Headache when you bend over

Most often, the cause of headaches when bending over is sinusitis (also called sinusitis). With this disease, the head hurts in the area of the eye sockets, cheekbones, cheeks, teeth may hurt, and this pain worsens precisely when bending over. How to recognize the cause of headaches when bending over and how to treat it?

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Causes bending headache

The nose is the first to encounter pathogenic microbes penetrating from the environment, so inflammatory processes often develop in it. Local "battles" of the immune system with pathogenic flora occur, and the immune system often loses.

Sinusitis (sinusitis) is a general name for inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. More precisely, inflammation of the maxillary sinus (sinusitis), frontal sinus (frontal sinusitis), ethmoid sinus, sphenoid sinus (sphenoiditis). The last disease - sphenoiditis - is extremely rare. And all these diseases are characterized by a common symptom - severe headache when bending over.

How to distinguish sinusitis from migraine?

If you have a headache when you bend over, you need to find out the real cause of the headache. One recent study showed that out of 100 people who thought they had headaches due to sinusitis, almost 90% actually suffered from headaches due to migraines.

Migraine headaches may also be made worse by leaning forward, and they may also be accompanied by nasal congestion. But migraine headaches are more likely to be made worse by noise or light, and may be accompanied by nausea.

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Why is there such confusion?

First, the symptoms of different types of headaches have much in common. Second, headaches occur with many illnesses, such as the common cold. Given this confusion, it is important to establish the correct diagnosis. Why? The correct treatment for a headache due to sinusitis may not be effective in treating another illness - and vice versa. Without the correct diagnosis, doctors will not be able to relieve your pain.

Why does sinusitis occur?

Sinus headaches when bending over can be caused by sinus congestion and inflammation, which is called sinusitis or maxillary sinusitis. Sinusitis, in turn, is caused by respiratory infections such as a cold or flu, allergies, or hay fever.

Pathogenic microbes enter the sinuses, and the body cannot resist the infection. The reasons are decreased immunity, hypothermia, allergies, and high activity of pathogenic microbes.

A person with sinusitis cannot breathe through the nose. Possible causes are inflammation and swelling of the throat mucosa and a deviated nasal septum. The sinus is isolated from the nasal cavity, but it contains a lot of mucus, which gradually fills the sinuses and is constantly secreted. This creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of microbes.

In the sinuses of the nose, there is an inflammatory process, and decay products (pus) are released. Since there is no outflow from the sinus of the nose, the decay products are under pressure and are intensively absorbed into the blood, poisoning the entire body. In addition, excess pressure irritates the sinus of the nasal wall. Hence the characteristic symptoms, in particular, a severe headache when tilting the head.

Sinus headaches are common during pregnancy. There are many herbs and medications that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use. Consult your doctor before using herbs or supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Mechanism of headache in sinusitis

Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to circulate throughout the nasal passages. When the sinuses become inflamed, these areas become blocked and mucus cannot drain. When the sinuses become blocked, they become a perfect place for bacteria, viruses, fungi to take up residence and grow faster.

Risk factors

1. Allergies - especially hay fever - or asthma
2. Nasal polyps or tumors in the nasal passage, nasal bone spurs, nasal or facial tumors, deviated septum or cleft palate
3. Climbing or flying at high altitudes
4. Frequent swimming or diving

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Symptoms bending headache

Headaches caused by sinusitis are most often deep, pulsating, and concentrated in the front of the head and face.

Sinus headaches often start as soon as you wake up in the morning and may get worse in the afternoon. Sinus headaches can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are similar to tension headaches and migraines.

Headaches associated with sinusitis usually cause these symptoms

• Pressure and pain in one specific area of the face or head (eg, eye sockets)
• The face is sensitive to touch
• The pain intensifies with sudden movements of the head and bending forward.
• The pain is stronger and sharper in the morning because mucus collects in the sinuses all night.
• Sudden changes in temperature, when a person goes out into the cold from a warm room, aggravate the pain
• Headaches often begin during or immediately after a cold.

Other symptoms that may be associated with sinus inflammation include:

• Postnasal drip (pharyngitis).
• Yellow or green discharge from the nose.
• Red and swollen nasal passages ( nasal congestion ).
• Fever, chills - mild to moderate.
• General feeling of weakness and exhaustion.
• Fatigue.

Diagnostics bending headache

Your doctor will ask questions to help differentiate a sinus headache from a migraine or tension headache. If you have had a recent cold, allergy, or sinus symptoms and you tell them about them, this will help your doctor make a specific diagnosis.

An ENT specialist will typically carefully examine your nose to check for sinus congestion and drainage. The doctor will also press on different areas of your face to check for tenderness. The doctor may use a light to check your sinuses for inflammation, and if the light does not shine through, your sinuses may be congested with mucus.

