Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Best Medicine For Sinus Congestion And Drainage

Home Treatments For Postnasal Drip

HOME REMEDY FOR CONGESTION – SINUS, NASAL AND CHEST

You can turn to a number of home treatments to relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip. Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip.

Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.

Saline nasal sprays can help moisten your nasal passages and reduce symptoms of postnasal drip. If you have continual problems with postnasal drip, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone steroid nasal spray. Sinus irrigation tools like neti pots or sinus rinses like those from NeilMed can also flush out excess mucus.

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also promote proper drainage.

Staying hydrated is just as important to prevent postnasal drip as it is to treat it. Drinking warm or hot liquid, like tea or chicken soup, can thin out mucus and prevent dehydration. And as always, dont forget to drink plenty of water. This also thins out mucus and keeps your nasal passages moistened, relieving discomfort.

The Bad News/good News About Post

Post-nasal drip is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat and other annoying symptoms. It can be caused by a number of conditions and may linger for weeks or months. Thats the bad news. The good news is that most of the causes can be quickly identified and most will improve with treatment.

Robert H. Shmerling, MD, is associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Chief of Rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston where he teaches in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. He is also the program director of the Rheumatology Fellowship. He has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

What Are The Best Home Remedies For A Cough

While there are many medicines available to help ease your cough, there are also a number of things you can do at home that dont require medication and can be very effective. Cough remedies include:

Most of the time over-the-counter and home remedies will effectively combat an irritating cough but if the cough persists or gets worse you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. And its always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider when taking any medications, whether they are OTC or prescription, especially before giving them to children.

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What Causes Head Congestion

Your head feels congested when mucus builds up, causing blood vessels in your nose to become inflamed and resulting in swollen tissues and head pressure. The cause for this extra mucus varies, but below are some common reasons you might be feeling stuffy.

A Common Cold

With more than 1 billion colds in the United States each year, its likely your head congestion is caused by the common cold. When you catch a cold, a virus infects your nose and throat, resulting in head cold symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and headaches.

This virus causes your nose to make thick, clear mucus, which helps wash away the germs from your nose and sinuses. This mucus also causes the nasal swelling that feels like head pressure.

When your nose swells, it can eventually interfere with your sinuses ability to drain, causing more mucus buildup. As a result, pressure builds and leads to pain in your forehead, between or behind your eyes and even your teeth.

If youre experiencing head congestion, you probably want to know: How long does a head cold last? Most signs of a cold go away after seven to 10 days.

The Flu

Similarly, the influenza virus leads to head congestion by infecting your nose, throat and lungs, and causing nasal swelling. People often confuse a cold with the flu because their symptoms are similar. However, flu symptoms often come on quicker and are more severe, resulting in a fever, body aches, chills and more.

A Sinus Infection

Natural Treatment For Sinus Infection #8 More Reliefremedies/sinus Drainage Remedies

Best Meds For Sinus Drainage In Throat

To finish off, heres a couple of sure fire reliefremedies for your sinus infection to help drain and clear those nasal passages quickly if you find that nothing else is working. You definitely cant go wrong with any of these age-old remedies

Saline rinse: This one is the most used externalcleanse and flush for sinusitis. Although it doesnt actually get rid of sinusinfections as such, it does clear the nasal passages and give you excellentrelief, usually within 24 hours. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt or Himalayan pink rock salt and ½ teaspoon ofbaking soda in 1 cup of warm, filtered water. Using either a bulb syringe orneti pot , tilt the head back and gently squeeze thesyringe or pour the mixture directly into each nasal passage. Allow it to drainout the opposite nostril or into the mouth but do not swallow. Make sure youspit out the mixture as this will contain bacteria and other toxins. Repeatthis process 3 times daily.

Betadine and Salt Rinse: This is just a turbo-boostedversion of the standard saline rinse. And yes it does work even better! Justpurchase some antiseptic Betadine from your local pharmacy oronline and add 5-7 drops to 1 cup of warm filtered water, along with 1 teaspoonof sea salt or pink rock salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Use a bulb syringeor neti pot and flush out each nostril in the same way as the saline rinse.Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results.

