Your home humidity level should be around 45%. Below 30% is too dry, and over 50% is too high. Use a tool called a hygrometer to measure the levels. [3] X Research source
You can also run hot or cold water over a towel, wring it out, and apply it to your face to get the same effect as a compress.
Some people find that drinking hot fluids can help. Enjoy your favorite cup of hot tea or drink broth to thin out the mucus.
You can make your own saline solution by mixing 2 – 3 teaspoons of kosher salt to 1 cup of distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Mix and add one teaspoon of baking soda. Use it with a bulb syringe or dropper to insert into your nasal passages. You can also use this up to six times a day. [12] X Research source
Water used in a neti pot must be sterilized, either by boiling or by distillation.
If seasonal allergies are the cause of your sinus headaches, try taking intranasal corticosteroids. These over-the-counter medications are the most effective at treating the allergies. Take fluticasone or triamcinolone spray daily, using one to two sprays in each nostril. [16] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source
Because it a major ingredient of methamphetamine, or speed, pseudoephedrine, alone and in combination with antihistamines, is highly regulated and kept behind the pharmacy counter to prevent stockpiling by methamphetamine manufacturers. [17] X Research source
Be sure to take them as directed on the packaging or by your doctor.
Your doctor may also prescribe triptans, medications used to treat migraines. Research has shown that the majority of patients with sinus headaches had significant improvement in symptoms with triptans. Examples of triptans include sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and eletriptan.
For example, balloon rhinoplasty involves inserting a balloon into the nasal cavity and inflating it to enlarge the sinus cavity.
Bromelain is an enzyme produced by pineapples, which may help reduce sinus inflammation. Do not take bromelain with blood-thinners since the supplement can increase your risk of bleeding. You should also avoid bromelain if you’re taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a class of medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). In the due this case, Bromelain can increase the chances of a precipitous drop in blood pressure (hypotension). Quercetin is a plant pigment responsible for producing vibrant colors in fruits and vegetables. It is thought to act as a natural antihistamine, but more studies are needed in humans to see if it behaves like an antihistamine. Lactobacillus is a probiotic bacteria that your body needs for a healthy digestive system and effective immune system. The supplement decreases both the chances of developing allergies and gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain related to using antibiotics.
Chinese skullcap. Make a tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves. Cover and steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink two to three cups a day to feel sinus relief. Feverfew. Make a tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons of freshly chopped feverfew leaves. Steep the mixture for 15 minutes, strain it, and drink it up to three times a day. Willow bark. Make a tea by combining one teaspoon of chopped or powdered willow bark with 8 – 10 ounces of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for five minutes. Drink the tea three to four times a day.
This mixture can relax your muscles and reduce your sensitivity to the sinus headaches, according to research. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Arsenic album, Belladonna, hepar sulphuricum, iris versicolor, kali bichromicum, mercurius, natrum muriaticum, pulsatilla, silicea, and spigelia.
You shouldn’t try acupuncture if you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or have a pacemaker. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Manipulation adjusts joints to correct misalignments that stimulate the nervous system. This may restore function to affected areas of the body.
Migraines usually worsen with noise or bright light Migraines are accompanied by nausea and vomiting Migraine pain can be felt anywhere in your head and into your neck[26] X Research source Migraines won’t have thick, nasal discharge or loss of smell
Pressure and tenderness behind the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes Pain that worsens with bending forward Pain in the upper teeth Pain that is more intense first thing in the morning Pain that ranges from mild to severe and can be unilateral (on one side) or bilateral (on both sides)
A history of allergies or asthma Persistent colds, also known as upper respiratory infections Ear infections Enlarged tonsils or adenoids Nasal polyps Nasal deformities, such as a deviated septum Cleft palate Weakened immune system Prior sinus surgery Climbing or flying to high altitudes Traveling in an airplane while you have an upper respiratory infection Tooth abscess or infection Frequent swimming or diving
Sudden and severe headache that lasts or increases in intensity over 24 hours. A sudden severe headache that is described as “the worst ever,” even if you are prone to headaches. Chronic or severe headache that commences after age 50. Fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting (these symptoms may be suspicious for meningitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection). Memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, change in speech or vision, or loss of strength in or numbness or tingling in any one of your limbs (these symptoms may be suspicious for a stroke). Several headaches in one eye, accompanied by redness of the eye (these symptoms may be suspicious for acute angle closure glaucoma). A new or change in headache pattern. If you have experienced recent head trauma.
Occasionally, a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is needed. The ENT will use a fiber optic scope to visualize the sinuses and make a diagnosis.
