Sinus Headache Relief: 10 Simple Ways To Soothe Your Sinus Headache
Many of us suffer from sinus problems now and then. For some, sinusitis can be a common occurrence. Those who suffer from sinus issues will know how uncomfortable it can get, having to bear with symptoms such as sinus headache and blocked ears. In this article, we look at some causes and symptoms of sinus headache, and cover 10 home remedies that might provide sinus headache relief.
Essential Oils For Sinus Headache
You might be familiar with the phrase that here is an essential oil for everything. In which case, it will not come as a surprise the several essential oils are very effective in treating sinus headaches. Some of the most effective essential oils include peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil.
Peppermint oil is high in menthol and has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties perfectly suited to relieve sinus congestion as well as headaches. It also has a wonderful cooling effect and works as a natural pain killer.
Eucalyptus oil contains a high concentration of cineole which helps relieve inflammation and free the sinuses of congestion.
Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile of all the essential oils. It has powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can cure the headache itself and treat any underlying infections.
Thyme, clove and cinnamon essential oils are other excellent choices.
How to use essential oil to treat sinus headaches
One very effective method is to add a few drops of your chosen oil to your steam inhalation as described above. If you are on the go and don have the time to prepare a seam inhalation, you can simply inhale a few drops of your oil from a handkerchief whenever you feel the need. Another method is to dilute your essential oil in a good quality base oil like coconut or olive oil and then simply massage it into your affected regions like the cheeks, forehead and sides of the nose.
Here Are Seven Effective Home Remedies For Sinus That Can Help You Tackle The Problem Naturally
1.Stay Hydrated
Drinking water, tea or juices without sugar are good ways to keep your system hydrated
2. Pungent SpicesSpices such as cayenne pepper with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, help in breaking up and draining out congested mucus. Similarly, horseradish can be mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to create a mucus dissolving elixir. As an alternative, 1/4 teaspoon of the freshly grated horseradish root can be held in the mouth for a few minutes, once the taste has evaporated, it can be swallowed.
Spices such as cayenne pepper with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
3.SteamThis one works like magic and doctors prescribe it too. Add 3 drops of pine or rosemary oil with 3 drops of peppermint, and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil to a steaming hot bowl of water or add 3 drops of rosemary with 1 drop of thyme and peppermint oil. With your face down over the water, drape a towel over the back of your head and inhale the steam, this will help in clearing a blocked nasal passage.
Turmeric root is a wonderful, fragrant spice commonly found in IndiaApple cider vinegar is a wonderful natural ingredient with many health benefits
6. SoupA number of studies support the benefits of having soup in helping ease congestion. From chicken soup to vegetable soup with fresh herbs, you can choose from a range of recipes and pick your favourite. It is the steam combined with a bunch of healthy ingredients which help clear the sinuses.
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How To Treat Tension Headaches Naturally
Tension headaches can be helped by identifying whether this is a physical pain caused by something underlying or whether it is a result of emotional stress. If your tension headaches are caused by stress, there are various ways to tackle this. Meditation, deep breathing, going for a walk, herbal remedies, flower remedies, nutritional therapy, and managing your diary better can all help. It may also be helpful to check your posture or neck at the chiropractor to see if there is a problem.
When To See A Doctor For Sinus Issues
If your symptoms persist more than one to two weeks, you should consult with your physician.
Youll want to check with your doctor even sooner if you have a severe case of a sinus infection including a high fever, swelling around the eyes, and red and inflamed skin, among other symptoms, Del Signore says.
In this case, or if your symptoms do not clear up within two weeks, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic.
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Balloon Sinuplasty: A Non
If you are one of the millions of Americans that battle frequent or long-term sinus infections and are seeking a sinusitis treatment that does not involve risky surgery, there is good news sinusitis treatment is available. Balloon Sinuplasty is another non-invasive sinusitis cure that works simply by expanding some or all three of the major nasal sinuses and allowing them to work naturally. This safe and simple sinus infection treatment can be done in the comfort of the office with our Board Certified Otolaryngologist, Dr. Sam Mathur. Schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward real and lasting sinus infection relief.
