How to Get Rid of Pressure Headaches
Pressure headaches can occur when the sinuses become congested. Colds, allergies or a sinus infections can lead to this type of headache, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Symptoms that commonly occur include pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead, tender skin around the eyes and pain during sudden movements. If you suffer from chronic pressure headaches, it is important to speak to your doctor.
How to Get Rid of Pressure Headaches (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)Step 1
Treat the pain immediately with an over-the-counter pain reliever. (Image: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images)Treat the pain immediately with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Quick relief is available through the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Although the results are only temporary, the medications can help while you attempt to relieve the sinus congestion causing the pressure headache.
Step 2
Rinse out your sinuses with a saline spray. An over-the-counter saline spray can flush out mucus that is congesting the sinuses. Repeat at least twice a day while you are experiencing symptoms.
Step 3
Use a humidifier. (Image: Nomadsoul1/iStock/Getty Images)Use a humidifier. Install a humidifier on your home's heating and cooling system or place a portable version in your bedroom. Humidifiers can help relieve sinus congestion that's causing the headaches, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 4
Run the shower on the hottest setting and sit in the bathroom with the door closed. (Image: Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)Inhale steam. Run the shower on the hottest setting and sit in the bathroom with the door closed. Breathe in the steam two to four times daily for several minutes.
Step 5
Take medications to treat the underlying cause of the sinus headache. (Image: Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)Take medications to treat the underlying cause of the sinus headache. A doctor may prescribe medications based on the symptoms accompanying the pressure headache. Antibiotics may be given if a sinus infection is suspected. Oral and nasal decongestants may be recommended to get rid of nasal congestion. Antihistamines may be recommended if allergies are the suspected cause of the pressure headaches.
Step 6
Undergo surgery for chronic cases of sinus infections. If medications do not relieve sinus infections that are causing your pressure headaches, surgically enlarging the sinuses may be recommended by a physician.
Things You'll Need
Humidifier
Pain reliever
Saline spray
