Tips To Help You Get Relief From Your Head Cold
Oh, your aching head! If youâre suffering from unbearable nasal congestion and headache, you probably have a head cold. The reason youâre so stuffed up? When you have a head cold, the membranes lining your nasal passages become swollen and produce excess mucus to flush out whatever is causing the irritation, whether itâs a virus or an allergen. You might experience pain in your forehead, under your eyes or in your upper teeth.
The key to getting rid of a head cold is to reduce sinus swelling and help mucus drain from your sinuses. Although it might seem counterintuitive, keeping your nasal passages moist is the best way to clear out congestionâdry sinuses will only result in further irritation.
Try these simple tips to clear up a head cold and help relieve headache and sinus pressure.
Since breathing in dry air will dry out your sinuses, itâs best to add moisture back into your environment by using a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer. You can also try breathing in steam from a hot shower. Doing so can help soothe the irritated membranes lining your nasal passages.
A great way to ease a headache and sinus pressure is to place a warm compress on your forehead and nose. If you donât have a compress, try moistening a washcloth with warm water and applying it to your face several times a day. This will help relieve nasal congestion and relieve your head cold symptoms.
Symptoms Of Sinus Infection
Most primitively, it is extremely important to distinguish sinus infections from the common cold. Generally, sinus infection begins with the symptoms the same as of a common cold such as the runny nose, chills, cough, or watery eyes. But then the symptoms which you will face in case of sinus include pain and pressure in the sinus cavities, headaches, bad breath, fatigue, sore throat, nasal discharge with unusual odour and earaches.
In case of any severe symptoms, you can get your X-ray done that exactly reveals if a person has a sinus infection.
How Do You Treat Chronic Sinusitis
Whether it is seasonal allergies that return every year like clockwork, or naturally small nasal passages that do not drain readily, some people find that chronic sinusitis is a part of life. In these cases, proactive treatment with decongestants and antihistamines can help to stave off the sinus congestion that can give rise to an infection.
Changes to your home environment such as eliminating dust and mold where possible and using a humidifier can all help provide relief as well. Many people who have recurring or chronic sinusitis also make use of steam therapy or neti pots to keep their sinus passages hydrated when symptoms begin. In extreme cases, having a doctor who knows your symptoms and knows when to give prescription medications may be necessary.
Also Check: Are Allergies And Sinus The Same
Five Ways To Relieve Sinus Pressure
The pain, facial pressure and congestion of sinus infections affect more than 26.9 million Americans roughly 11 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most sinus infections, also called sinusitis, do not need to be treated with antibiotics, and will usually go away within 7-10 days.
One of the most annoying symptoms is the sinus pressure around the eyes, head and cheeks. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and medications that can help provide relief.
Garlic Honey And Olive Oil
The combination of these three ingredients help to provide relief from the sinus infection and other respiratory problems like cold and flu.
- Crush 3 4 garlic cloves into a paste.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes which activates the allicin enzyme.
- Add some honey and olive oil into it and mix well.
- Spread the mixture on either bread or cracker and consume it.
- Repeat the process regularly to get rid of sinus infection.
Read Also: Does Ibuprofen Work For Sinus Headaches
How To Get Rid Of Sinus Infections In 24 Hours
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 a safe and minimally invasive solution for long-lasting relief from sinus infection causes.
This safe and simple sinus infection treatment can be done in the comfort of the office with our Board Certified Otolaryngologist, Dr. Brian Lee. The procedure gently inflates the sinus cavity to clear the blockage and restore the natural flow from the body. If you would like to know more about balloon sinuplasty and how to cure sinus infections permanently, schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward real and lasting sinus infection relief.
When Do I Need To See A Doctor
When you have done all you know how to get rid of a sinus infection but still have protracted symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice and treatment at a walk-in urgent care.
- Multiple Occurrences: For many people, a sinus infection is a rare event amounting to an uncomfortable 10 days, soothed by home remedies and over-the-counter medications. But for some, these infections can occur multiple times in the span of a year, wreaking havoc with a persons ability to work, run a household, care for children and elderly parents, exercise, enjoy free time, and can create an undue burden on loved ones and co-workers. Multiple occurrences of a sinus infection can indicate a potentially serious underlying issue needing medical care.
- Worsening Symptoms: With a typical sinus infection, symptoms will gradually improve much like the common cold. However, more severe cases will see symptoms worsening over days and weeks.
- Fever: If a fever develops, persisting more than three or four days, seek medical attention.
