Sinusitis or something else?

[scaredofff]

I'm suffering day 4 of a terrible headache hoping someone has an idea of what else I can try as I really can't get through another day like this

Started Thursday morning sharp pains. Didn't ease with paracetamol or Nurofen+.
Have since been drinking lots of water throughout the days and eating more than normal. Have tried washing my hair and also an antihistamine. I even tried Migraleve in case it was a migraine but nada.
Yesterday I went to the chemist and got Sudafed decongestant tablets and nasal spray. I actually did get some relief from these for a bit the first 2 times taking them but since they've barely touched it

My sinuses are sore. The bridge and side of my nose feel like I've been punched. My head is sore to touch around the middle of my scalp but pressure does give a bit of relief. Now feeling pain behind my eyes, the odd twinge in my ear and my throat is dry

I only got to sleep at 3am due to my toddler but woke up at 6am for the toilet and haven't been able to rest since due to the aches

I already take paracetamol and dihydrocodeine regularly for my back but even this hasn't helped so I'm not sure what else I can do

Does this sound more like a sinus infection that needs antibiotics? Because what I'm doing isn't working and I'm at my wits end

It does sound like sinusitis to me but usually that comes after a standard cold, have you been sick with mucous or anything? Sinusitis is usually congestion caused.

Thanks for replying
@Nogodsnomasters
No, no sick or cold symptoms

It may not be related but I finished my period on Tuesday and this started Thursday

Mmm, have you tried a face steam? Bowl of hot water with the vapo rub scooped in and a towel over your head to keep the steam in for 10-15 minutes. It may help open the sinuses up.

Sounds like a typical sinus infection, yes. I've started with one this morning with exact same symptoms.
Head over hot water helps, as does sudafed and those saline nasal sprays (Sterimar) etc to start getting the gunk out.

I also get migraines, but those (for me) are much more localised (in my case, only ever right temple and behind right eye)

Hope you feel better soon.

I’ve got very similar symptoms though without the pain in the nose-mine is more behind the nose/eyes. My ears feel blocked too but I haven’t had a cold.

My sympathies. I had one last week and it’s horrendous. All you can do for now is keep doing what you’re doing. You won’t be given antibiotics until you’ve had it for ten days or more, and they usually clear on their own before then. Hope you’re feeling better very soon x

Oral Sudafed is very good - if you feel as though you've been whacked across the face with a baseball bat, that's exactly how I'd describe it.

Add in saline irrigation and a cold pack across your face to shrink the blood vessels down instead of using heat to make them expand even more. I would also use 4Head well above my eyebrows and below my cheekbones (as you don't want it migrating into your eyes, believe me!) whilst the cold pack was back in the fridge/freezer - with a cloth around it when it was frozen, just chasing the pain around.

The main thing I found was that when it happened, there was absolutely no discharge. Nothing came out at all, which was why it was sooooo fucking painful.

Does headache get worse if you bend down to pick something up? That’s always telltale sinusitis for me.

I've had the same and was off work sick with it
Mine is above my right eyebrow and worse late at night and in the mornings
Even tried a sinus rinse and nothing but I keep waking up with a blocked nose

Thank you everyone! I'm sorry so many of you have suffered with these symptoms too. They really are horrendous. I kept telling myself to get a grip, it's just a headache etc but yesterday took the biscuit and I'm giving in to the pain now.
I have a warm flannel over my face for now and will dig out the steamer and Vicks once IL's have been

Thanks so much for all the replies. Hoping this helps someone else who feels as rough as us and doesn't know why!

@PuppyMonkey yes it does, almost like my brain has too much space and it's flying around in my skull with a sudden movement

@NeverDropYourMooncup yes I'm like this too, no discharge either
I have had one sinus infection before and remember the amount of mucus that came out suddenly near the end of it. I couldn't believe there'd been so much in there
Hoping it happens naturally this time and soon

I just want to sleep it away. I am quite sleep deprived and don't think that's helping. I can usually plod along with lack of sleep but don't feel I can brave it right now
I feel useless and my head is too heavy for my neck

Thanks for advice re not getting antibiotics till day 10 - saves me waiting in the dr call queue tomorrow x

Not sure if anyone else experienced acid reflux/indigestion as well but I have it bad today and google confirms it is linked to sinus infection
What a strange mix of symptoms