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What Causes Excessive Sinus Drainage

If looking for the cause of excessive drainage makes more sense than focusing on how to stop sinus drainage altogether, where do we start? Normally, sinus drainage is temporary and accompanies a mild cold. However, longer-term drainage, or drainage that is particularly painful or severe, may be caused by a more serious condition. Its best to start by identifying the cause of the excess mucus. Possible causes of excessive drainage include:

  • Allergies Its not unusual for people to experience allergy-related sinus drainage, even if theyve never been diagnosed with allergies before. I developed a severe dust allergy as an adult, which led to severe drainage as well as frequent sinus infections . Allergic Rhinitis symptoms include:
  • Itchiness of the nose, mouth, eyes and skin.
  • Sinus Drainage from the nose or into the throat. .
  • A Sinus Infection Sinus Infections occur when the mucosa tissues become swollen or inflamed, preventing the sinuses from draining properly and allowing bacteria or viruses to grow more easily. Sinus infections is much more likely in people who have allergies or frequent colds, but is not uncommon for people who dont have these problems. Symptoms include:
  • Facial Pain or Pressure in the Areas of the Sinuses .
  • Nasal Stuffiness
  • A thick green or bright yellow mucus .

What Causes Post Nasal Drip

Post nasal drip occurs when nasal glands either secrete more mucus than normal, or thicker mucus. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • A common cold: A common cold causes excess mucus to fill your nose, which often leads to post nasal drip.
  • Allergies and irritants in the air: Allergens and other irritants can cause more mucus in your nose, which is linked to postnasal drip.
  • Reflux: Post nasal drip is a major symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux, a condition where stomach acid rises into the throat, Thompson says.
  • Sinus infections: Runny and stuffy noses are common symptoms of a sinus infection and can cause post nasal drip.
  • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the increase in hormones can trigger swelling of the nasal glands, causing roughly one-third of women to experience post nasal drip.
  • Spicy foods: In response to spiciness, many peoples bodies release extra mucus, which can lead to post nasal drip.

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Why Am I Coughing At Night

The first step to stopping a nighttime cough is figuring out why you have it, says Apurvi Thekdi, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Houston Methodist. Since treatments vary for different types of coughs, you need to know the root cause.

Dr. Thekdi says its also important to pay attention to the kind of cough you have , any related symptoms , and any possible triggers, such as changes to your diet or environment.

If youre ready to play detective, here are some of the common causes of coughing at night.

What Is Not A Likely Cause Of Persistent Dry Cough

Doctor: Tried And True Methods For Sinus Relief Are Still Best

Here are the dangerous things patients often worry about when they have a cough that doesnt go away. And heres why you probably dont need to lose sleep over them.

  • Lung cancer. Studies have found that in cases of persistent coughs, lung cancer is the cause in less than 2% of them. A history of smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing up bloodthese are the serious warning signs of lung cancer .

  • Pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot in the deep veins of your legs dislodges, travels up your body, and gets stuck in your lungs. It will cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If you just have a dry cough, thats very very unlikely to be a sign of PE.

  • Tuberculosis. Cough can be one of the symptoms if your lungs get infected with tuberculosis , but you wont get that alone. If you have TB, youll also likely have night sweats, sudden weight loss, and low-grade fevers. You wont feel good at all.

Final note: If you have a chronic cough along with fever, shortness of breath , chest pain, weakness, and/or nausea and vomiting, it is NOT a persistent dry cough. Thats a different story. See your provider if this is the case.

Dr O.

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Nasal Decongestant Sprays: Medicated Nasal Sprays

Afrin® nasal spray, Neo-Synephrine®, Otrivin®, Dristan® nasal spray and other brands decongest the swollen nasal membranes. They clear nasal passages almost immediately and are useful in treating the initial stages of a common cold or viral infection. Nasal decongestant sprays are safe to use, especially appropriate for preventing eustachian tube problems when flying, and to halt progression of sinus infections following colds. However, they should only be utilized for 3-5 days because prolonged use leads to rebound congestion or âgetting hooked on nasal sprays.â The patient with nasal swelling caused by seasonal allergy problems should use a cromolyn sodium nasal spray. The spray must be used frequently during allergy season to prevent the release of histamine from the tissues, which starts the allergic reaction. It works best before symptoms become established by stabilizing the nasal membranes and has few side effects.

Merc Iod Rubrum: For Postnasal Drip With A Stiffness Of Muscles Of Throat And Neck

Symptoms:

This medicine is indicated in the early stages of cold in children.

It is very active as a bactericide.

The patient develops coryza with dull hearing, and the right side of the nose becomes hot.

They hawk mucus from the posterior nares, and the turbinates are swollen.

The mucous membranes of the nose and throat become boggy.

The eustachian tube closes and opens with a pop.

The patient develops cough from the elongated uvula and sore throat due to postnasal drip.

Dosage and potency:

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Dry Air Drying You Out Just Add Water

Another potential remedy for a stuffy nose is salt water, which eases congestion by moistening and clearing the nasal passages. Dry air can increase mucus production and thicken the mucus so that it accumulates in the sinuses, explains Auth. Other irritants that buildup in nasal passages can also lead to nasal inflammation if they arent flushed out.

