When your sinuses become congested and inflamed, mucus can't drain properly and air can't circulate through the nasal passages. The result is often a sinus headache---a deep, dull and throbbing pain in the front part of your head and face. Sinus headaches usually require no medical treatment unless the sinuses become infected, according to the Mayo Clinic, but home remedies can help relieve pain and discomfort.
Liquids
Drinking plenty of liquids will help thin mucous secretions, facilitate drainage and keep your body hydrated. Beverages such as juice and water are best. Avoid liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine because they can cause dehydration. Alcohol can also cause the swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses to worsen.
Steam
Steam helps ease the pain of a sinus headache and promotes mucus drainage. Stand over a bowl or sink of hot water with a towel draped over your head and breathe in the steam. Use the towel to help keep the steam around your face. Taking a long, hot shower is also a good way to breathe warm, moist air into your sinuses, or you can sit in the bathroom with the shower running and inhale the steam. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends inhaling steam two to four times a day.
Warm Compresses
Apply warm, damp cloths to the cheeks, forehead, and around the nose and eyes to help ease pain. Leave the cloth against the skin until it cools, then rinse in warm water and reapply.
Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps reduce congestion in the sinuses. Breathing dry air, as in a forced-air heating system, tends to irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses. The humidifier should be kept clean and free of mold.
Nasal Rinses
Use a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe or neti pot to rinse your sinuses with plain warm water or a solution of salt and water. A neti pot is a device designed especially for cleansing the sinuses. There are also specially designed squeeze bottles for the same purpose.
Other Remedies
Get plenty of rest so that your body can fight any infection that may be causing your headache. Sleep with your head elevated to help your sinuses drain, which will relieve congestion. Avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants, as they can irritate the sinuses and nasal passages and worsen headaches.
