What should I do for headache caused by sinusitis?
Aug 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Headache is a common symptom of sinusitis, possibly resulting from nasal mucosal congestion and swelling caused by sinusitis, which compresses nerves and leads to headache. Swelling of the nasal mucosa in sinusitis can create negative pressure within the sinuses, thereby triggering headache. Common management measures include:
Pharmacological treatment: Nasal decongestant sprays containing ephedrine to relieve nasal obstruction.
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses, which may involve a single sinus or multiple sinuses simultaneously. Common symptoms following onset include nasal congestion, headache, purulent nasal discharge, and impaired breathing—all of which significantly impair patients’ quality of life. Therefore, prompt treatment is essential upon diagnosis. So, what should be done for sinusitis-related headaches?
How to Manage Sinusitis-Related Headaches
Headache is a very common symptom of sinusitis, often resulting from mucosal congestion and swelling in the nasal cavity due to inflammation, thereby exerting pressure on nearby nerves. Additionally, mucosal swelling can obstruct sinus ostia, creating negative pressure within the sinuses and subsequently triggering headache. Common management strategies include the following:
Pharmacological treatment: Nasal decongestants such as ephedrine may be administered via nasal spray to relieve nasal obstruction; once congestion improves, headache symptoms often subside markedly. Intranasal corticosteroids may also be used to rapidly reduce mucosal congestion and swelling. In cases of severe infection, oral antibiotics are indicated.
Surgical intervention: In some patients, sinusitis results from ostial obstruction leading to accumulation of large volumes of purulent secretions within the sinus cavities—causing severe headache. In such cases, surgical opening of the sinus ostia and correction of anatomical abnormalities in the nasal cavity are required, which typically leads to immediate relief of headache. We hope this information proves helpful!
