A Look At How To Get Rid Of Sinus Headache Pain

By Porter Smith

Millions of people suffer from sinus headaches. So, what causes this awful pain? Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities due to infections. These infections could be viral, fungal or bacterial. Pressure is created by the inflammation and this leads to a headache. Sinusitis can range from acute to chronic. Acute sinusitis last up to 4 weeks, sub acute sinusitis will last for 4-8 weeks and chronic sinusitis plagues the sufferer for more than 8 weeks. How to get rid of sinus headache pain can be answered medically or non-medically.

Over the counter decongestants which contain Pseudoephedrine are often effective against such headaches. Pseudoephedrine stimulates the cell receptors of the sinuses as well as the throat and nose. Blood vessels in these places narrow, inflammation is reduced and more mucus is produced. With less inflammation and with mucus draining from the sinus cavities, headaches ease.

More serious infections may require a trip to the doctor's office. Your physician may find that you need a prescription for a more powerful decongestant. He or she may also determine that antibiotics are necessary. A broad-spectrum antibiotic, such as cephalosporin, might be used to fight a wide array of bacteria or a narrow-spectrum one, such as penicillin, may be used to target very specific bacteria culprits.

A non-medical approach to think about is the use of a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. A vaporizer is a humidifier that boils the water that gets dispensed into the air. This is good because since the water is boiled, any impurities in the water may be killed before reaching the air. Thus, air may be healthier than with the use of a cool mist humidifier.

Another simple idea is to take a hot shower. The steam created by the shower can help drain built-up mucus from the sinuses and bring headache relief.

Sinus headaches are no fun. Fortunately there are myriad options for sufferers to turn to, both pharmacological and non-medicinal. If the condition unduly persists or becomes more severe a trip to the doctor is strongly advised. - 32503

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