- Head or Facial Aches: Other symptoms cause facial pain around the eyes, nose, and forehead. These headaches can be debilitating and ongoing. A medical expert should be consulted to rule out or treat serious underlying conditions.
Find an Urgent Care Location Near You
Recommended Reading: Home Care For Sinus Infection
The Weird Causes Of Sinus Infections
Did you know that sinus inflammation is a common complication of allergies or any viral, fungal, or bacterial infections?
Even a pinched nerve in your back can cause systemic inflammation .
Technically, nasal congestion produces swelling in the sinus cavity, obstructing drainage and causing mucus to stagnate. A perfect breeding ground for infection.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
How To Heal A Sinus Infection In 2 Days
2020/03/19
I never understood the fuss about sinus infections until Ive experienced it first hand.
Its horrible.
The second round of antibiotics and no relief in sight.
Its not you, its me, I said to my antibiotics and decided to try home remedies for sinus infections, still shocked that I agreed to take antibiotics in the first place. I must have been truly desperate.
Two Days later my sinuses were clear.
No sinus pressure, no sinus headaches, and no congestion. I was thrilled.
In this post, I will share my personal 2-day-sinus-infection protocol with you, along with many more effective home remedies and practical information about causes, cures, and prevention of sinus infections.
Ready? Lets start.
Recommended Reading: Where To Get Antibiotics For Sinus Infection
When A Sinus Infection Wont Go Away
While its true that sinus infections sometimes clear on their own, antibiotics can sometimes shorten their duration.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms dont subside within 10 days or if you have persistent fevers, facial swelling or neck stiffness. As with colds, make sure you hit the sheets and get enough rest and drink your H2O. Proper hydration and nasal irrigation can ease sinus infection symptoms.
Acupuncture For Sinus Infection Relief
A review in 2014 of randomized controlled trials explored how traditional Chinese herbs could act to prevent or resolve viral respiratory infections. Many of the herbs had antiviral effects and others worked with the immune system to protect the respiratory tract and remove pathogens.
Shi-Bi-Lin is a Chinese herbal formula utilized to support a patient with paranasal sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. This formula is modified from the classic formula, Cang-Er-Zi-San.
A randomized controlled trial in 2009 recruited 162 patients with allergic rhinitis to either be blinded to receive capsules of SBL or placebo capsules for four weeks. The group that received the SBL had significant reductions in nose blockage. And notably, the reductions in symptoms were sustained for two weeks after the last dose of SBL.
Hochuekkito is a formula utilized in both traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo formulas. The formula includes 10 herbal medicines.
In 2018, scientists used an extract of this formula, HET, in an animal in vivo study to attempt to disrupt the nasal cavity colonization of the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus . The hope was that if nasal cavity colonization could be prevented, the spread and any possible sinus infections would be avoided.
Due to the statistical significance of the results, the study recommends explorations of HET as a therapeutic option for nasal cavity colonization of MRSA in humans.
Masks to prevent infection spread
You May Like: Best Non Drowsy Allergy Sinus Medicine
Anatomy Of The Paranasal Sinuses
The paranasal sinuses comprise four pairs of sinuses that surround the nose and drain into the nasal cavity by way of narrow channels called ostia . Mucus leaving the frontal and maxillary sinuses drains through the ethmoid sinuses , so a backup in the ethmoids is likely to clog the other two types of sinuses. The sphenoid sinuses are located deep in the skull, behind the eyes. Sinusitis develops when one or more sinuses become blocked.
There are millions of bacteria in our noses, and most of the time, they’re harmless. Even when a few creep into the sinuses, they don’t cause trouble, as long as they keep draining into the nose along with mucus. But if sinus drainage is blocked, glands in the sinuses continue to produce mucus, and the resulting pool of backed-up mucus provides what Dr. Metson calls “the perfect culture medium.” The bacteria grow out of control, causing infection, and the immune system kicks off an inflammatory response. The result: swelling, which causes and facial pain mucus buildup, which produces congestion and an influx of white blood cells to fight the bacteria, which thickens the mucus and may tint it yellow or green. Other symptoms include loss of smell or taste, cough, bad breath, fever, toothache, and fullness in the ears.
Will A Sinus Infection Go Away On Its Own
Often, a sinus infection will peter out after about 10 days. Home remedies can be enough to get you over the hump. However, some cases are more serious, lasting 12 weeks or more. A chronic sinus infection could mean there is an underlying bacterial infection that needs professional medical attention. Some infections will be accompanied by a fever. A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or greater and is the bodys way of fighting off infection. Fevers above 102 degrees warrant a call to your doctor or a visit to a walk-in urgent care.
