When your sinuses become infected, inflamed or obstructed you may have a congestive headache. Sinus problems, colds and allergies often lead to congestive or frontal headaches. Headaches often start when you have a bad cold or allergies. If you have a headache that does not respond to at-home treatment, contact your doctor.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a congestive headache can vary from pressure and pain in your facial area, around your nose and behind your eyes to pain when you bend or move forward. Sudden temperature changes such as going outside when it is cold can worsen your pain. In addition, you may experience nasal congestion, a mild or moderate fever, fatigue and post nasal drip or yellowish, greenish nasal discharge.
Identification
To identify the exact medical problem that is causing your congestive headache, see your physician for a diagnosis.Your doctor will look inside your nasal canal, and check for congestion, swelling and discharge. She may also choose to do a series of tests, including an X-ray, a CT scan or an MRI.
Treatment
Treatment for a congestive headache can vary from using decongestants to release the nasal congestion to using antibiotics to treat a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Antihistamines may also be used to treat the congestion and relieve the headache. Home remedies include inhaling hot vapors, or breathing the vapors of menthol or eucalyptus. This type of inhalation help reduce inflammation and loosen the congestion in your nasal canal. You may also try the use of ice packs to help reduce pain and inflammation. Drink plenty of water and use a cool-mist humidifier in your room or office. Other treatment options such as acupuncture and chiropractic treatment may also be helpful with a chronic congestive headache.
Warning
Seek medical help if you are not healed within a few weeks. In fact, your primary care physician may need to refer you to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) physician for evaluation. If you have a serious infection, it can invade your brain, which can be deadly.
