what works best for you when you have a sinus headache?

Question

I use dristan sinus

Answer 1

I take Advil, but if I'm able to, I like to nap for at least an hour. I've found that sleep cures my headache better than any over-the-counter medicine.

Answer 2

You have my sympathy. I get desperate with sinus headaches. For relief, and this may gross you out, but it helps me -- first, lean over the bathroom sink at 90 degrees. Squirt the non-medicated saline spray into the sinuses -- at least 6 squirts. Then, make yourself sneeze. Here is the gross part - be careful here - I take a toothpick, gently (underline/bold gently) stick it up my nose and just barely touch the sensitive tissue. I sneeze. After about 3 sneezes, I clear out stuff that just wouldn't blow out. After this, I apply a little Vicks just around the end of the nostrils -- it is not supposed to be applied on sensitive tissues. This all helps you breathe, and when the sinuses are relieved, the headache subsides. A Tylenol might also help, and if all else fails, chocolate!

Answer 3

Since the first of the year, I've been using a nasal wash with a solution of salt and baking soda. Works great!

Back when I was taking medication for the problem, I took Tylenol sinus.

Answer 4

Treatment for Headache

Most headaches are tension headaches, caused by a muscle spasm in the back of the head and neck. The spasm can be sparked by emotional stress or by holding the head in a fixed position (for example, while facing a computer screen or driving for hours). Sometimes the pain can be very severe and felt in the back of the head and encircling the head in a vise-like band.

Tension headaches are sometimes helped by measures to relax the tight muscles. These include massage, hot showers and heating pads on the back of the neck or cold packs. Biofeedback and muscle-relaxation training may be helpful.


Some people find relief with other non-traditional techniques, such as acupuncture, hypnosis or meditation. Non-prescription pain relievers often help occasional tension headaches. If not, prescription analgesics may do the trick. These include Aspirin with Codeine (Empirin with Codeine); Acetaminophen with Codeine (Tylenol with Codeine); Aspirin, caffeine, and Butalbital (Fiorinal); or Aspirin and Oxycodone (Percodan).


For chronic tension headaches, prescription analgesics aren't always useful. They tend to lose their effectiveness, encourage dependency, and cause "rebound" headaches when they wear off. A less addictive and often more effective alternative is a tricyclic antideressant, such as Amitriptyline (Elavil) or Imipramine (Tofranil), which can affect the pain pathways in the brain. Tricylics must be used for several weeks before they take effect. Since much lower doses of the antidepressant are needed for pain than for depression, there are generally few or no side effects.


Drugs that constrict blood vessels, notably ergotamine (Ergostat), may relieve migraines if taken at the first sign of the headache. Once a migraine is established, the only recourse is to take a narcotic, such as Meperedine (Demoral) or Codeine, head for a darkened room and try to sleep it off. Recent studies show that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as Ibuprofen (Motrin), Indomethacin (Indameth), and others can alleviate migraines, sometimes as effectively as Ergotamine. A new drug, Sumatriptan (Imitrex), appears to ease migraines about as well as Ergotamine, with much milder side effects.


Preventing migraines requires different drugs than those used for relieving them. While neither Aspirin nor Acetaminophen will relieve migraines, recent research suggests that a regular aspirin regimen may help prevent them. Beta blockers taken daily are often effective, provided side effects (such as lowered pulse or blood pressure) do not develop. If you have asthma, don't take beta blockers. Propranolol (Inderal) is the only beta blocker approved for migraines, but others may also help forestall attacks.


Cluster headaches seldom last more than an hour or two, but those hours - usually in the middle of the night - can be miserable. The attacks can occur daily, for weeks at a time, and then disappear for long stretches. These headaches don't usually last long enough to be treated effectively. Some sufferers need prescription narcotics.

Answer 5

I have a horrid one right now and though I took advil, it's still throbbing.
Normally I'd take 1 tylenol, 1 advil and heat a tube sock filled with rice for about 3 minutes in the microwave, then lie down in a dimly lit room with the heated sock on my forehead. Within 15 minutes I'm rejuvenated and the headache is gone. But for now I'm at work and not able to.

Answer 6

Tylenol Severe Sinus Congestion and ice pack on the top of my head.

Answer 7

I use Benadryl if I can go to sleep, if I can't I use Excedrin Sinus Headache. You have to catch it in time before it gets to the point of a migraine though.

Answer 8

I get a hot washcloth, lay down and place it over the bridge of my nose. It seems to break up the conjestion. Sometimes it is a sinus infection. If you stand up and bend over the pain will get considerably worse if it is an infection, then you need to see your Dr.

Answer 9

Alkaselzor cold and sinus
or Ibuprofen (it is an anti inflammatory so it reduces swelling in you nasal passages which reduces pressure and pain

Answer 10

Soak a wash cloth in warm water, lay down on your couch or bed, and put the towel over your eyes.

It's really soothing.

Answer 11

Hey there..I know you..lol
I take Advile cold/sinus, it works good..