Sinus headache reliefWhat you need is sinus headache relief. Now. You're feeling hot, tired, and congested - and there's this terrible sinus headache. What are your options? Let's Source of the sinus headacheFirst, an important question - what's the source of your headache? Usually people equate a sinus headache with sinusitis, but many people (including doctors) are too quick to diagnose before taking a good look at the symptoms.Perhaps the most common problem is mistaking migraine for sinusitis. And when you need sinus headache relief, the worst thing you can do is get the wrong treatment. Congestion, and mucus in the back of your throat, are common to both migraine and sinusitis. However, more common with sinusitis is fever, discoloured thick mucus, and a localized pain around the eyes. With migraine, you often deal with nausea and a sensitivity to light or sound. A migraine may last a day or two or even three, but your sinus headache may gradually get worse over a 1-2 weeks. (more on migraine and sinus headache symptoms)  Prevention and early stagesYou can get relief in the early stages or even prevent sinus headache altogether. If you have a cold or allergy symptoms, that's when sinusitis can strike, due to the congestion. First, if you live in a dry area or work in a dry environment, consider getting a humidifier. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep the humidifier clean. A warm steam spa is excellent, either when you're sick or to enjoy when you're not! Using the spa steam several times a day may provide general relief.And some of the more obvious things - drink plenty of fluids, for example. If you're congested because of allergies, talk to your doctor about appropriate medications, such as a reliable nasal decongestant spray (search Drugstore.com). Or how about something simple? Just blow your nose, gently, one nostril at a time. Sinus headache reliefIn the later stages, it's even more important to get treatment, not just of the headache but of the source. The infection can spread and do more damage, the longer it's left. If you get recurring sinusitis, lasting for three months or more, it becomes chronic. In this case, you may even require surgery.For sinus headache relief, you can try over the counter drugs. Now, none of these will actually cure sinusitis. For that you may need to go on antibiotics. Some people try decongestant capsules for relief, but there's very little evidence that this is a great help. Instead, try painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you find one doesn't help, try the other. But remember, this is a short term solution. If you find you're not getting sinus headache relief after a week or two, or the headache is getting worse, see your doctor. Read more about sinusitis here. References: Mayo Clinic article Sinusitis treatment: Can over-the-counter drugs help? 13 Dec 2005; The American Academy of Otalaryngology on What is Sinusitis?; Mayo Clinic information on Acute Sinusitis and sinus headache relief from 14 Octboer 2005; WebMD news article Sinus Headache Symptoms = Migraine? 18 May 2003 by Daniel DeNoon.
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