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Sinus Pain Help

Sinus headaches produce a dull, throbbing ache underneath your eyes, around your cheekbones and over your nose. They can produce tenderness due to inflammation and infection. The pain is generally worse in the morning because the sinuses don't have a chance to drain while you are lying down. Sinus headaches can be treated at home, but see your physician if symptoms last more than a couple of days.

  1. Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and analgesics can offer sinus pain relief. Antihistamines work by blocking the histamines in your body that trigger an allergic reaction. These medications can relieve mild sinus problems and are usually used in conjunction with decongestants. Decongestants are used to alleviate the swelling of the tissues in the sinuses. Take two tablets every four to six hours. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also provide temporary relief of sinus pain.

    Prescription Medications

    • If your physician diagnoses you with an infection he will prescribe you an antibiotic that will destroy the bacteria causing the infection. Be sure to take all of the medication as directed. Corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavities and relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose. Corticosteroids come in a prescription nasal spray, usually administered by spraying once in each nostril once a day for approximately a week.

    Humidifiers

    • Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which will keep the sinus cavities moist. When the sinuses dry out they can trigger a sinus headache. Some humidifiers also have a medication dispenser, which distributes medicine into the air along with the moisture to relieve your irritated sinuses.

    Moist Heat

    • Sit in the bathroom with your shower running with hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this three to four times per day to open up the sinuses and relieve headache. Or boil water in a pot, along with a teaspoon of salt Remove the water from heat. Drape a towel over your head and hold your head over the pot of water for about 15 minutes.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Homeopathic remedies are alternative treatments that use natural products such as animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic substances. Arsenicum album is one homeopathic treatment that relieves the burning pain that is associated with being exposed to cold temperatures. Arsenicum comes in pellet form. Dissolve 2 pellets into 4 ounces of water and use 1 teaspoon of the solution once a week. This should be taken every week during the flu season to help prevent sinus headaches. Belladonnam, which comes in powder form, is used to treat the dull, throbbing sinus headache. Normal dosage is 1 to 5 grains per day. Check with your physician before taking any homeopathic remedy.

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