Headaches followed by sinus congestion and cough

Oh, man, sinus issues are the worst!!!!! I've had them drag on for months at a time, turn into ear infections, sore throats and horrible coughs. I SWEAR by Neti Pots. Every 2 hours for the first couple days until the headache breaks and then twice a day. Sometimes steam helps too - long hot showers, leaning over a sink of hot water with a towel for a tent or same thing over a just finished dishwasher ( like when your glasses fog up). Sometimes I've resorted to antibiotics. I don't know if they actually work or if the infection has finally run its course.

Maybe if you start using the Neti pot your wife will see it's easy and start too. I've known of people who have had to have surgery for plugged sinus. You might want to consult with a specialist if home remedies don't help.

Actually, in a round about way, my sinus infection is the reason my cancer was discovered. I went to the dr because my sinus just wouldn't clear up and while there I asked for a referral for a mammogram, and the rest is history.

Hi, Tony - I think it's great that you are concerned enough about your wife to share this. In addition to the steam treatment Lucky suggests, internal consumption of fluids can help thin secretions. So, she needs to hydrate well and consider trying some Mucinex/guaifenesin to loosen congestion.

I'm not sure where you live, maybe South Dakota, guessing from your initials! If pollen allergy symptoms started prior to a hard freeze, then a few bacteria set up shop in the thick mucus caused by antihistamines (due to their drying effect), there could be an infection brewing: that situation might explain the resumption of symptoms.

Headaches can be a sign of brain metastasis and cough is linked to lung tumors which is probably why you're posting here however neither seem likely given the sinus pressure description. Steroid nasal sprays are now sold without prescription and are good to decrease inflammation but perhaps another visit to a clinic should be on the calendar, as Lucky suggests, in order to get relief.

When I have a cough that keeps hanging on long after a cold or sinus issue I take a prescription that everyone calls "pearls". I'm in the middle of a remodel so I don't know where my bottle is with the real name but if you ask the dr for pearls he'll know what you mean.

Wait, I found it - Benzonatate 200 mg

Tony, your wife is so lucky to have you watching over her. Even though my husband has always been convinced I would be fine I can see in his eyes that he's concerned. What helps the most is his amazing sense of humor and corny jokes when least expected. It's good to laugh

Tony, i can appreciate your concern, but i highly doubt this is any kind of cancer. All her symptoms sound like either a low-grade sinus infection or allergies. Sinus-y stuff is notoriously hard to treat, because sinuses are convoluted cavities in your facial bones. If they get the least inflamed or swollen it can be hard for them to drain, which just perpetuates the symptoms. Cough, in particular , can last for weeks, especially if the underlying condition is not fully treated.

Yeah, time to see an ENT. He/She will probably want to do some sinus studies, maybe a CT or MRI so they can get a good look at what's going on in there. In some cases, sinus surgery is required.

Best of luck to you all. Try not to worry too much.