Rhinitis can cause headaches, and treatment involves medication, nasal care, and lifestyle adjustments to relieve symptoms. Nasal inflammation increases sinus pressure and obstructs airflow, which can trigger headaches, commonly seen in patients with chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis.
1. Nasal inflammation increases sinus pressure, leading to headaches. In patients with rhinitis, the nasal mucosa swells, secretes increase, obstructing the sinus openings and hindering normal drainage. This increases pressure within the sinuses, stimulating surrounding nerves and triggering headaches, especially when bending over or changing head position. Headaches caused by sinusitis are usually located in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes, and the pain worsens when tilting the head forward.
2. Poor ventilation leading to oxygen deficiency can also trigger headaches. Patients with rhinitis may experience nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, potentially resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and causing vascular headaches. This is more common at night or in the early morning, accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose.
3. Drug treatment includes the use of antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants. Antihistamines such as loratadine can relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, nasal steroid sprays such as mometasone furoate can reduce nasal inflammation, and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride can provide short-term relief from nasal congestion.
4. Nasal care can be achieved by rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution to keep it moist and reduce the buildup of secretions. Rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution 1-2 times a day helps to remove allergens, bacteria, and secretions, reducing inflammation. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor air humidity can also help relieve nasal discomfort.
Five lifestyle adjustments include avoiding allergens, quitting smoking, and moderate exercise. People with allergic rhinitis should reduce exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust mites, and keep their homes clean. Quitting smoking helps improve the condition of the nasal mucosa, and moderate exercise such as walking and yoga can strengthen immunity and reduce rhinitis attacks.
Headaches caused by rhinitis can be effectively relieved through medication, nasal care, and lifestyle adjustments. If symptoms do not improve over a long period or are accompanied by fever, vision changes, or other symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly.