Headache
Headaches that are accompanied by nasal congestion are called sinus headaches. Sinus headaches are caused by clogged sinuses putting pressure above the nose and between the eyes, particularly in the forehead area. Symptoms of a sinus headache include stuffy nose, nasal discharge, sore throat, fatigue, and cough. This headache makes it difficult to move and particularly painful to bend or lie down. Sinus headaches can cause complications like pain and swelling of the eyelids, causing decreased vision.
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Sinus headache can be similar to migraine, but migraine is accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Migraine makes one sensitive to sound and light and causes a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. Triptan, an abortive type of medication, is used for migraine to reduce the pain. To treat sinus headaches, one can use over the counter painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, but one has to remember not to take these drugs for more than ten days. One can also use decongestants to alleviate the feeling of having blocked sinus cavities. Nasal decongestant sprays shouldn’t be used for more than three days, while oral decongestants shouldn’t be used for more than seven days. Moreover, one can use antihistamines which block the chemical histamine that causes the nasal passages to itch and swell. One can use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the nasal passages moist, thereby avoiding irritation of the sinuses.
To prevent sinus headaches, one should avoid perfume and cigarette smoke, which irritates the nasal passages. One should take note of any particular foods, odours, or drinks that trigger their headaches and try to avoid these triggers. Furthermore, one should make sure to take regular meals, making sure to take plenty of fluids, and keep a regular sleep pattern. One should keep up their strength by exercising regularly.
