Sinus Headaches PLEASE HELP!!

[agotta]

Does anyone else get these? Doctor's can't figure out how to make them go away. Most medicine only works the first couple times I take it. Daily allergy medicine isn't doing a whole lot and shots didn't work either. I am doomed to have these "migraines" forever? BTW, I have one right now

 

[MagicalMom]

I used to have a real bad problem with them. I found that sinus masks (that you put in the microwave) were a great help. I took plenty of sudafed & an insane amount of vitman C pills (I won't tell you how much because it was way more than the recommened amount.) I've know people who have used the sinus irrigators, but I was always too chicken to try it.

I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Crankyshank]

Have you had a CAT scan of your sinuses yet? If not that would be the next thing to ask for. I have chronic sinusitis and sinus triggered migraines and a lot of the reason is damage to my sinuses. shots and pills don't help me at all with my migraines.

Have you tried nasonex? My new allergist has prescribed it for me and in the 3wks I've been taking it I've had about a 60% reduction in migraines. I also am a fan of alternative measures. My aunt swears by acupuncture for her sinus migraines.

I have lots of home remedies to help once I have a migraine but nothing to prevent it other than know your triggers. I know huge leaps/drops in humidity levels is one of mine so I medicate myself in preparation of the forthcoming headache and find that helps a lot.

 

[sleepyone]

I've never heard of a sinus irrigator. Where do you find them?

 

[MagicalMom]

I've never heard of a sinus irrigator. Where do you find them?

Here's one I found just searching,

http://www.pharmacy-solutions.com/hp.htm

I've never used one before & don't know if they sell them at the pharmacy or not. I have heard people tell me that they work really well.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My DH had to have his sinuses "drilled open" (via his nose during surgery) when the CT scan showed they were closed. He needs another surgery since that was a while ago, but motrin helps him and he also does accupressure which helps empties his sinuses for a few days. He also takes flonase.

One of his ENT doctors suggested using a "water pic" (designed for teeth) to shoot up his nose and unclog his sinuses. I told him to try it - outside, LOL - but he didn't really like the idea. His latest CT showed a lot of pressure on his nasal septum.

Have you seen a good ENT? I agree a CT is a good place to start. Good luck.

 

[sleepyone]

That looks scary but, I may try it!

 

[lulugirl]

Does anyone else get these? Doctor's can't figure out how to make them go away. Most medicine only works the first couple times I take it. Daily allergy medicine isn't doing a whole lot and shots didn't work either. I am doomed to have these "migraines" forever? BTW, I have one right now

Actually a sinus headache and a migraine are quite different. If you have a true migraine and you are treating w/ sinus medication, it won't help. That said, I would see my Dr. and figure out exactly what is causing your pain. There are a lot of great migraine drugs available, don't suffer!
.....and if it is indeed sinus pain, maybe you have an infection and need antibiotics?

 

[Virgo10]

If you haven't tried Nasonex yet, you should. It changed my life from having frequent, debilitating sinus headaches to having a mild one maybe once or twice a month.

It's a prescription so you'll have to talk to your doctor.

Nasonex

 

[ChristmasElf]

For migraines, Imitrex works pretty good. Rx only though.
I find I get really bad sinus headaches when the weather changes and there is high pressure weather patterns. I see you are in Virginia, maybe the Hurricane is causing high pressure and the headache?

 

[CheshireVal]

I'm the queen of sinus headaches and infections.

I haven't found anything that really gets rid of it-- I had one sinus infection (along with crushing headache) that lasted over 3 months before the dr. finally found an antibiotic that worked.

I had to get a CT scan of my sinuses and was referred to an ENT. Both showed some blockage, but not serious enough to warrant surgery. A trip to an allergist showed that my allergies aren't that serious either.

The best thing for me, I've found, is a 6 day pack of prednisone. It really helps get rid of the pressure.

 

[Patty3]

I had to have sinus surgery about three years back. I was having one sinus infection after another. I even became allergic to some antibiotics because I was always on them. The surgery has really helped. Living in Virginia, I will get sinus headaches when the weather changes and there is a high pressure pattern. I do not need a weatherman to tell me when it is going to rain, my head does. Good luck, I feel your pain.

 

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

Headache wise, just plain ol' Alieve helps me.

 

[DVDGuy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It is definitely my sinuses, but I call them migraines because they hurt so bad!! I might go back to the doctor. Mine do act up when the pressure changes.

 

[kadaten]

.... but nothing to prevent it other than know your triggers. I know huge leaps/drops in humidity levels is one of mine so I medicate myself in preparation of the forthcoming headache and find that helps a lot.

I had to have sinus surgery about three years back. I was having one sinus infection after another. I even became allergic to some antibiotics because I was always on them. The surgery has really helped. Living in Virginia, I will get sinus headaches when the weather changes and there is a high pressure pattern. I do not need a weatherman to tell me when it is going to rain, my head does. Good luck, I feel your pain.

The humidity is what sets mine off. Ugh. What finally worked for me is Nasacort AQ. It's a corticosteroid inhaler. From what the doc explained, the moisture keeps the passages lubricated while the steroids (non-habit forming, so no worry there) keep them from swelling and becoming blocked. No blockage = no infections and no pressure! When I feel it coming on (like Patty3) I use it 2 squirts in each nostril twice a day, but my maintenance dose is 1 squirt per nostril per day. Took me down from 6 or more HUGE sinus infections each year to maybe 1.

Patty--can I ask.....how was the surgery? Huge deal or not so much? I'm a big ol' wimp when it comes to medical stuff is why I'm asking... But mine seem to be getting worse and I'm afraid I might be heading in that direction (if we ever stop moving and I get enough of a history with any one doctor ).

 

[MerryPoppins]

Try an ice pack on the back of your neck and one on your eyes. Sometimes that helps mine.

 

[goofygirl]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It is definitely my sinuses, but I call them migraines because they hurt so bad!! I might go back to the doctor. Mine do act up when the pressure changes.

I'm a "human barometer" too. I get sinus headaches the day or even 2 days before it rains. I press on my sinsuses and tell people the weather forecast! Usually during the headaches, the barometer will be around 30.00 and falling.

I found that Tylenol Sinus (yellow and green box) is very good.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Do you see a Chiropractor? DH does trigger point therapy on his patients with sinus headaches.

 

[agotta]

Sorry, didn't realize I posted as my husband (DVDGuy) last night lol. I woke up with it again today. A cold front is moving in tomorrow....

I use a cold pack on my face and that works. I haven't seen a chiropractor, that may be a good idea. Thanks for all the suggestions!!

 

[magicfan]

I feel your pain. I get these quite often myself. I just wanted to suggest that you try heat, instead of ice, and see it that feels better. Heat always helps me. And, rubbing where it hurts. Sometimes my DH will even help me out there. Of course, that only helps as long as your rubbing.