So sick of sinus headache

[Fusciainertia]

For the last year and a half I have had a sinus headache more days than not. I didn't get prescribed medication for it until about 5 months ago since then I've been on 3 courses of antibiotics and one of those times I was also on steroids.

My head and face is aching now I'm so sick of it. I'm sick of how it drains me. I'm sick of having to pluck up the courage to call GP because I feel like it's a minor issue that's just gone on for too long. I'm sick of half the times I make a GP app I don't get the call.

What will happen next? Will I just go on antibiotics limitlessly?

Speak to your GP as a first port of call. They will probably give you an extended course of antibiotics and if that helps, that's great.
If it doesn't - Neilmed sinus rinse.
DC1 had a very nasty autoimmune disease (in remission now), but one of the consequences was a long-standing sinus infection. Their ENT consultant recommended it.
I also have chronic sinus infection on one side and it helps to keep it manageable.
Try steam twice a day as it will help loosen any mucous and so make it less painful.
Don't just leave it. The first time I ignored it (until I couldn't ignore it any more), I ended up with glue ear, hearing loss and subsequent grommets as an adult. It was a pretty miserable experience.

Steam twice a day ,get yourself a steam mug and olbas oil so it doesn't ruin your hair! You will need to do it for about 6 weeks, it's the only way in my experience.

Sorry, I've just re-read your post and my answer.
Do contact your GP to see if more antibiotics help.
If they don't, ask for a referral to ENT and look at my advice re rinsing. In my personal experience, avoid the nasal balloons,
as all they do is drive mucous into your middle ear, which may be happening already due to coughing or sneezing.
It's not a minor thing, as it can have nasty consequences.

Thanks for your replies.

Do you think the things you've suggested will help as my nose does not feel congested.

Mometasone which is a steroid spray will help. Antibiotics are normally prescribed for 6 weeks. If that doesn't resolve it in that time then they will not continue prescribing them.

There is an option to have the sinus increased in size to enable them to drain properly. You can ask for a referral to ENT. Good luck with that. I've been referred, had an appointment, had the scan and heard nothing for the last 18months. I think I'm lost in the system.

I have the same issue for the same length of time, but it's better in the summer.

The other thing that helps a lot is antihistamines at any time of the year. This is because they dry up the mucous also helping prevent the nausea from the post nasal drip. Since I've been taking the antihistamines it's improved alot.

Your GP needs to check the NICE guidelines for treatment of chronic sinusitus and follow them. Then make the referral.

@Fusciainertia, yes. My nose didn't feel congested.
In fact, I didn't really have any pain at all. For me, it was a feeling of pressure on my face, and knowing that if I bent forwards the feeling of pressure was worse.
You really need to insist on further help and investigation.

I will add I don't have congestion in the nose either, it is just the upper sinuses like you, which I think is probably worse.

I really hate talking to GP about it which I need to get over.

I was also prescribed strong antihistamine tablets by docs which I took daily for a month which didn't make a difference :(

I really struggle with my sinuses and have from childhood that face ache / pressure feeling in your face is something I can relate to.
I had sinusitis the other week and as well as antibiotics, vicks, nasal spray and steam I watched some videos online of how to do a sinus massage and it honestly made such a difference.
That awful pressure feeling would lessen within about 15 mins of doing it. I'm not going to lie it kept coming back but I kept up with the massages and do think it made a difference.

Try this, ground turmeric and fennel as well if u want it, either boiled in a cup of water or hot milk. Not too bad to drink and the next day it brings relief. Turmeric is a natural anti inflammatory

Hi, I used to have awful recurring sinusitis. It just felt constant and was really debilitating. My GP referred me to ENT and they examined me and did some allergy tests.

I was then prescribed a short course of stronger steroids followed by mometasone spray, and that really cleared it up. This was a few years ago and I rarely get any issues since then. If it does ever start, I use mometasone and it resolves very quickly.

I get a lot of sinus headaches, the below helps when they're lingering:

Steaming over a bowl of hot water with a tsp of Vicks vapour rub in. Towel over head and gently massage all sinus areas for 10 mins

Neti pot sinus rinse

Gentle heat on the area (if not too close to eyes)

That said if it's constant and recurring it looks like there's an op you could look into (bottom of this page): www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/

I also get chronic sinusitis with no congestion. It often follows a cold when the mucus clears up but I'm guessing the passages are still inflamed.

I also use Nasonex - it's the only spray the gets rid of it. When it's painful without the mucus it's usually because they've swollen.

What is worrying me is how often I'm getting it now. It's starting to really affect my head. The headache I get is absolutely brutal. I feel like I can't actually think - I'm starting to think it hurts my brain! It definitely affects my mood. I wish there was a quick solution but I don't think there is one.

ENT said next step is an operation to open up the passages but I know it's not 100% guaranteed....sigh...

Have you tried lymph node and sinus facial massage. This was the only thing that cleared mine.

I've tried the massage but not found it helps maybe I'm doing it wrong.

I do a nasal rinse which helps a bit, which I can't understand why as my nose is generally not congested.