What are Sinus Headaches?

Sinus headaches are a dull, deep, throbbing pain in the front of the head and face, right above the underlying sinus cavity (see drawing below). They are caused by inflammation in the sinuses which are cavities around the nose, eyes, and cheeks. This inflammation in turn is often caused by allergies or infections. Bending down or leaning over generally makes the pain worse as may do cold and damp weather. Sinus headaches often begin in the morning upon waking and may diminish by afternoon. Sinus headaches can be difficult to differentiate from tension headaches and migraines.

What are the Symptoms?

Sinus headaches often have the following symptoms:

·        Pressure like pain in the face often behind the eyes

·        The face is tender to the touch

·        The pain is worse with sudden movements of the head    

·        Pain in the morning is worse

·        Temperature changes worsen the pain

·        Headaches often start with or are worse with colds

·        Chronic or frequent sinus headaches are most often accompanied by symptoms of allergy

Typically not as intense as migraines, sinus headaches often recur more frequently than migraines but are not worsened by light or noise.

Allergens

Some sinus headches are caused by infections (such as colds) others by an anatomical problem (the shape of or obstruction in the airways). However, frequent or chronic sinus headaches are most often related to allergies. These can be low-grade, sub-acute, chronic allergies that otherwise seem to cause few if any obvious symptoms. Still, the allergic response is there in the sinuses and it results in inflammation followed by sinus headaches. Two common culprit for these low-grade, chronic allergies are dust mites that can abound in mattresses, pillows and bedding and mold. This can in part explain why these headaches are often worse upon waking.

Treatment Tips

·        Try to get ride of the allergen. It may come from mites or mold. Change your bedding frequently. Be sure it is well washed in hot water and with bleach. It needs be well rinsed as well. Detergents themselves often contain allergens . Avoid having carpeting in your bedroom and be sure to dust, vacuum and damp mop regularly.

·       Control the allergic reponse. Try rinsing your sinuses with a non-medicated saline nasal spray. They're safe and inexpensive, may wash out some allergens and will help relieve pressure. Use natural allergy control herbal remedies. These address the root cause of the problem and can provide a long term solution with fewer negative side effects. Two such products that come highly recommended are AllergiClear and Congesto-K . The latter is a remedy that you actually spray onto your pillow before bed.

·        Use natural anti-inflammatories. If you stil get headaches try replacing conventional anti-inflammatories with natural ones whcih may be better for your health in the long run. The ones which are often used with success by herbalists for this condition are; Bromelain, a natural supplement in an oral capsule form derived from pineapples is a natural anti-inflammatory that shrinks sinus swelling. Herbalists will often prescribe it in conjunction with Quercetin.

Devil's Claw, a plant native to south Africa which contains glucosides with anti-inflammatory properties.

Feverfew, a flowering plant that contains a parathanolide that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. This dilation can be of benefit in relieving headache pain including that of sinus headaches.

A few words of caution

If you are not better in a few weeks see your doctor.

Bromelain should not be taken with blood thinners or with ACE inhibitors.

Sinus congestion often occurs during pregnancy. There are herbs and medications that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take. Check with your doctor before using any herbs or supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additionally, you should get prompt medical attention if you experience the following:
A sudden and severe headache that persists or increases in intensity over time.
A sudden, severe headache that you would describe as "your worst ever".
Chronic or severe headaches that begin after age 50.
Headaches accompanied by memory loss, loss of balance, confusion, change in speech or vision or loss of strength in or numbness in a r limb.
A headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and/or vomiting (possible meningitis).
A severe headache localized to one eye and accompanied by redness of the eye (possible acute glaucoma)