Feeling the pressure? Strategies and treatments for sinus headache relief

Feeling pressure, fullness or pain around your sinuses? It’s a common concern. Each year, millions of people visit the doctor for sinus-related issues or headaches. When these empty spaces in your forehead, sides of your nose and cheeks get irritated, inflamed or infected, it can lead to these symptoms.

Sinus headaches are often a result of changes in atmospheric pressure or caused by an infection (also called “sinusitis”), which could include other symptoms like a runny nose, mucus or pressure in your ears. While this type of headache isn’t usually serious, it can get in the way of your day. Fortunately, with at-home care, most people are able to find relief.

Natural sinus headache relief

When it comes to sinus headaches, you can try natural options at home that aim to resolve the sinus problems that are leading to your headaches. For the occasional sinus headache, natural options are effective in opening up your sinuses, reducing pressure and improving drainage.

Nasal irrigation

One of the most helpful at-home remedies for sinus-related headaches is nasal irrigation with saline (salt water). The best and easiest options are ready-made over-the-counter saline solutions. They have the right concentration of salt and water mix to match your nasal passages, which means they can be used without causing irritation.

There are also salt packets that can be mixed with water, but if the mixture concentration is not correct, it can burn your nasal passages. You should avoid tap water or distilled water by itself, as this can irritate your sinuses, too.

Steam

Steam, such as from humidifiers or hot showers, is helpful to clear up nasal passages. If you choose to use a humidifier device, be sure to use filtered water or distilled water. It’s also important to change the water every time and let the device dry out between uses to avoid the growth of mold or bacteria, which could end up irritating sinuses more.

Hot compress

Like steam, using a hot compress across the forehead and nose may help open up the sinuses and release some of the pressure. Use a hot compress on your face for only a few minutes at a time. You can repeat the compress several times a day if it helps provide relief.

Elevation

If you notice that your sinus pressure or sinus headaches are worse when you go to bed, try using elevation when you sleep. Propping your head up with pillows may help lessen congestion by reducing the amount of mucus that builds up in your sinuses.

Hydration

When congestion and mucus are contributing to your sinus headaches, hydration is important. Be sure to drink plenty of water, as this can help keep mucus thin and reduce the buildup in your sinus passages—relieving feelings of fullness or pressure.

Rest

When you sleep, your body has time to recover and repair—and it can also lessen inflammation. If you’re experiencing a sinus headache, extra rest may help your body fight off an infection or reduce the swelling in your sinuses that’s contributing to your headache.  

Medication for sinus headache relief

Along with natural remedies, you may choose to use medications to reduce sinus headaches. You can find many medications over the counter, but these medications are only recommended for short-term use. Limit medications for sinus headaches to no more than three to five times a month, as using them more frequently can actually lead to worsening congestion or headaches.

• Decongestants. Decongestants work by reducing the swelling in blood vessels in your sinuses. Some decongestants are pills—like pseudoephedrine—and others are nasal sprays. Make sure you carefully read the instructions for these medications, as they can cause side effects or rebound effects if you use them too long and may not be right for people with certain medical conditions
• Antihistamines. Antihistamines may help with sinus headaches if your headaches are triggered by allergies. These over-the-counter oral medications and nasal sprays work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by your immune system that causes extra mucus and sinus swelling when you have an allergic reaction.
• OTC pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers work by reducing inflammation or pain. Two of the most common options for pain relievers when you have a sinus headache are ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If you have another medical condition, ask your doctor if ibuprofen vs. acetaminophen is best for you.
• Expectorants. Expectorants work by thinning and loosening mucus in your sinuses to reduce congestion that might contribute to sinus headaches. The most common over-the-counter expectorant is guaifenesin.
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics are given only for specific cases and for a short time if a bacterial infection is found. They are not recommended for allergies or viral infections, such as a cold. If you are given antibiotics, it is important to finish the entire course as prescribed, even if you feel better. Taking antibiotics only when necessary and completing the prescribed course helps prevent bacterial resistance.

When to see your doctor for sinus headache relief

Sometimes, natural remedies and over-the-counter medications are all you need to relieve sinus headaches. But if you have frequent symptoms—more than three days a week—that are not limited to one season or a specific trigger, like dust or pollen, see your primary care provider. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.

You may also be eligible for Baylor Scott & White’s Virtual Headache Care program, which offers specialized care for various headache and migraine types without a referral from your provider—all accessed via the MyBSWHealth app.

Getting checked by a doctor also helps make sure there isn’t something else going on. Migraines, which come in all shapes and sizes, can have similar symptoms as sinus headaches. If self-treatments are not helpful, a visit to your primary care provider can point you in the right direction so you can finally find relief. You can also find out if you're eligible for Virtual Headache Care today.