Your sinuses are hollow cavities in your skull that are lined with respiratory epithelium, which is the same mucous membrane that coats the inside of your nose, trachea and bronchial tubes. Normally, the fluid produced by your sinuses drains through openings at the back of your nose and goes down your throat. However, if the epithelium gets infected or becomes inflamed, it swells and obstructs the sinus openings. Since the sinuses cannot expand to accommodate the resultant increase in pressure, the nerves around the sinus cavities become compressed, which leads to a "sinus headache."
Sinusitis
Viral or bacterial infections and allergies are common causes of sinus inflammation, otherwise known as sinusitis. Anatomical abnormalities, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, can occlude the sinus openings and impair the normal flow of fluid through your sinuses. This stagnant fluid, in turn, encourages the growth of bacteria, which instigates further inflammation and swelling. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. While antibiotics or even surgery may be required for serious sinus problems, supplements are sometimes used to deal with sinusitis and its attendant headaches.
Vitamins and Minerals
A well-balanced diet is one key to avoiding infections and optimizing immune function. During cold and allergy seasons, supplemental vitamins and minerals may be beneficial, particularly for people who present a risk for infection. A 2003 article in "Annals of Internal Medicine" reported that a daily multivitamin helped reduce the incidence of respiratory infections among working-age adults with type 2 diabetes. Dr. James Balch, co-author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends extra calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese and additional vitamins A, B, C and E for sinusitis.
Probiotics
Probiotics are living microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, which when consumed in sufficient numbers, are beneficial for their hosts. A 2009 review in "International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents" showed that probiotics might reduce the duration and severity of URIs, but not the frequency of such infections. If you choose to try probiotics, a preparation containing at least three different strains and several billion organisms is recommended.
Herbs
Some herbs have proved useful in reducing inflammation or dealing with infection or allergy, while others provide relief from the headaches associated with sinusitis. According to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," anise, Osha, bromelain, cat's claw, elderberry, horehound and wild thyme all reduce congestion or boost immune function. White willow bark, cinnamon bark or kudzu may also help to relieve your headache. A salve made from peppermint oil, wintergreen oil and ginger that is applied to the temples sometimes works. Aromatherapy with eucalyptus or peppermint oil can alleviate headache, too.
Miscellaneous
Glucosamine sulfate, inositol-6-phosphate, methylsulfonylmethane, flaxseed oil, colloidal silver, DMSO, garlic, grape seed extract, quercetin and other bioflavonoids, California poppy and any number of other supplements also have proved beneficial treatments for sinusitis and sinus headaches, says Balch. In addition, moist heat applied to the forehead is a useful modality for some, as is a humidifier or vaporizer. While acupuncture has provided relief for some people who suffer from chronic sinus headaches.
Considerations
There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of any supplement as sole therapy for sinusitis or sinus headaches. If you choose to use supplements to treat a sinus headache that has not been properly diagnosed, do so with caution and follow manufacturers' dosing recommendations. Some headaches can indicate serious underlying problems. Acute sinusitis that is inadequately treated can worsen or become chronic, necessitating more aggressive and extensive medical treatment.
References
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection and quality of life; Barringer T, et al.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Allergies and Sinusitis"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- Pubmed: "International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents"; Probiotics for the prevention of respiratory tract infections: a systematic review; Vouloumanou E, et al.; 2009
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing: Sinusitis and Headache"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2002
