A sinus headache is usually caused when the sinus cavities around the eyes and behind the cheeks are inflamed from infection, fungus or thick mucus from a cold. Telltale symptoms include pain when bending forward or pushing gently on your cheeks or eyebrows. Additionally, you may have a yellowish-green or slightly bloody mucous discharge from your nose. If you are also experiencing nausea or an aversion to bright light, you may actually have a migraine headache which, according to MayoClinic.com, has symptoms similar to sinus headaches. If you're unsure, it's important to be evaluated by a health care provider.
Prescription Medication
When the mucus from a bad head cold sits in your sinuses, it can become infected, and a sinus headache caused by a bacterial infection will usually need an antibiotic for a cure. Your doctor will be able to examine your nasal cavity and determine the extent of the infection and what the best course of antibiotics for you are. Some of the commonly prescribed medications for a sinus infection are zithromax, keflex, ceftin and amoxicillin. Tell your health care provider about any allergies you may have.
Non-Prescription Medication
If your sinus headache is caused by a cold or other viral infection, antibiotics will not work. Instead, your own immune system will take care of the swelling as the virus clears. To feel better while your body is doing its work, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling, suggests MayoClinic.com. Additionally, items like saline nasal sprays and decongestants can help thin the mucus and make your nose and sinuses feel better, which will also lessen the headache.
Home Treatments
Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest are still gold standard treatments for a sinus headache due to a cold. The fluid you drink can help thin the mucus, making it easier to expel when blowing your nose. Rest gives your body's immune system the opportunity to repair itself. Additionally, you can sit in a steam-filled bathroom, use a Neti pot to clear the nasal passages, or boil water and breathe in the steam for five minutes or so. All these interventions will make the headache go away by relieving the pressure of congestion. If your sinus headache gets worse or is accompanied by a fever greater than 100.5, see your health care provider.
