Sinus Related..? I’m Not So Sure.?
Question by apal10: Sinus related..? I’m not so sure.?
A few years ago, I had a huge sinus problem where I’d get a sinus headache (that felt like a migraine) and then it would go away quickly, then come back. Last night, I thought I had a migraine, but it was more towards my eye, cheek area, and then it went away quickly. I feel like I’m getting the symptoms of what I used to have years ago. Anyone have any advice on how to stop it before it happens?
Best answer:
Answer by gordios_thomas_icxc
Decongestants and warm fluids to drink are usually the first line of defense.
Don’t use an antihistamine such as Benadryl® without a doctor saying it is okay for you.
Also, avoid combination “cold and allergy” medications because they have antihistamines mixed with the decongestant.
Plain Sudafed® is a basic decongestant, but you can get the same thing in a generic brand for a lot less money.
You will have to ask the pharmacist for help finding it, because so many people are using it as an ingredient in “crack cocaine” that pharmacists now keep it behind the counter.
Also ask her to explain basic side effects, and then make sure you read all of the cautions on the label, in case you are a person who shouldn’t use pseudo-ephedrine (the generic name for Sudafed®).
Plain, generic Tylenol® (acetaminophen) will help with pain, though I personally take Ibuprofen (Motrin®) because it fights inflammation and Tylenol doesn’t.
Again, follow label directions and pharmacist advice.
Make sure you are not dehydrated, because that can make a sinus condition worse.
So, in addition to warm fluids, make sure you are also drinking plenty of water and juices…citrus juices such as orange and grapefruit will give you the vitamin C you need to fight the condition AND they tend to encourage drainage of the sinuses.
Warm showers or a warm (not hot) washcloth over the affected area can also encourage drainage.
HOWEVER, there are trigger points in the body which can also make the sinus areas hurt.
The most common are the trigger points of the occipital muscles at the back base of the skull.
To test if these are a part of the problem, lie down and place your thumbs on the muscles just under the base of your rear skull (head).
Put gentle pressure on the muscles on each side and move the thumbs around in very tiny movements until you locate a tender spot on both muscles.
These are the trigger points.
Hold them with gentle but constant pressure and breath easily while you place the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
That will relax your jaw and also allow you to relax your neck and let your head easily drop to the bed/pillow.
If these points are a part of the problem, you will begin to feel the pain in your face increase.
That’s a good sign, meaning you have found one cause of the problem.
IF that works, then have someone give you an easy back rub from the middle of your back up to the shoulders and neck.
Many times fatigue starts in the middle back, causing everything up to the neck to tighten, referring pain to the front of your face and sometimes triggering a migraine (not causing it but awakening it enough to cause pain).
A Chiropractor would be my first choice for a medical professional.
They understand these connections and can usually help to ease the pain in one session, IF it is not a true infection.
IF it is, they will refer you to a medical doctor.
Also, a naturopathic, osteopathic or homeopathic health care provider can offer you alternative health care choices, including herbs, massage and acupuncture/acupressure.
Good health to you!
Answer by Renee
And naprosyn to be sure, if it is not sinus related.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!