Sinus pain is often a result of inflammation and congestion

Sinus pain relief can often start at home.

However, you may need to see your healthcare provider for sinus pain treatment depending on the cause.

Sinus pain can range in severity from a mildheadacheto excruciating head and face pain,toothaches, andearaches.

A woman suffering from sinus pain

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Sincecongestionis a big factor in causing sinus discomfort, many sinus pain treatments are aimed at reducing congestion.

This article will go over how to get relief from sinus pain.

You’ll also find out when to call your provider for sinus pain treatment.

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

What Causes Sinus Pain?

Sinus pain happens when there is inflammation or irritation in your sinus cavities.

Your sinuses are hollow spaces in your facial bones that are lined with membranes that secrete mucus.

Sinus pain is often a result of inflammation that blocks mucus from draining and leads to pain.

Sinus Headache or Migraine?

About 80% of “sinus headaches” are actuallymigraineswith nasal symptoms.

Sinus barotrauma can also be accompanied byear barotrauma, which can cause aruptured eardrum.

If your sinus pain symptoms last more than a week or keep coming back, see a healthcare provider.

Fungal sinus infections can also occur and require surgery and/or antifungal medications.

These products treat sinus pain by relieving pain, encouraging nasal drainage, or easing allergy symptoms.

Decongestants

Sinus pain can also be treated with OTCnasal decongestants.

These products break up congestion by reducing the swelling of blood vessels.

Antihistamines

If allergies are causing your congestion and leading to sinus pain, OTCantihistaminesmay be helpful.

Antihistamines block histamine receptors to relieve allergy symptoms.

Massaging your sinuses can help drain them and relieve pressure and pain.

Each sinus can be targeted with these techniques.

Summary

There are some over-the-counter products and home remedies that can give you fast sinus pain relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

OTC pain relievers or decongestants are often helpful for sinus pain.

You could have migraines rather than sinus headaches.

Sinus pain from viral infections will typically go away within about a week.

If it lasts longer, see your healthcare provider.

You may have a bacterial or fungal infection or another condition that requires medical treatment.

You might want to avoid these foods if you have sinus pain.

Symptoms like sinus pain and pressure may get better on their own or with at-home remedies.

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