What's a good method for relieving sinus headaches?

Question

I don't have a runny or a stuffy nose, but I've got this annoying sinus pressure that sometimes gives me a headache. I've tried the pills, some nose sprays (although I'm looking into Flonase) and such, but nothing really offers effective relief. I wish there was a way to keep the sinuses clear!

Answer 1

I had this condition. Nothing helped till I started to use nasal irrigation at home. It is simple, safe and inexpensive.

Nasal irrigation is the practice of flushing the nasal cavity with a sterile solution. Nasal irrigation is used to clear infected sinuses, nasal septal deviation, allergic nasal inflammation, chronic sinus infection, and swollen mucous membranes.
Precautions

Nasal irrigation should not be performed on people who have frequent nosebleeds; have recently had nasal surgery; or whose gag reflex is impaired, as fluid may enter the windpipe.

Description

Nasal irrigation can be performed at home. A forced-flow instrument, such as a syringe, is filled with a warm saline solution. The solution can be commercially prepared (Ayr, NaSal) or can be prepared by the patient, using one half teaspoon salt with each eight ounces of warm water. . The syringe is then directed into the nostril. The irrigation solution loosens encrusted material in the nasal passage, and drainage takes place through the nose. The patient leans over a catch basin during irrigation, into which the debris flows. Irrigation continues until all debris is cleared from the passage. Nasal irrigation can be performed up to twice daily, unless the irrigation irritates the mucous membrane.

Preparation

Before nasal irrigation, the patient is instructed not to open his or her mouth or swallow during the procedure. Opening the mouth or swallowing could cause infectious material to move from the nasal passage into the sinuses or the ear.

Saline
A solution made from salt and water.

Answer 2

Ok, this is a serious suggestion. Go buy a bulb syringe. You get them in the drug store where they sell baby supplies. Usually used to pull mucus out of a baby's nose. Instead, fill a cup with warm salt water (NOT hot!). You are going to stand over the sink and open your mouth and shoot the liquid up your nose. Yes, sounds disgusting, but all that nasty mucus in your sinuses is going to come out your mouth. I am telling you, it works. It will help relieve the pressure and get a lot of that infection out until you can see the ENT. Don't do it more than twice in each nostril. What doesn't just come right out will be much easier to blow out after wards. It's going to make your eyes water! But you will have immediate relief!

Answer 3

If it is a chronic condition, see an Ear-Nose-Throat specialist.

I had this problem for a long time, and learned that specific allergies were the root cause of my sinus issues. I was tested for all kinds of possible allergens, and figured out three that affected me in particular. I made a few changes at home, and improved overnight.

I also had a deviated septum, which compounded the issue.

For day-to-day symptoms, Flonase works, as does managing your allergies with OTC medications like Claritin.

In the end, finding the root cause of your problem will help.

Answer 4

I use nasacort.

I take ibuprofen for headaches -- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I also use a saline spray to keep sinuses clean and avoid infection

I take Zyrtec for allergies.