Throbbing pain in the middle of your head that gets worse when you bend over is most likely a sinus headache. Sinus headaches are a common symptom of inflammation in the sinus cavity tissues that place extra pressure on the surrounding areas. If you have sinus headaches on a regular basis, you should talk to your doctor or an eye, ear and nose specialist. Drinking hot teat may help temporarily alleviate some symptoms of a sinus headache.
Sinus Headache
Sinus headaches develop in the front of your head and face with a dull, deep throbbing pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The pain is the result of swelling that occurs in your nasal passages located directly behind your eyes, nose and cheeks. The pain is typically worse in the morning and may progressively get better throughout the day. Sinus headaches are commonly confused with migraine headaches because they can have similar symptoms; however, migraine headaches often cause nausea. A sinus headache may cause tenderness in your upper teeth, behind your eyes, in your inner ear and in your forehead.
Cause
Your sinuses are made of soft tissues lined with mucus membranes that help protect the body from irritants and airborne substances. The soft tissues are highly sensitive and become easily inflamed through environmental factors, allergic reactions and the common cold. When irritated, increased blood flow causes inflammation in the soft tissues, resulting in swelling. The swelling cuts off your ability to breathe and drain mucus through your nose, causing pressure to build up. At the same time, mucus production increases, complicating the problem. The excessive mucus and the inability to expel mucus cause the swollen sinus cavity to place pressure on surrounding areas of the head.
Hot Tea
Drinking hot tea may help provide some temporary relief for a sinus headache and congestion, according to MedlinePlus. The heat and humidity from the hot tea can cause thick mucus to thin, resulting in drainage and the release of pressure. The humidity may soothe the sinus cavities, causing them to reduce in size. Drinking more liquid in general is helpful when you have a sinus headache; the more liquid you drink, the more the mucus thins, which encourages proper drainage.
Consideration
If you develop thick, yellow nasal discharge along with a fever and body chills, call your doctor. The most common complication of nasal congestion with a sinus headache is a sinus infection.