If your doctor suspects you have chronic sinusitis, you may need an x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If your doctor suspects allergies may be the cause of your sinusitis, you may need allergy testing. You may also need a referral to a specialist known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or otolaryngologist. This specialist can perform a nasal endoscopy using a fiberoptic scope to clearly view your sinuses.

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Precautionary measures

You should go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden and severe headache that persists or worsens over 24 hours
• A sudden, severe headache that can be described as "your worst headache ever," even if you've always been prone to headaches
• Chronic or severe headaches that begin after age 50
• Headache that is accompanied by memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, changes in speech or vision, loss of strength, numbness or tingling in any of the limbs
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting (may indicate meningitis)
• Severe headache in one eye, accompanied by redness of the eye (may indicate acute glaucoma)

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Treatment bending headache

The best way to get rid of a sinus headache that occurs when you tilt your head is to treat your inflamed sinuses. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids.

Lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier or irrigating your nasal passages with salt water, are also necessary. Certain dietary supplements and herbs may help prevent colds and flu or shorten their duration. They may work in conjunction with antibiotics to treat sinusitis and support the immune system.

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Complex treatment of headaches with sinusitis

These treatments can help relieve sinus congestion and reduce headaches:

• Using a humidifier.
• Using a saline nasal spray.
• Breathe over steam or in a steam room 2-4 times a day (for example, sitting in a bath with a hot shower).
• Treatment of allergic asthma attacks.
• Other methods that may help with headaches include.
• Massage of painful areas of the head and neck.
• Relaxation techniques.

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Medicines for treating headaches when bending over

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Antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if he or she suspects you have a bacterial infection. For acute sinusitis, you may take a course of antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. Chronic sinusitis may take longer to heal, usually 3 to 4 weeks.

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Nasal corticosteroids

These sprays can reduce nasal inflammation and relieve allergy and cold symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They are most effective in reducing symptoms, although treatment may take several days to a week after starting to use them.

• Beclomethasone (Beconase)
• Fluticasone (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)

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Antihistamines

Antihistamines are available as oral and nasal sprays. They are available by prescription and over-the-counter to treat allergies. Prescription antihistamines that are quick-acting can relieve mild to moderate symptoms. They all work by blocking the release of histamine in the body.

Antihistamines: diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist). These good old antihistamines can make you drowsy.

Fexofenadine (Allegra), cetrizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) are newer antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness.

Many prescription decongestants are available as pills or nasal sprays. They are often used as antihistamines.

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Oral nasal agents

These may include Sudafed, Actifed, Afrin, Neo-Synephrin. Some decongestants may contain pseudoephedrine, which can increase blood pressure. People with high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate should not take products containing pseudoephedrine.

Avoid using nasal decongestants for more than 3 days in a row unless recommended by your doctor. Do not use them if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

In one study, 82% of patients with sinus headaches showed a significant allergic reaction to a triptan, a drug commonly used to treat migraines.

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Surgery and other procedures

In chronic sinusitis, if the prescribed treatment is not effective, your doctor may recommend endoscopic surgery, which is used to remove polyps or bone spurs. Enlarging or opening the sinuses is also sometimes recommended to treat sinusitis and reduce headaches when bending over. There is also a very effective procedure for this purpose, called rhinoplasty. It involves the process of inserting balloons inside the sinus cavity and then inflating them.

All operations that concern the sinuses are performed by an ENT specialist.

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Nutrition and food supplements

Some supplements can help prevent or treat headaches due to sinus congestion or by reducing sinus inflammation. They can also help protect against colds. Because supplements can have side effects and interact with other medications, you should only take them under the supervision of a knowledgeable physician.

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Bromelain

Some studies suggest that bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples, may help reduce inflammation and swelling of the sinuses and ease symptoms of sinusitis. However, not all researchers agree.

Bromelain is often combined with quercetin, a flavonoid plant pigment. It is found in fruits and vegetables that can be taken as antihistamines. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) should not take bromelain without talking to their doctor.

Taking bromelain with ACE inhibitors can cause a strong decrease in blood pressure and increase the risk of hypotension.

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Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid, a pigment that is responsible for the color of the fruits and vegetables it is found in. It inhibits the production and release of a substance called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. Quercetin is often combined with bromelain, a supplement made from pineapples. However, there is no definitive evidence that quercetin works well in the human body. More research is needed.

Some people may prefer water-soluble forms of quercetin, such as hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) or quercetin chalcone. Quercetin may interact with some medications, so talk to your doctor before taking it for headaches.

