The short time I have been working in the Point, I have received a variety of questions, but the majority of the questions are associated with a sinus headache. This is unusual for me, because in the years I spent in the Glendale St. store, I only received a few questions regarding sinus headaches. This has made me wonder if there is something with Point Place that causes an increase in sinus headaches.
What is a sinus headache? Well, it is a headache that is associated with the swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses. This is the spaces adjacent to the nasal passages (behind the cheeks, nose and eyes). This swelling leads to air, mucus and pus being trapped in the sinus region, which results in inflammation, thus pain. This pain presents in the form of an ache under the eye or cheek area or teeth pain ( normally upper portion of teeth). Many times the pain will worsen when you lie down or bend forward or with sudden head movements. Additionally, cold and damp weather can make a sinus headache worse. The pain is worse in the mornings (all night long the mucus has been collecting and not draining) and will feel a little better as the day goes on. The pain can be a dull to severe pain that mostly occur in the front region of the face. To treat sinus headaches, reducing the swelling and inflammation reduces the pain. Also, draining the sinus passages reduces the pain.
How to achieve the dissolution of a sinus headache can be resolved ( in most cases) with a few simple things at home. First is to use OTC pain relief ( like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) which are anti-inflammatories, which decrease the swelling. Another choice is to breathe in moist air. A hot shower, a vaporizer, or a cool- mist humidifier can help with putting moisture in the air. Also, hot and cold therapy can help. Vary hot and cold compresses ( 3 minutes a piece, 3 times with each element) a few times daily can help relieve the pressure & inflammation, thus the headache. Nasal rinses can be used to increase the drainage, clearing the passages. If the sinus headache is associated with a person’s allergies, sometimes an anti-histamine (Benadryl or Claritin) or decongestant (pseudoephedrine)can be used- but be careful about over use, which can cause rebound congestion or in other words, make the congestion worse.
Keep in mind if the headache is not relieved or that it is getting worse over a period of time, there may be something else that is wrong and seeking medical attention is the best solution. Sometimes the headache may be a result of a sinus infection, and an antibiotic might be the only thing that works. Talk with your doctor if your headache does not resolve.
As to the Point Place area, I am not sure if this is just a coincidence or the real reason. If anyone has anything to point out, feel free to comment.