How to relieve headache from sinusitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Sinusitis is currently the general term for what was traditionally called accessory sinusitis. Accessory sinusitis can cause headaches, which is a clinical manifestation of sinusitis. The clinical treatment of headaches primarily targets the sinusitis itself. The causes of the headaches are twofold: one is the headache caused by the irritation of purulent secretions, and the other is the negative pressure headache caused by blockage of the sinus opening and the resultant intrasinus pressure. The treatment includes using medications that constrict the blood vessels in the mucous membranes and then clearing the sinus openings. Additionally, it is crucial to actively pursue anti-inflammatory and anti-infection treatments, primarily using macrolide antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The clinical symptoms of sinusitis vary widely among individuals, and in general, it is considered a common illness. The most frequent clinical manifestations include nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. Some patients may also experience facial pain and numbness; however, specific symptoms vary from person to person. Some may exhibit only one symptom, while others may experience two to three, or even multiple symptoms, with the disease demonstrating recurrent and fluctuating patterns. In terms of treatment, medication remains the primary approach, supplemented by nasal irrigation. Only a small fraction of patients, whose symptoms do not improve with conservative medication treatments or who suffer from particularly severe inflammatory reactions like fungal sinusitis, may consider surgery.

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Symptoms of recurrent sinusitis

The symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are essentially the same as those of sinusitis itself. Symptoms can be divided into local symptoms, which are those of the nasal cavity, as well as some systemic symptoms, because the recurrence of sinusitis often follows a cold that leads to an acute recurrence. The nasal symptoms mainly include nasal discharge, primarily consisting of yellow pus-like mucus. There may also be nasal congestion or a sensation of the nose being blocked, as well as headaches. The location and severity of the headache depend on which sinus is more severely inflamed, which also affects where the headache is felt. Additionally, there may be a disturbance in the sense of smell, which refers to a reduced sensitivity to smells, or a reduced ability to smell or weak sense of smell. Systemic symptoms mainly include lethargy, feelings of headache and weakness, lack of concentration, and a general lack of energy. Overall, the symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are similar to those of initial sinusitis, with most being the same.

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How to treat nasal congestion caused by sinusitis?

Nasal congestion caused by sinusitis requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment as the initial step, because sinusitis, which includes inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, is caused by acute inflammatory irritation leading to nasal symptoms. This condition can result in nasal congestion due to the repeated stimulation of the nasal conchae by yellow purulent secretions. Additionally, patients may experience discharge of yellow purulent material from the nasal cavity, facial swelling and pain, headaches, and fever among other symptoms. Examination with an endoscope may reveal bilateral congested and swollen nasal mucosa, and yellow purulent secretions in the nasal passages. Treatment initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory measures to reduce inflammation. Since it is a bacterial infection, patients can use antibiotics. Also necessary is the use of saline nasal irrigation and nebulized inhalations to contract the nasal conchae and alleviate congestion. Once the inflammation is reduced, nasal congestion will gradually improve. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Is sinusitis serious?

Sinusitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease and generally is not very severe. The main clinical symptoms include nasal congestion with thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. After onset, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a sinus CT scan to help determine the extent of the lesion. If the inflammatory response is localized and the clinical symptoms are mild, conservative medical treatment can be considered. Common treatments include oral medications and nasal sprays. During treatment, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the effects. If the inflammatory response is severe and conservative medical treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment may need to be considered.

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How should sinusitis be treated?

Sinusitis is caused by acute inflammatory infections, mainly hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogens enter the sinuses through the sinus openings due to the patient catching a cold or having a flu, leading to congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and exudation in the sinus mucosa. Symptoms include persistent nasal congestion, discharge of yellow secretions from the nasal cavity accompanied by a foul smell, and severe cases may also experience facial swelling, pain, and headaches. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase, patients need to first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, taking oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, which are very effective. Additionally, physiological saline is used for nasal and sinus irrigation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, patients may require endoscopic sinus surgery and sinus mucosa clearance for recovery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)