Sinus headache treatments include nonprescription and prescription medications and inhaling steam throughout the day. Some people also turn to herbs and homeopathy for sinus headache relief, though thorough research on these methods is lacking. Inhaling steam, whether from a hot shower or a device made to produce steam, is known to help reduce congestion arising from the sinuses, therefore sometimes leading to the relief of a sinus headache. Medications can be in the form of nasal sprays or antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria causing a sinus infection. Herbs and homeopathy are not considered reliable forms of sinus headache treatments, but many people find relief with these treatments anyway.
Inhaling steam from a humidifier or warm shower can help relieve sinus congestion and headache. It is generally recommended to inhale the steam two to four times daily for maximum relief. Some steam inhaler devices are small and portable so people can take them from room to room or from home to the office. These devices must normally be filled with water before use and then emptied afterward.
Sinus headache treatments in the form of medication are normally available without a prescription. They can often be found as nasal sprays or oral decongestants. Generally, sinus medications without a prescription are not meant to be used long-term. If a person needs long-term sinus headache relief, a doctor can usually prescribe a drug that can be taken once a day.
Herbs such as echinacea and ginger are thought by some to serve as sinus headache treatments. When seeking to use herbs for this purpose, it is important to note that the efficacy of these treatments is not always proven and that they can, like actual medications, interact with other consumables in undesirable ways. It is typically advisable for people seeking an herbal sinus headache treatment to thoroughly research the particular herbal treatment for possible side effects and to determine the scientific efficacy of the treatment.
Many types of homeopathic sinus headache treatments exist; however, other than the placebo effect, there is no scientific proof of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. If a person approaches a professional homeopath for a sinus headache treatment, the homeopath will normally make a judgment about the person’s health and personality before prescribing a treatment. Even within the narrow realm of sinus headaches, there are many different remedies that can be tailored to the individual needs of a patient.
