Sinus headache and the summer season

Are you one of those people who believe that the summer season spells agony in the form of a sinus headache?

Well, if the answer is yes, the chances are you will also be experiencing itchiness and a drippy nose together with your debilitating sinus headache.

Many people are likely to brush it off and say “Augh! That’s the price we pay for summer”… but really, should it be? Often, a sinus headache can occur as part of an upper respiratory infection or follow a typical cold. In most cases, the pain in the forehead and behind the cheekbones begins an hour or so just after waking up in the morning.

It is only when you are familiar with the symptoms and causes of this “sinus pain” that you are able to help yourself get the proper treatment and prevent future sinus headaches.

Here are some of the tell-tale symptoms of a sinus headache:

• Having sinus pain in the sinus areas around your eyes, cheeks and forehead.
• Sinus pain is often accompanied by a partial or full loss of smell, bad breath, nasal congestion or thick, discolored mucus.
• Sinus pain usually follows a recent upper respiratory infection or an allergy flare-up.
• Frequent sinus pain in the morning which gets worse when bending over and is aggravated by the damp weather.
• Sinus headaches may be accompanied by fever, a sore throat and post-nasal drip.

Prevention and Treatment of Sinus Headaches

It must be borne in mind that if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart problems, you first need to talk to your doctor before using oral decongestants (such as those containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine).  Also, it is important to keep in mind that overuse of nasal sprays (beyond 3 days consecutive use) can further irritate the sinuses, leading to a condition known as rebound congestion.

The most effective way to prevent a sinus headache is to control allergy symptoms and avoid infections. Avoid upper respiratory infections by washing your hands frequently, getting a flu vaccine yearly, and drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water) to keep your mucous membranes moist and stave off bacteria.

Remember; hot weather conditions will not only leave you dehydrated, but can also result in excess bacteria trapped within the mucus in your sinus cavities.