How To Clear Chronic Sinus Congestion

Flush With A Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation, a traditional Ayurvedic treatment, has been used for thousands of years to treat congestion and sinus problems by removing mucus and debris from the nasal cavities. You can find a variety of nasal irrigation devices at natural grocers or pharmacies. Try a neti pot, a small ceramic pot specially designed to irrigate sinuses, or a squeeze bottle. Fill either one with 1 pint of lukewarm distilled water mixed with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Check the health department guidelines in your area your tap water may contain low levels of bacteria and protozoa that can stay alive in the nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections in some individuals. During the day, keep nasal cavities clear with sprays designed to moisturize and soothe sinuses. Look for formulas made with xylitol, a sugar alcohol derived from fruits and vegetables thats been shown to reduce the risk of sinus infections.

Eucalyptus Oil Treats Thousands Of Other Conditions Too

Once upon a time there was an Englishman who was cutting down trees too vigorously and almost severed his thumb with his ax. His father, a man deeply familiar with Aboriginal folk medicine, immediately came to his rescue, applying a tight bandage of eucalyptus leaves to the wound.

The Aborigines used eucalyptus to heal most wounds they. A surgeon saw the mans wound a few days later and was amazed by how quickly the thumb had healed, and moreover, there was no trace of an infection.

If it can heal wounds, can you imagine what it will do for your sinuses?

Eucalyptus oil is extremely helpful for those suffering from sinus congestion thanks to its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

Required Ingredients:

Natural Remedies For Chronic Sinus Infections

Natural remedies for sinus infections may not fully cure your symptoms, but they can work to reduce them. Examples of these approaches include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids.Fluids help to thin out mucus, which makes it easier to pass through your sinus passages. You know youre drinking enough when your urine is pale yellow.
• Applying warm compresses. Create a warm compress using a soft washcloth and warm water. These compresses help to open your sinus passages and soothe swollen facial tissues to make breathing easier.
• Using a neti pot. A neti pot is an alternative to saline nose sprays. You can buy these at most drugstores and online. They look like a small tea pot with an elongated spout. You fill the pot with sterile water, insert it into one nostril, and pour in the water so it comes out the other nostril. Here are step-by-step instructions.

In addition to these measures, its important to get plenty of rest. Getting enough sleep at night enables your body time to heal and maintain a healthy immune system.

Taking steps to keep your nasal passages draining well can help you avoid sinus infections. Examples of healthy habits to practice include:

You can also ask your doctor for additional prevention recommendations that target the cause of your sinus infection.

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Consider Some Alternatives To The Pharmacy

When youre congested, the simple act of breathing can be a challenge. Whatever the cause a sinus infection, allergies, a cold, or the flu dealing with congestion can leave you feeling tired and dreary.

Whats happening inside your head when you have nasal congestion? The nose has a vast network of blood vessels with valves that open and close, says Scott P. Stringer, MD, professor and chairman of otolaryngology and communication sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. When the nose is stimulated by any irritant, the nervous system is also stimulated, causing valves to open, which results in more blood entering the nose. This causes swelling in your nasal passages, which makes it difficult to breathe.”

Since sinus infections, colds, and allergies don’t just leave you congested and often come with a host of other symptoms, you might contemplate taking one or several drugs to end the misery. Yet doubling or tripling up on medication types is dangerous, and you may not find the relief you seek with over-the-counter meds or through a prescription.

Although over-the-counter options, such as , are often used to treat the stuffiness and headache caused by congestion, there’s significant risk of becoming dependent on these drugs, and they can leave you worse off in other ways, too.

Ways To Clear Up Sinus Congestion

You dont have to keep living with the symptoms of a sinus infection. Here are eight smart tips from both experts and readers thatll help get you breathing easier in no time.

Sinus congestion may make you feel miserable, but managing it can be easy if you find the right treatment, that is. First, it helps to figure out whats triggering the congestion. You can treat the symptoms, but you are going to be chasing your tail if you dont know whats causing them, says Ian Alexander, MD, an otolaryngologist and founder of the National Sinus Institute, which has clinics in New Mexico and Texas. Common causes include allergies and infections, but your congestion could also be caused by structural problems with your nose and sinuses. Here are some short- and long-term solutions that can help ease congestion and relieve sinusitis symptoms.

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Are There Any Complications From Chronic Sinusitis

Living with untreated chronic sinusitis can be unpleasant with the persistent symptoms but serious complications are uncommon. A sinus infection may spread to nearby areas, such as around an eye, into adjoining bones, into the blood, or into the brain. Children are more prone than adults are to complications. Swelling or redness of an eyelid or cheek in a child with sinusitis should be reported to a doctor urgently.

