There are many different types and causes of headache. One of the most common types, especially among allergy sufferers, is sinus headache. Sinus headaches occur due to swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses. This swelling can cause pain around the eyes and even in the top teeth. Sinus headaches tend to worsen as you bend forward or lie down. We’ve compiled a list of things that can help alleviate sinus headaches:

1. Breathing moist air. This can be done easily with a basin of hot water or steam from a hot shower. You can also use a steam vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier
2. Alternating hot and cold compresses. Start with a hot compress across your sinuses for three minutes and then replace with a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat this three times per treatment, two to six times a day.
3. Nasal irrigation. There are many nasal irrigation products available over-the- counter. Irrigation helps to clean the sinuses and decrease inflammation.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers. These include Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Tylenol. Take them as directed for headache pain. It can be helpful to alternate them.
5. Over-the-counter decongestants (most commonly known as Sudafed). Decongestants taken as directed can help shrink the swollen sinuses and allow them to drain better. Just make sure if you are taking any prescribed allergy medicines that they don’t already contain a decongestant. We also recommend not taking decongestants if you have high blood pressure to too close to bedtime, because they can cause insomnia.