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Then What Is A True Sinus Headache
Your sinuses are air-filled sacs that connect to each side of your nose. It is their job to clean the air you inhale through your nostrils. A complex network of sinus cavities winds through your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose.
Many medical experts agree that sinus headaches are rare and reserved for a minority of people diagnosed with acute frontal sinusitis or sphenoiditis.
If you do have a true sinus headache, then you must have an infection somewhere in your sinus cavities. In this case, youll have fever and congestion. It is that congestion that produces the horrible pressure in your sinuses. And the fever is what makes you feel generally unwell.
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Natural Home Remedies For Chronic Sinus
A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swell up because of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The infection can be acute or chronic lying behind your eyebrows, behind your cheekbones, and between your eyes are your sinuses air-filled cavities lined with a mucous membrane that filters and humidifies the air you inhale. This membrane produces and circulates mucus into your sinus and nasal passages to help remove dust, particles, and microbes from the air that you breathe. Tiny hair-like cells called cilia sweep the mucus to the openings that lead to the back of your throat, allowing it to slide down into your stomach.
What Causes Headaches And Migraines
Migraines and other head pain may be related to a medical condition or as a result of lifestyle factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Dehydration
- Hormonal changes
- Poor posture
It is also important to take note of any other symptoms, for example like a skin rash, that may accompany any headache, and speak to your health practitioner as soon as you can.
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Saline Spray And Sinus Rinses
Using a saline solution, rinse your nose and sinuses with a neti pot or other irrigation system.
You can buy saline solution over the counter or make your own at home with distilled water and saline packets. Saline spray also comes in small bottles that you can spray directly into your nose.
Sinus rinses like these work by flushing mucus out of the nose and sinuses to keep things flowing freely.
Saline also has a natural decongesting effect, meaning it shrinks your swollen nasal tissues and makes it easier for you to breathe through your nose!
Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections
1. Top Foods & Beverages for Sinus Infections
2. Foods & Beverages to Avoid
3. Oil of Oregano
4. Grapefruit seed extract
5. Vitamin C
6. Garlic
7. Echinacea
8. Neti Pot
9. Add Moisture
10. Essential Oils
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When To See A Doctor About A Sinus Infection
On the other hand, a secondary acute bacterial infection may develop, so its advised that you see a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days or if your symptoms initially improve but then worsen again within the first 7 days.
See a doctor immediately if you experience:
- A persistent fever higher than 102 degrees F
- Changes in vision, including double vision
- Symptoms that are not relieved with over-the-counter medicines
- Multiple infections within the past year
- Sudden, severe pain in the face or head
- Confusion
- Swelling or redness around the eyes
- Stiff neck
Spice Up Your Diet To Ease Sinus Pressure
“Many people find that spicy food like peppers or hot mustard opens up their nasal passages and gives them some relief from sinus pain. There is good evidence that capsaicin, which is the active ingredient found in chile peppers, is effective in relieving some types of pain,” says Das. Capsaicin preparations have been investigated for the treatment of some facial pain syndromes and of rhinitis with promising results. But if you have the taste for them, you can try spicy foods to help with sinus discomfort.
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How To Treat A Migraine Naturally
As someone who suffers from migraines, I can tell you from personal experience that prevention is much easier than treating a migraine naturally. When you experience a migraine, a cold compress on the forehead can provide relief, or try a wheat bag on the back of the neck to ease the blood vessels. Sleep or rest in a dark room is also helpful. To try to prevent migraines, make sure you are always well hydrated, well rested and that you eat a balanced diet avoiding trigger foods. Yoga or meditation can be helpful if your migraines flare as a result of stress.
Yoga Can Help Drain Mucus From Sinus Passageways
If you are in the midst of a sinus infection, a supported yoga pose where your head is elevated will help you feel better without putting too much pressure on your sinuses, says Leslie Kazadi, a certified yoga therapist who teaches around Los Angeles and online at YogisAnonymous.com.
One pose Kazadi suggests is Supported Reclined Cobblers Pose.