Probiotics (Lactobacillus)

Probiotics, or “friendly” bacteria, may help if you’re taking antibiotics for sinusitis. They may also reduce your chances of developing allergies. People who have a weakened immune system or who take medications to suppress the immune system should ask their doctor before taking probiotics.

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Herbs

Using herbs is a good approach to strengthen the body and treat headaches. Herbs, however, can cause side effects and interact negatively with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Therefore, you should take herbs with caution, under the guidance of a doctor.

As with supplements, there are many herbs that can help reduce your risk of sinus headaches, help fight colds, boost your immune system, or reduce sinus inflammation.

Among the effective herbal supplements for headaches when bending over due to sinusitis is Sinupret, an herbal composition containing elder (Sambucus nigra), horse sorrel (Rumex acetosa), primrose (Primula vera), European verbena (Verbena officinalis), and gentian (Gentiana lutea). According to research, Sinupret is very effective in relieving the symptoms of sinusitis. The herbs it contains will help thin out mucus and help it drain from the sinuses, and will also help strengthen the immune system.

Other plants are also traditionally used to treat headaches.

• Baikal skullcap
• Pyrethrum (Tanacetum Parthenium)
• Willow bark
• St. John's Wort
• Wild rosemary
• Viburnum juice with honey
• Mint
• Mullein
• Melissa
• Oregano

People who take blood thinners or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take these herbs. People who are allergic to aspirin should not take willow bark. Feverfew can interact negatively with several medications. If you are allergic to ragweed, you may also be allergic to feverfew.

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Homeopathy

Homeopathy can provide significant relief from chronic headaches. Several studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopathic physicians can recommend treatment for sinus headaches based on their knowledge and clinical experience. In one study of the effects of homeopathy, more than 80% of participants experienced significant improvement in symptoms within 2 weeks of taking a homeopathic remedy.

To prescribe a medicine, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, their health condition, and individual tolerance of treatments. An experienced homeopath evaluates all these factors when determining the most suitable remedy for each individual.

Acupuncture

Although scientific research on the subject is limited and shows conflicting results, some doctors believe that acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of sinusitis. Acupuncturists typically describe sinusitis as "dampness" that creates inflammation and congestion in the mucous membranes. This dampness is cleared by strengthening the Spleen and Stomach meridians.

Homeopathic practitioners often perform needling therapy and/or moxibustion, a technique in which burning mugwort is applied to specific acupuncture points.

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Chiropractors

While there are no studies on the use of chiropractic care to treat sinus headaches, some practitioners suggest that it may reduce pain and improve the condition for many people.

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Relaxation

For headaches of unknown etiology, relaxation techniques can be very helpful. This is especially true if the headaches often return, as is the case with sinusitis. You can try the following techniques:

Biofeedback to control muscle tension

Learn to meditate, breathe deeply, or try other relaxation exercises such as yoga or hypnotherapy

Try guided imagery techniques (imaginary situations with their solutions)

Home Treatment for Headache When Bent Over

Headache treatments usually have a dual purpose: you treat the headache while also addressing its underlying causes.

To relieve sinus pain and pressure from sinusitis, there are some treatments you can try.

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Use of over-the-counter drugs

This is an obvious solution, and you've probably tried it before. But medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help relieve pain. Always read the label, and don't use these medications for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor.

Try decongestants

These medications can help open blocked sinuses by reducing swelling in the nasal passages and decreasing the amount of mucus. But follow the instructions. Don't use nasal sprays or decongestants for more than three days in a row, and don't use oral decongestants for more than seven days in a row. Examples include phenylpropanolamine, tetryzoline, and indanazoline.

Keep your nasal passages moist

Dry air will irritate your already congested sinuses. So use a humidifier or steam to clear mucus from your sinuses. Rest with a warm, damp towel on your face for a few minutes. Try a saline nasal rinse after your nasal spray.

Use nasal irrigation (or lavage)

Rinse your sinuses with onion juice diluted half and half with water or salt water. It moisturizes the mucous membranes of the nose and helps clear mucus from the nasal passages, which can help relieve pressure on the sinuses and reduce headaches. If you have never tried this approach, ask your doctor for advice.

It is important to note that if you are using sinus irrigation, washes, or rinses, you should use distilled water, sterile water, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.

Avoid irritants

Perfume, cigarette smoke, and certain chemicals can make sinus symptoms worse by irritating the nasal passages.

If home treatment does not work, or if you continue to have a high fever, pain or swelling of the face or eyes, redness around the eyes and cheeks, severe headache, confusion, or stiff neck, see a doctor right away. Together, you can determine a definitive diagnosis and then apply the correct treatment for bending-over headaches.

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