Read Also: Best Eye Drops For Sinus Infection
How To Cure Chronic Sinusitis And Sinus Headaches Permanently
Chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. It can be difficult to get on with your usual routine when youre in pain or suffering from serious congestion. You can also feel very upset and hopeless when it seems that the problem keeps coming back. What can you do to cure sinus problems permanently?
How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection In 24 Hours Or Fast
Days of dry weather are coming. The chances to get a sinus infection increases in dry weather. Even a simple cold can turn into a sinus infection. Once you get it, the symptoms will make the days miserable, especially if you have to attend the office. You feel like an outcast among the colleagues if the nose keeps running and sneezing. In this situation, the thing that you want to know the most is how to get rid of a sinus infection fast? But its not always easy to do that.
Also Check: Sinus Rhythm With Bundle Branch Block
Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection
Because a sinus infection often stems from an upper respiratory tract infection, its symptoms are somehow similar to what your sinuses and the related parts experience when having a persistent cold, such as:
- A green or yellow discharge from your nose
- Pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- A reduced sense of smell
- Bad breath
- Cough and sore throat
Essential Oils For Sinus Infections
Many essential oils that contain antimicrobial properties, make a powerful weapon against bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
Peppermintor eucalyptus oil in a humidifier helped open up my nasal passageways and are natural sinus decongestants.
If your nose is stuffy, try to dilute 1 drop of Eucalyptus Oil in 1 tbsp of carrier oil and rub it on the bridge of your nose .
Alternatively, you can use Frankincense essential oil.
Also Check: Can I Treat A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
Lingering Sinus Infection Or Chronic Runny Nose
A lingering sinus infection is different from a chronic runny nose. Chronic runny nose typically comes from allergies or other irritants in the air. However, this can turn into an infection over time.
When the sinuses become infected, the allergies, irritants, or viral cold have caused swelling in the nose thats blocked the drainage pathways. Consequently, fluid and mucous accumulate in the sinuses, where it has become infected with bacteria.
If youve been sick more than 10 days and begin to experience other symptoms like facial pressure, headache, and fever, youre dealing with more than a chronic runny nose.
Read Also: Drugs For Sinus Infection Prescription
Causes Of Lingering Coughs
Upper respiratory tract infections refer to an infection of any area within the nose, sinuses, throat , or voicebox . Symptoms generally last seven to 14 days and may include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy/runny nose, sneezing, headache, and muscle aches.
Lingering coughs are believed to be caused by either mucous draining into your throat or inflammation related to the initial infection.
The vast majority of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, and all of these can cause a lingering cough:
- Rhinovirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus
Much less commonly, upper respiratory tract infections may be caused by bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. If these bacteria infect your sinuses, what’s known as bacterial sinusitis, the infection can mimic that of a post-infectious cough until treated with an antibiotic.
Recommended Reading: What Medication Is Used For Sinus Infection
Garlic Capsules/pills For Sinus Infection
For those, who cannot tolerate the strong pungent smell of garlic, then they can try garlic supplements. It helps to alleviate the sinusitis, respiratory ailments and cardiovascular problems. But make sure to buy good garlic supplements from a trusted brand.
The suggested dosage of garlic pills is 2 capsules per day after having meals until the sinus clears. However, this dosage may vary depending on the medical history of the individual. So, we recommend consulting a doctor for confirming the right dosage.
Things Which May Worsen A Sinus Infection
Lets take a look at what you can remove or eliminate from your diet and environment to both encourage healing and discourage chronic sinusitis or recurrent infections in the future.
Monitoring your symptoms is key to making sure you see treatment when and if it is needed. If you think you may have a sinus infection, consult your doctor or visit an urgent care center.
Also Check: Ways To Clear Sinus Pressure
Do These Things Work For Kids
Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults!
Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children.
Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial.
A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose.
A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness.
Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror!
What Is Chronic Sinus Infection
Chronic sinusitis is a long-standing inflammation of your sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or longer at a time. Sinusitis is also known as rhinosinusitis . So, we use the two terms interchangeably. When inflamed, nasal passages and sinuses become swollen and blocked. Chronic sinusitis interferes with the normal drainage of the mucus. Too much mucus builds up in your nose and sinuses, making them stuffy.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Medicine For Sinus And Chest Congestion