How to treat sinusitis to relieve headache

Sep 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, treatment methods for relieving headaches caused by sinusitis mainly include general treatment, drug therapy, nasal irrigation, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. Additionally, patients should follow medical advice regarding medication, attend regular follow-up appointments, and monitor the recovery of sinus inflammation during treatment. If symptoms such as worsening headache, fever, or blurred vision occur during treatment, prompt medical attention is required to adjust the treatment plan.

Generally, the treatment methods for relieving headaches caused by sinusitis mainly include general treatment, drug therapy, nasal irrigation, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. General Treatment

Patients should get more rest, avoid excessive fatigue, ensure sufficient sleep, and provide the body with enough energy to fight inflammation. Drinking more warm water daily helps keep the nasal cavity moist. At the same time, avoid contact with pollutants such as dust and irritating gases to reduce nasal mucosa irritation. In terms of diet, consuming foods rich in vitamin C can enhance the body's resistance, aiding in reducing sinus inflammation and thereby alleviating headaches caused by the inflammation.

2. Drug Therapy

Drug therapy is a common method to relieve headaches caused by sinusitis, and patients should use medications as directed by a physician. For bacterial infections, amoxicillin clavulanate potassium dry suspension, cefixime granules, and azithromycin dry suspension may be used; for nasal congestion and inflammation, mometasone furoate nasal spray can be used. These medications can control infection, reduce nasal sinus mucosal congestion and swelling, and alleviate headaches caused by poor sinus drainage.

3. Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation using normal saline or specialized nasal irrigation solutions can clear secretions and pollutants such as purulent nasal discharge and dust from the nasal cavity, reducing nasal mucosal inflammatory response and improving sinus drainage. When sinus drainage improves, the pressure within the sinus cavities decreases, directly alleviating headache symptoms such as pressure and闷pain caused by excessive sinus pressure. Maintaining nasal cleanliness also aids in the recovery from inflammation.

4. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can promote blood circulation in the sinus area through specific methods and reduce inflammation. Commonly used methods include local heat application and infrared irradiation. Applying a warm towel locally to the root of the nose and forehead can dilate the blood vessels around the sinuses, improve blood circulation, relieve mucosal swelling, and reduce headaches. Infrared irradiation can penetrate deeper into the sinus area, soothe local tissues, accelerate inflammation absorption, and further alleviate headache discomfort.

5. Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments are ineffective, and severe sinus inflammation with poor drainage of purulent nasal discharge leads to persistent worsening headaches, surgical treatment may be considered. A commonly used surgical procedure is endoscopic sinus surgery, which clears diseased tissue within the sinuses, enlarges the sinus openings, and restores normal sinus drainage function through surgery. Once sinus drainage is restored, inflammation gradually subsides, and headache symptoms will also be relieved. This treatment is suitable for patients who do not respond well to drug and physical therapies.

In addition, patients should follow medical advice for standardized medication use during treatment, attend regular follow-up visits, and monitor the recovery of sinus inflammation. If symptoms such as worsening headache, fever, or blurred vision occur during treatment, prompt medical attention should be sought to adjust the treatment plan and prevent worsening of the condition.

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