Sinus headaches

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Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you're diagnosed with sinusitis, your doctor may recommend:

  • Antibiotics. Be sure to finish the entire course of medication you're prescribed — even if your signs and symptoms disappear before all the pills or capsules are gone. This is the only way to eradicate the germs causing the infection.
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays or pills. Your doctor may prescribe this medication if your sinusitis is related to inflammation or allergies.
  • Over-the-counter medications. As the sinus infection clears up, the sinus headaches should disappear. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal spray might help you feel better. Use these products only as directed. It may help to drink plenty of fluids as well.
  • Surgical correction. If a structural problem in your nasal cavity is contributing to sinusitis or sinus headaches, surgical correction may be recommended.
References
  1. Bajwa ZH, et al. Headache symptoms other than migraine. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
  2. Hwang PH, et al. Acute sinusitis and rhinosinusitis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
  3. Sinus headaches. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadache.cfm. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
  4. Sinus infection (sinusitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/URI/sinus-infection.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
  5. Sinusitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091g.html?qt=sinus headache&alt=sh. Accessed Dec. 16, 2009.
  6. Sinus headache. National Headache Foundation. http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Sinus_Headache. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
  7. Headache and sinus disease. American Rhinologic Society. http://www.american-rhinologic.org/patientinfo.headache.phtml. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
  8. Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 23, 2009.
  9. Schreiber CP, et al. Prevalence of migraine in patients with a history of self-reported or physician-diagnosed "sinus" headache. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004;164:1769.
DS00647 Feb. 23, 2010

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