About this topic
A sinus headache is caused by infected sinuses. Sinuses are small air spaces in the head behind the nose, eyes, and cheeks. They lead into the nose. They allow fluid, called mucus, to drain. They can swell due to an allergy or an infection. When they swell, fluid gets trapped and it can get infected. This causes pressure in your head. If the pressure is very bad you will feel pain. If you move suddenly or lean forward the pain often gets worse. The pain is dull and throbbing. You may feel it in the top of your face. You may also be achy and have a yellow-green drainage from your nose. Your doctor may order drugs to kill the infection and to help with swelling. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Use a salt water or saline rinse on your nose. Talk to your doctor about how often you should do this.
- Hold a warm cloth to your sinuses for a few minutes. Then, hold a cold cloth to your sinuses for 30 seconds. Repeat a few times throughout the day.
- Take a hot bath or shower. Breathe in steam from a basin of hot water or hot shower. This moist air can help the headache.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). This can make the nose and sinuses swell.
- Do not smoke and avoid areas where people smoke.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve headache
- Help with pain and swelling
- Treat an allergy
- Moisten your nose
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may be more comfortable if you do not lean forward or lie down. Try sleeping with your head and shoulders propped on a few pillows. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid fumes, smoke, dust, and other allergens. These can bring on your headache.
- Seek treatment if you have a cold or an infection. This can prevent sinusitis from setting in.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Sinus headache lasts for more than a week
- The drugs your doctor gave you are not working
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if my headache lasts for more than a week.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinus-headache/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