You may suffer from sinus headaches if you have recently recovered from a head cold or if you have seasonal or other allergies. These headaches are caused by mucus that pools in the sinuses, located in your forehead and behind your cheekbones. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do at home to relieve the pain and pressure.
Step 1
Introduce moisture to your nasal passages. This will help to loosen the congestion. Use saline drops or spray or breathe the steam from a hot shower. Running a humidfier in your bedroom at night may also help.
Step 2
Lie down and relax your muscles. Lying down can help drain your sinuses. Relaxing can help you cope with the pain of a headache and help relieve aching neck muscles, which can exacerbate your headache.
Step 3
Take 200 mg of eucalyptus oil extract up to three times per day. This can reduce sinus congestion and allow your sinuses to drain.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Tylenol and Advil are good pain relievers. Mucinex can help to thin nasal secretions and allow you to blow your nose more efficiently. Decongestants such as Sudafed and antihistamines such as Benadryl can also help. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking more than one type of medication at a time, to avoid overdosage and contraindications.
Step 5
See your doctor if your sinus headache persists. He may prescribe a stronger decongestant or antihistamine. In some cases, you may need a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Things You'll Need
- Saline drops
- Eucalyptus oil extract
- Over-the-counter medications