How to Try Supported Reclined Cobblers Yoga Pose
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Alternate Hot And Cold Compresses
“Reclining with a hot washcloth over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions,” says Das. You can also alternate warm and cold compresses to relieve sinus pain and sinus pressure. Heres how to do it: Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then place a cold compress across your sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate two more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.
Natural Remedies For Your Sinus Pressure
If you have a sinus infection, it can be downright painful. The pressure and pain you experience in your cheeks and head can make it feel like something is about to explode inside your head. During this time of year, allergies are a big contributing factor to sinus issues.
If you have sinusitis, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and effective long-term treatment to prevent the recurrence of this painful condition. Dr. Greg Levitin is an experienced doctor who can accurately diagnose and treat your severe symptoms from sinusitis. However, there are times, if your sinus headache symptoms are mild, that natural remedies can provide you with temporary relief.
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When To See A Doctor For Sinus Pain
If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.
If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat for your treatment options.
What Causes A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can be caused by several different things including:
Seasonal allergies A deviated septum: The septum is the part of the nose that divides it into right and left nostrils. Some people have crooked or deviated septums, which makes them more susceptible to sinus infections. Nasal polyps Respiratory tract infections
Sinus infections may be acute or chronic .
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Invest In A Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which may help reduce inflammation and open up your nasal passages. For a humidifier to be the most effective, Abi Hachem says it should be placed as close as possible to you in the same room so it can deliver the humidity into your nasal cavity.
It’s also important to keep your humidifier clean to prevent bacteria and fungi from building up in the tank and being released into the air, potentially causing lung problems. To clean your humidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The EPA recommends that you empty the tank and dry all surfaces of the humidifier every day.
Solutions For Dry Air
Dry air can irritate your sinuses, so ensuring it isn’t too dry can be helpful. You can use a humidifier or vaporizer to increase the humidity in your home. Other ways to benefit from using water include soaking a towel in warm water and holding it over your face for a few minutes. You can also use a saline solution nasal spray for the same purpose.
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Sinus Headache Vs Migraine
A sinus headache appears as a pressure build-up in your sinuses resulting in pain in forehead and back of the nose. However, migraine comes as a throbbing pain by triggers such as light or stress. Although often confused to be similar, it is good to keep a proper check on the symptoms of the two problems to differentiate between them.
Sinus Infection: Signs & Symptoms + 10 Natural Remedies
About 35 million Americans suffer from a sinus infection or sinusitis every year. Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses that leads to an infection. It can result in mucus build-up and pain. If youve ever experienced a sinus infection, then you know just how unpleasant it can be much worse than a stuffy nose. While in most cases, a sinus infection will simply leave you running to find a decongestant, in the worst cases, it can lead to surgery to remove an abscess that has developed or the obstruction of the sinuses.
In the United States, sinusitis is the fifth most common medical diagnosis for which antibiotics are prescribed these days. The management of acute and chronic sinusitis is also costing this country over $11 billion every year. That doesnt even include the economic impact of lost work time due to illness.
While antibioticsfor sinus infection are a very common conventional treatment, the majority of sinus infections are actually the result of colds or viruses. They will get better as your nasal congestion improves.
Thankfully, there are a lot of natural ways to treat a sinus infection, including the foods you eat , saline nasal sprays, essential oils and supplements scientifically proven to be an effective sinus infection home remedy.
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Over The Counter Medications
For help alleviating sinus pressure and pain, try ibuprofen and a decongestant. Some medications include a combination of pain reliever and decongestant.
Mild antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra are helpful in moderation. Strong antihistamines like Benadryl are often way too drying. Be careful not to take antihistamines too often.
Even though you want your nose to stop running, too many antihistamines can make it more likely that youll get sinus infections in the future.
Drugs like Mucinex and Flonase can also be helpful in thinning the mucus in your nose and sinuses.
If you use Afrin, make sure you stop after three days. Though it can seem like a miracle drug, using it more than three days in a row can lead to something called rebound congestion. In other words, when you stop using the Afrin after continuous use, your nose becomes more congested than it was in the first place!