Terrible sinus headache. Any advice?

[Geneticsbunny]

Hi all I have got a stupid cold and have been suffering from a headache since Wednesday morning! I am sick of it. Paracetamol helps a bit but not enough. Just tried steam and eucalyptus but I don't think it has done much and I am drinking gallons to try to flush it all out. Any other ideas will be massively welcomed otherwise my plan is to sit in bed and cry read mumsnet till I feel better/ go into labour.

Genetics, poor you! Miserable to feel ill especially whilst pregnant. I would say you probably need to consult GP soon if this does not clear up, antib's may be needed. I have found heat applied to my sinus area to be helpful. Either a wet hot flannel or standing under a warm shower and allowing the water to hit my face ( if you can stand the pressure) don't be surprised if you get a great deal of junk out after doing either of these things..I have also just pressed a warm water bottle to my face..found that comforting..

I do hope you feel better soon..x

Thanks kotinka I will start on the olbas oil too.

I have horrible pains in my sinuses. Had it all my life but pregnancy is making it far more challenging so I feel your pain.

I would continue what you're doing but also try vapour rub or eucalyptus oil rubbed into your feet, particularly your toes. You can also try massaging your thumbs and fingers (these are reflexology points for your sinuses and head). You can do this as much as you like too.

I would also try and ensure you stay really warm at night, nice thick duvet and PJs but keep the room as cool and ventilated as you can. I find that central heating and warm rooms make your sinuses swell and feel a whole lot worse.

Hope you manage to feel better soon. X

Steamy showers and blowing you nose whilst in the shower as much as you can.

Head massage?

Menthol crystals - you should be able to buy them from a chemist - are good for temporary relief. Stick a few in a large bowl of boiling water, then inhale with a towel over your head.

Ugh, poor you, sinusitis is horrible.

I'd go to the GP on Mon if you're not feeling better, mostly because you can't take most of the OTC stuff, but also because pg hormones can make sinusitis worse, so you're better dealing with it aggressively now.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

I got a saline nasal spray - it's a calpol branded one aimed at babies and children. Helps a little (in the absence of all the meds we're not allowed !). It's definitely worth a try.

Had a bad head cold for days now and it's miserable, desperately want some sleep but not so easy when you can't breathe...! Know how you feel x

Not sure if it'd help but doc said I was fine to take cocodamol until final trimester. Had some hideous headaches. Hope u feel better soon.

Thanks guys. You a all lovely. Headache is still bad. Have tried the hot flannel and the head over a bowl of hot water. Am now starting to become paranoid about preeclampsia ( although I am pretty sure it isn't that as I had a midwife appointment last weds). Trying to decide if I should wait till tomorrow or go to the walk in clinic today or phone a midwife? I am so worried about going into about feeling like this. I just don't think I could cope with pushing a baby out with this headache!

Clearly I can't type properly.

• you are all lovely
• going into labour feeling like this

misty9 unfortunately I am 38+ 6 today so no cocodamol for me

Probably worth going to the dr as you may find that something like beconase is ok when pregnant (even if it doesn't say so on the packet).

Stick with regular paracetamol for a while too and very regular steam inhalations.

I have much sympathy for you, i've had horrible sinus problems and the headaches can be unbearable.

Disclaimer, I am not an expert!
I know the consensus is to apply a warm flannel, but I would go for the opposite approach and use a cold mask on your eyes and forehead, something like this: www.thebodyshop.co.uk/skincare/accessories/aqua-eye-mask.aspx
It generally works for me.

Yup, I vote for walk in too. You have tried all the home remedies. There is no need to continue to suffer with this. Please let us know how you get on..x

Hi all. I has been less severe today so I didn't go the the walk in in the end. I am going to go and see the doctor tomorrow though. Seems to me moving to my ears too now so hoping for some antibiotics or something. I think I must have eaten about 30 clematines over the last few days. Maybe that has helped?

Hi OP the only things that helped me was 2 paracetamol & copious amounts of 4head (the roll on stick for headaches

Worked a treat

Soluble paracetam

Soluable paracetamol helps take my pain away better than tablets something to do with pain causing problems with digestive system.

I also fine kool and soothe forehead patches so nice.

I've found the forehead patches fab too.

But to be honest, I've had a shocking cold for nearly a week now but not had such abad headache with it. Which makes me wonder whether you should see GP or walk in centre just to be sure it's not a sinus infection or something.

If you need antibiotics, you want to be starting sooner rather than later. I'm nearly 36 weeks myself so know how terrifying the thought of childbirth/new baby is while feeling so under the weather! Hope you feel better soon xxx

Oh sorry just seen your post about seeing GP tomorrow, good idea. Good luck x

Update. Went to the gp. He said it was sinusitis. Now on antibiotics and feeling better already. Yey. ( I think he felt sorry for me because I sound really ill and am clearly very pregnant).