How To Treat Severe Sinus Congestion

How do you treat severe sinus congestion? With spring and spring allergy season headed our way, if thats not a question youre asking, then perhaps its time to start. Because while for some people this seasonal shift means dealing with the occasional runny or stuffy nose, for others it heralds months of severe sinus congestion.

What do you do if your sinus congestion refuses to go away? What if your sinus congestion becomes so bad that it begins to interfere with your day-to-day life? Over-the-counter or home treatments may be able to treat your garden variety sinus congestion, but if your sinus congestion does not abate, you might be dealing with severe sinus congestion. If thats the case, its time to reach out to Kaplan Sinus Relief for help.

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Boost Your Immune System With Vitamins And Herbs

Can cold-busting vitamin C also help zap congestion? Vitamin C has been demonstrated in some studies to shorten the duration of a cold and decrease the severity of symptoms but it doesnt directly affect congestion, says Stringer. So if youre battling congestion related to a cold, popping some extra vitamin C may help you get over your cold symptoms faster. But if your congestion is related to allergies, vitamin C wont bring relief.

A few herbal treatments, especially menthol and eucalyptus oil, can also help ease a stuffy nose. Menthol, a derivative of peppermint oil, can be found in inhaled balms and rubs for congestion. Menthol doesn’t actually decrease congestion, says Stringer. Instead, it stimulates the nerve receptors in the nose, which makes the nose feel like more air is going through it, and this is often perceived as cold air. But theres no real effect on congestion or the amount of air moving through the nose. Still, mentholated products are a good option to try when seeking fast short-term relief from sinus congestion.

Steam Inhalation You Never Thought It Would Be So Simple

Steam inhalation therapy is a commonly applied natural remedy for instant relief from sinus congestion. This remedy works a natural expectorant, increasing the bronchial secretion and facilitating the expulsion of mucus by air passages of the lungs. This will make it less difficult for you to cough up the phlegm.

Required Ingredients:

• One tablespoon of crushed carom seeds

• A cup of water

Process:

Boil the water and add the seeds . Inhale the steam. Make sure to keep your head one meter or so away from the cup where you are inhaling the steam.

You can also run a hot shower until the steam builds up in the bathroom, then breathe it in. it is recommended that you do this twice a day until the sinuses clear.

Another option is to soak a washcloth in warm water and place it over your face. Leave it on for 12 minutes. Do this a few times a day.

You can inhale the steam from boiling water after adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to it.

Notes: Steam inhalation is generally not recommended for children because they can burn themselves. It may also not be advisable for pregnant women, people with central nervous system disorders, a heart condition or high blood pressure.

If you have a cough along with sinus congestion , you can supplement the nasal irrigation with a lemon or honey cough drop.

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Navage Nasal Care The Works Bundle

This is a Godsend! Almost no nasal discharge after 37 years of suffering. Expensive, but worth my money

The Nasal Care Bundle by Navage can give you natural relief from chronic sinus congestion and seasonal allergic nasal problem. The included salt pods will effectively clear out the nasal clogs while the power vacuum will suck out every disposable and give you complete freedom to breathe and talk easily.

This nasal care doesnt operate like a Neti Pot, Getting used to it may take a little while. You have to put the SaltPod on the countertop and push firmly on it, now push the button under your right thumb. The power suction system will pull the saline water from the upper deck and go inside the nasal passage, clear out every bit of dust, germs, mucus, and other things that make you suffer. It takes a few seconds to get rid of the pain and uncomfortable without any drug.

Using it while you have infections in the ear, or full blockage in your ear or nasal passage is not recommended. Children under the age of 12 should not use it, as the safety precautions of this product say.

See A Doctor Immediately If You Have The Following Signs Or Symptoms

• Fever or swelling or redness around your eyes
• Severe headache, or forehead, confusion
• Double vision or other vision changes
• Stiff neck, or nasal polyps

Sinusitis and other sinus problems can be cured easily if identified in time. Seek treatment immediately to make sure your recovery period is as short as possible.

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Apple Cider Vinegar Works With Regular Vinegar

When I have a sinus attack, I cant do without apple cider. It has a host of amazing medicinal properties and can work miracles for sinus congestion.

How does it work? Apple cider softens the mucus and makes it easier for the sinuses to expel. This also helps reduce the headache resulting from the obstructed sinus pathways.

