Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure changes affect the sinus lining, causing sinusitis symptoms, including headaches.
This article is expertly advised by M.D. Le Ngo Minh Nhu, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital – Campus 3.
Why does sinusitis cause headaches?
Sinusitis or rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or allergic reactions. The sinuses are hollow cavities located in the skull, covered with a thin layer of mucous membrane and connected to the nasal cavity through openings.
When sinusitis occurs, the sinus mucosa becomes swollen, causing blockage of the openings and stagnation of mucus. This leads to symptoms such as headaches, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Headache is a fairly common symptom that many people experience, especially when the weather changes.
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure changes will affect the sinus mucosa, causing symptoms of sinusitis, including headaches.
Specifically, when the temperature suddenly drops, the sinus mucosa is irritated, leading to increased mucus production. This increased secretion can block the sinus openings, putting pressure on the sinuses and leading to headaches, which can spread to the forehead, cheekbones or area behind the eyes.
With dry weather, the nasal mucosa and sinuses are irritated, causing discomfort and inflammation. When the nasal mucosa is inflamed, it quickly swells, clogging the sinus cavity and causing nasal congestion and headaches. Or when increased atmospheric pressure changes lead to a pressure difference between the sinus cavities and the outside environment, causing pain and tension in the sinus cavities, causing headaches.
Headaches caused by sinusitis reduce the quality of life for many people. Image: PhotoAC
Treat sinusitis when the weather changes
Treatment of sinusitis or sinusitis headaches is based on the principle of using medication and supportive measures to control symptoms and prevent sinusitis from getting worse.
– For conditions requiring medication, the patient may be prescribed a number of medications by the doctor that can be used to treat sinusitis such as fever reducers and pain relievers to control temperature and help relieve pain.
- Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present) are recommended if sinusitis is caused by bacteria. Duration of use is 7-14 days depending on the level of infection. Antibiotics are only prescribed when there are signs of infection, not for cases of sinusitis caused by viruses or allergies.
- Anti-allergic drugs: Should be used for patients in whom allergies are considered a favorable factor for sinusitis.
- There are also local vasoconstrictors and systemic vasoconstrictors; topical corticosteroids (this is recommended for chronic sinusitis or allergies.)
– Non-drug methods:
- Rinse your nose with saline solution: Rinsing your nose with saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) is a safe and effective method to clean the sinuses, reduce mucus stagnation and help relieve pain. head. Nasal irrigation 2-3 times a day can help maintain nasal and sinus clearance.
- Steam bath with warm steam: Steam bath with warm steam helps thin mucus in the sinuses and nose, relieves congestion and reduces sinus pressure, thereby reducing headaches. You can add essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint to increase the effectiveness of nasal ventilation.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm towel to the forehead and nose helps reduce pressure in the sinuses and relieve pain. The heat from a warm towel can help dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation, thereby reducing headaches.
– In some cases of chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medical treatments, functional endoscopic sinus surgery may be indicated to widen the sinus openings and remove sinus polyps or inflammatory tissue. infection to reduce congestion and improve air circulation in the sinuses, thereby reducing symptoms of headaches and nasal congestion.
Prevent sinusitis that causes headaches when the weather changes
To prevent sinus diseases that cause headaches when the weather changes, it is necessary to keep the nose and throat area clean, wash the nose, gargle with physiological saline or antiseptic solutions once a day. Besides, avoid exposure to dust, chemicals, and cold air.
Wear a mask and a coat when going out; Do not smoke, limit alcohol, spicy foods, sweet fatty foods, and cold foods. Eat nutritious food, get proper rest, and exercise regularly.
Pay attention to regular health checks, early detection and treatment of accompanying diseases, favorable factors causing rhinosinusitis and comply with doctor’s treatment (if any).