The nose loves salt water, says Seidman. A home remedy I tell people about is to mix 1 quart of sterilized water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon , and then run it up your nose.

Neti pots are nasal rinsing devices that have been around for thousands of years. While theyre generally considered safe, the FDA cautions that they must be used and cleaned properly to avoid the risk of infection. The FDA recommends using purchased distilled or sterile water, boiled and cooled tap water, or water passed through one of its recommended filters in any of these devices to reduce the risk of infection.

Engle says saline nasal sprays are a convenient option to moisten and help drain a stuffy nose because the contents are premixed and sterile, which reduces the potential for infection if used properly. For people squeamish about rinsing out their nose, experts say simply moistening the air around you can help.

A humidifier is a good thing for young children and people who dont want to use drugs, says Engle. Cool mist humidifiers are recommended in childrens bedrooms to reduce the risk of burns from warm mist versions.

Is It Time To See Your Ent

Best Otc Med For Sinus Drainage

Whether a patients chronic sinus drainage issues manifest as chronic runny nose, chronic post-nasal drip, chronic sinus headaches, or chronic congestion, they all visit us for the same reason: their chronic desire to feel better.

Enough is enough. At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, well help you learn what exactly is causing your chronic sinus drainage issues. We can assist you in getting the treatment you need to take back control of your wellbeing. Call us at 561-790-7744 or request an appointment online today.

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Classification Of Blood Pressure 1

Blood pressure can be grouped into different categories: normal, elevated, stage 1, stage 2, and hypertensive crisis.

Normal

Blood pressure is normal when numbers are less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Elevated

Blood pressure is elevated when systolic blood pressure ranges from 120-129 mm Hg AND diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mm Hg. Non-medical therapy, such as heart-healthy diet and increased physical activity, is preferred at this stage.

Hypertension Stage 1

Stage 1 is when systolic blood pressure ranges from 130-139 mm Hg OR when diastolic blood pressure ranges from 80-89 mm Hg. At this stage, doctors may consider prescribing blood pressure-lowering medication in addition to lifestyle changes . The doctors decision to prescribe medication will depend on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease , such as heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension Stage 2

Stage 2 is when systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg OR when diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg. At this stage, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure-lowering medications with lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive Crisis

If your blood pressure is more than 180/120 mm Hg, and you are NOT experiencing any other symptoms, it is classified as an hypertensive urgency, and you should immediately seek medical assistance.

How Can I Avoid Future Sinus Infections

Once youve had a nasty sinus infection, you wont want to relive the experience. To help prevent them from occurring again, get your annual flu shot and steer clear of people with colds or the flu. Use your humidifier. Live as healthfully as you can get sufficient sleep, reduce stress and eat a wholesome diet with plenty of whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and if you do smoke, take steps to quit. Last, but not least, always wash your hands.

Ultimately, sinusitis is a painful and revolting nuisance. But approaching them with these smart strategies could save you a world of hurt.

This content originally appeared on Sharecare.com.

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How Does Cold Medicine Work

Each cold medicine works differently depending on the active ingredients included in it. Decongestants such as phenylephrine work by decreasing swelling in your nose and ears in order to reduce your discomfort. Antihistamines used to relieve cold symptoms such as chlorpheniramine work by blocking not only histamines but also acetylcholine, and are thought to help dry up certain bodily fluids and relieve symptoms like watery eyes and runny nose. Pain relievers and fever reducers like ibuprofen work to reduce inflammation by blocking your bodys production of certain natural substances, which in turns helps to decrease swelling, pain, and/or fever.

What Is The Best Medication To Dry Up Sinus Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage and Sinus Massage for Allergy, Cold Congestion, and Sinus Pressure Relief

The best medication to dry up sinus drainage is over-the-counter decongestant medications. These are available in different forms, such as solutions, sprays, and drops. In addition to using decongestant medications, you should take a warm shower or bath with a cup of Epsom salts to clean your sinuses.

You can also try saline nasal drops or prescription drugs such as antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays to deal with the symptoms associated with rhinorrhea and sinusitis.

Another option for dealing with the drainage from your nose and throat is nasal irrigation. One way to perform this irrigation is by using a Neti pot with a small spout that goes into one nostril, then up into the nasal cavity, and out through the other side of your nose.

All in all, its crucial for people diagnosed with sinus infections to avoid triggers frequently so that their nasal congestion does not worsen over time.

They must follow their physicians instructions for treating their illness effectively, including reducing risk factors as much as possible.

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