Dr. Peck’s Guide to Dealing with Sinus Headaches

Created on June 30, 2013

Not all headaches are a result of sinus inflammation. Hence, the importance of visiting specialists like Dr. Peck to help you figure out if it’s really your sinuses that’s taking you down. Here at our Massachusetts dental practice, we do not just provide top-notch dental services, Dr. Peck and his team also performs sinus-related surgeries.

What Causes Sinus Headaches

Sinusitis cases over the years have increased in number and this is heavily attributed to increased pollution and rising resistance to antibiotics. A sinus headache is often attributed to inflamed sinuses, surrounding membranes,  and nasal passages. Apart from headache, other symptoms of either acute or chronic sinusitis include the following:

• pain and/or pressure around the forehead, eyes and cheeks

• facial swelling

• fever and chills

• nasal stuffiness which may or may not be accompanied with yellow/green discharge

• upper toothache

Sinus Headache Treatments

The key to relieving symptoms of inflamed sinuses such as a headache is to reduce the swelling and inflammation as well as facilitate mucous drainage which is often trapped in the obstructed sinuses. The following are at-home remedies that you could try for pain relief:

• Alternate hot and cold compresses. Start with a hot compress over your sinuses for around 3 minutes and follow it with a cold compress for 30 seconds. Do this at least 3 times with 3 to 6 treatments per day.

• Try to breathe moist air. An environment with dry air will most likely trigger swelling in your sinuses. Use a cool mist humidifier or steam vaporizer at home or try to produce steam through hot showers or from a basin of hot water.

• Nasal Irrigation techniques are also helpful in shrinking swollen nasal membranes and consequently increase mucus drainage. Several nasal irrigation products are sold over the counter.

• Medications such as decongestants and antihistamines may also relieve headache and accompanying symptoms. However, it is best not to use them for prolonged periods.

• Several herbs have also been proven to work against sinus inflammation such as mint, angelica, and chrysanthemum.

Sinus Surgery in Massachusetts

If none of the aforementioned treatments seem to help, you might want to visit Dr. Peck for an initial consultation. If you live around the Springfield or Boston , Massachusetts area, schedule an initial consultation with us! Call us at (413) 241-3264 or fill out this contact form. Dr. David Peck is known for results!

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