Required Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of apple cider or regular vinegar

Process:

Its very simple bring the water to a boil, add the apple cider vinegar and inhale the vapor until you start sneezing. The warm vapor makes the dry mucus soften.

Applying Warm Wet Towels

A warm, wet towel held against the face may help relieve the swelling and inflammation of sinus congestion.

It may also help keep the mucous membranes moist by breathing in moist air, which can help it function properly.

People can also soak a towel in warm water, wring it out, and drape it over their face in a way that is still comfortable for them to breathe through their mouth.

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Treatment Options For Sinusitis

Most of the treatment options for sinusitis and sinus headaches are intended to give temporary relief from the symptoms when they occur:

• Painkillers
• Mediation to reduce the inflammation
• Using a humidifier or nasal spray
• Drinking plenty of fluids

Although these treatments can help, they arent always effective for chronic sinusitis and they wont prevent your symptoms from coming back. If you often suffer from sinus infections or sinus headaches, you might be looking for a more permanent treatment.

Permanent cures for chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches are sometimes possible, but it can depend on the reasons why you are affected.

• If your sinusitis is linked to allergies, then you can try allergy testing to find out the cause and then take steps to avoid the trigger. Although this wont always be enough to prevent your symptoms from coming back, it can make a big difference.
• If your symptoms are linked to infections, then simple steps such as washing hands regularly and getting a flu shot can reduce the chances youll be affected again.
• If there is a physical reason why you are more susceptible to sinusitis, it may be possible to correct it surgically and prevent sinus problems in the future.

How To Clear Sinus Congestion Naturally

Maybe youre suffering from sinus congestion right now and you have no idea what should really be done to clear it up! Here are some steps you can follow that are suggested by the doctors:

• Drink enough liquid- It will dilute the secretions of mucus in your nasal passages and promote drainage and ease you get relief from sinus pressure.
• Take a hot shower- It will reduce inflammation if you have, widen your stiff blood vessels around the sinus
• Use a saline sprayer- The saltwater from the spray will keep the nasal passage from drying out.
• Use a wet and warm towel- The warmth will help your sinus to widen up and drain the mucus.
• Use a Humidifier or Vaporizer- Get a humidifier device and use it to vaporize water into moisture and breath inside the moisture. It will soothe the swollen blood vessels in your sinuses.
• Use nose cleaning devices- If you need to have a quick-relief from sinus congestion.

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Your Sinusitis Wont Go Away Heres What You Need To Know

Sinusitis also known as a sinus infection is, for the most part, a bacterial infection caused by inflammation of the sinuses. Chronic and recurring long-lasting sinusitis can render you incapacitated and quickly eat up your sick days.

But when your sinusitis wont go away, what options do you have? This guide walks you through how to identify a sinus infection, what happens if you ignore it, how to treat your chronic sinusitis, and more.

Surgical Treatment For Chronic Sinusitis

At NYU Langone, doctors recommend sinus surgery only if over-the-counter or prescription medications and other therapies fail to relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Our surgeons can correct structural problems within the nasal passages and sinuses and remove polyps or other tissue blocking the nasal passages. Clearing the nasal and sinus passages allows mucus to drain normally, reducing facial pressure and pain, restoring your sense of smell, and making it easier to breathe.

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Revamp Your Nighttime Routine To Open Sinuses

As anyone with stuffy sinuses can attest, congestion often feels worse at night. This can create a vicious cycle because you need lots of rest to get over a cold or the flu, but the difficulty you have breathing at night can make it hard to sleep. The solution is to help your body stay as congestion-free as possible while you sleep.

For starters, put an extra pillow or two under your head, as this will help drain your sinuses. Make sure your bedroom climate is humid, and run a humidifier while you sleep to further thin the mucus in your nose. For another natural remedy, try nasal breathing strips, which lift the sides of the nose to help open nasal passages.

How Is Sinus Infection Diagnosed

Diagnosis depends on symptoms and requires an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. Your allergist will look for:

• Redness
• Discolored nasal discharge
• Bad Breath

If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist may examine your nose or sinus openings. The exam uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end that is inserted through the nose. It is not painful. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.

Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection. Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus directly from the sinuses.

Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection allergic fungal sinus infection, for example do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.

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Tips To Prevent Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion can be prevented by maintaining a hygienic lifestyle.

• Do not come in close contact with infected individuals and avoid sharing food or drinks with them.
• Wash and sanitize your hands properly. This helps in protecting you against pathogenic germs.
• Avoid allergens that may trigger congestion.
• Use humidifiers in dry weather.