How to Get Rid of Pressure Headaches

Pressure headaches can be very painful and difficult to handle. They can be caused by sinus problems such as congestion or changes in the weather, which affect the barometric pressure in the atmosphere. One theory is that the changes in pressure cause oxygen levels to change, which cause headaches in some people. Another theory is that the blood vessels in your head contract and expand to make up for weather changes. This would explain why people can get pressure headaches when they are hiking, flying or driving to a higher altitude. Likewise, sinus infections cause pressure in the front of your head behind your eyes because of underventilation of one or more of the sinuses.

Things You'll Need

• Ibuprofen
• Antihistamine and/or decongestant
• Humidifier or ionizer
• Water
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen before you are in trigger situations. Doctors say that taking the medication before boarding a flight or driving to high altitudes will reduce the inflammation of the vessels in your head.

• 2

  If the pressure headache starts to throb before you have a chance to pre-treat take the anti-inflammatory drug at this time. It may take some time for the pressure headache to diminish, but it should go away.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about taking an antihistamine and/or decongestant. An antihistamine may help reduce mucosal swelling caused by an allergy. The decongestant decreases swelling because it constricts the blood vessels within the mucosa.

• 4

  Get fresh air or use a humidifier or ionizer. Breathing in moist air while lying down can help with weather-related headaches.

• 5

  Wet a wash cloth or towel with warm to hot water. Squeeze out the excess water. Place the towel over your nose and breathe in the moist air. The humidity will have the same effect as using a humidifier.