatory reversals
One of the least spectacular, yet particularly effective options is to consume plenty of warm water; the cardinal rule is to take warm water whenever thirsty. This invariably leads to quick reversal of sinus headaches.
The scientific logic being that sinus headaches are usually caused due to the inner lining of the sinus cavities getting intensely inflamed due to a common cold or infection. This is best reversed by using a strong anti–inflammatory option like warm water which is also strongly analgesic, thus controlling the pain to a great extent.
Thus the solution for those persistent sinus headaches may be as simple as consuming multiple cups of warm water during the day.
3. Acupressure and sinus headaches
Acupressure is an art and a science rather than a mere psychological prop. This is more than evident from the fact that applying persistent pressure over the point where the thumb and the index fingers of the hand meet, can lead to instant reversal of sinus headaches.
4. Spices work
A few bites of Jalapeno pepper can lead to an instant reversal of sinus headaches within a few minutes. However,
caution must be maintained at all times considering that consuming more of Jalapeno pepper can be harmful.
The mechanics are simple, Jalapeno peppers are known to drain the sinuses and hence helps relive the sinus headaches.
5. The neti pot
One of the most innovative methods that have been adopted by naturalists in recent years is to ensure that the nasal mucosa or the inner lining of the nasal cavity is kept moist at all times.
This is best ensured by humidifying the air as it passes through the nasal passage. Neti pots have been found to be particularly effective when it comes to humidification of the nasal airway.
Concurrent use of nasal sprays has proved to be particularly beneficial, provided that they are used judiciously and with caution. The limitation being that prolonged use of nasal sprays may lead to a rebound inflammation and swelling of the mucosa once the spray is discontinued.
6. Steam inhalation
To reiterate, common cold and sinusitis are some of the common causes of swelling and congestion of the inner mucosal lining of the nasal cavities.
Steam works on the concept of introducing warm and moist air into the nose and the throat. Thus, it moistens and decongests the passageway, making it easier to drain out the thick and viscous fluid. It concurrently helps one breathe more easily.
7. Eucalyptus relief
When the predominant symptom is a severe headache, limited to the region of the head, one may contemplate using a few drops of Eucalyptus oil mixed with olive oil. The mix is rubbed in gently over the region of the nose and throat. The symptoms begin to subside quickly provided that the region is well covered and rubbing is gentle.
On the contrary, merely applying a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a clean tissue and inhaling the odor can also help reverse the symptoms effectively.
8. The peppermint perspective
Peppermint oil is not new and has been used for decades to help decongest the nose. Peppermint contains an important chemical ingredient known as menthol. Menthol is a strong antiviral, antibacterial as well as an insecticidal element which can help decongest the nose quickly. The mode of application is relatively simple:
A few drops in a bowl of hot water inhaled as a vapor for 15 minutes can instantly decongest the nose. Alternatively you could even mix a few drops of peppermint oil with olive oil and rub in the mix over the nose, face, throat and upper chest for better results.
9. Basil and sinusitis
Holy Basil or ‘Tulsi’ leaves as they are better known, contain therapeutic ingredients like eugenol, camphene and cineole. These ingredients are particularly effective in reversing the inflammation as well as decongesting the sinus cavities. As they are strongly antiviral, they can even control the viral component thus controlling the condition.
10. Tea tree oil
Sinus headaches can also occur due to intense microbial activity in the region of the upper respiratory tract. Thus, it is not surprising that this strongly antimicrobial oil can reverse the condition within a few days.
Like any therapeutic oil, tea tree oil can be inhaled by adding a few drops to a glass of hot water and inhaling the vapors twice a day. Alternatively, when a swab of cotton is dipped in a tea tree oil and inhaled directly, recovery is even quicker.
11. Herbs and headaches
One of the most effective herbal options is cinnamon. This particular herb has excellent antiviral, antibacterial and even antiseptic properties. Thus, it could be concluded that cinnamon is particularly effective in treating and reversing sinus headaches.
When the nasal passage is infected, it leads to an inflammation and swelling of the inner lining of the passage. This is leading to obstructed breathing as well as blocking of the sinuses. The blockage of the sinus cavities, invariably leads to an increased pressure symptoms and sinus headaches.
When cinnamon is used, it can dramatically reduce the inflammation and open up the nasal airway, leading to relief of pressure symptoms as well as sinus headaches.
While some would like to mix cinnamon with honey and consume it twice a day for results, there would be others who would prefer to drink and inhale cinnamon mixes. These mixes are easy to prepare. All that you would need to do is to add a stick of cinnamon to a cup of hot water, boil for fifteen minutes. The mix needs to be inhaled as well as consumed as a beverage for optimal results.
12. Compress Reversals
If you do not have access to therapeutic oils, another effective option is to use alternating hot and cold compresses.
If your sinuses are blocked due to viscous secretions, it is a distinct possibility that you would be experiencing severe sinus headaches. In these situations, a hot and cold compress would help to alleviate the sinus pressure.
The logic is fascinating, hot compress liquefies the thick mucus, it increases the drainage from the sinus cavity and this results in an instant relief of pain. Conversely, the cold compress will constrict the blood supply to the region,thus minimizing the pain sensation significantly.
It is not surprising that naturalists and doctors use hot and cold compresses as the first line of treatment for sinus headaches.
13. Decongestants
Experts believe that nasal congestion is an important symptom in instances where excess fluids are drained from the sinus cavities to the nose. Secretions tend to accumulate in the nose leading to congestion and difficulty in breathing.
Strategic and judicious use of nasal sprays and nasal decongestant drops helps clear out the secretions. This will lead to instant relief of pain and pressure symptoms.
14. Anti–inflammatory options
As sinus headaches are caused by a significant increase in inflammatory activity in the region of the nose and the sinus cavities, it is advisable to use strong anti–inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol for better results.
15. Nasal Sprays
Saline nasal sprays can be used over the inner lining of the nose and mouth so as to ensure that the swelling and inflammation is controlled. Mucus, bacteria, and allergens are flushed out and the results are encouraging.
16. Vitamin C
If you have been experiencing a persistent headache, fever, have tender spots in the region of the cheeks and the forehead or even between the eyes, you are in all probability suffering from a sinus headache.
Strawberries, oranges, and lemons are just some of the wonder options which can help reverse your symptoms without any significant side effects. This could be attributed to the fact that these are some of the diet options which are particularly rich in Vitamin C. These are rich sources of antioxidants which can control sinus inflammation as well as improve the generalized immune system.
People seeking an alternative to fruits may find the right mix in balancing fruits with some of the exotic tea variants. Green and lemon tea have been found to be particularly effective options for treating sinus headaches.
17. Ginger reversals
Ginger needs no introduction, considering that this amazing natural option has been found to be effective in a diverse range of disease conditions. It has been found to be a potent anti inflammatory and analgesic natural option. Thus, it is not surprising that it helps with sinus headaches.
Depending on the preferences, some may opt for a ginger tea, others may like their ginger raw.
To further elaborate the case in point, when ginger root is cut into slices and added to a cup of boiling water, allowing it boil for at least ten minutes, the outcome is a therapeutic ginger tea.
On the contrary, an equally effective alternative is to chew a ginger root in a raw form. This may not be the preferred option for many, since it has a strong unsavory tang. One of the simplest methods of consuming ginger is to opt for ginger supplements which are both convenient as well as effective.
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