What Are Complications Of A Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis
While serious complications do not occur frequently, it is possible for a sinus infection to cause a direct extension of infection into the brain through a sinus wall, creating a life-threatening emergency .
In addition, other adjacent structures can become infected and develop problems, such as osteomyelitis of bones in the skull and infection around the eye . Rarely, these infections may cause death. The most susceptible individuals to complications are patients with suppressed immune systems, diabetes, and relatively rarely from multiple trauma injuries that may occur in natural disasters.
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How To Prevent Sinus Pain
There are also steps you can take to prevent sinus pain. Pay attention to triggers for allergies and nasal irritation and try to reduce or prevent those exposures whenever possible. Common irritants that can cause sinus pain include:
Cigarette smoke: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are common triggers for sinus pain and sinusitis. Quitting or reducing exposure can alleviate symptoms.
Pollution: When you breathe in air pollutants, such as industrial chemicals or paint fumes, they are absorbed by the nose and can lead to irritation of the nose and sinuses.
Allergens: Allergies are a major culprit of sinusitis and sinus pain. Common allergens include pollen, mold, pets, and dust mites. An allergist can give you an allergy test to help identify whats causing your symptoms so that you can take steps to reduce exposure.
Differentiate Between Sinus Headache And Migraine Headache
Many people who assume they are having sinus pain due to sinus pressure are actually having a migraine headache. Migraine pain can involve the same nerves as the sinus cavities and is frequently accompanied by nasal congestion, nausea, and aggravation by bright light. “If sinus pain is caused by a migraine, the best natural treatment is lying down in a dark, quiet room,” advises Das.
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Inhale Menthol And Camphor
Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth.
Steam For Sinus Headache
Taking a facial steam helps to moisten the nasal passages, clear the blocked nose and open up the congested sinus cavities. This eventually helps you drain out the mucus and breathe easily. It is one of the instantly effective home remedies for sinus headache.
- Take some water enough for a facial steam and bring it to boil.
- Once the water is boiled, remove from the flame and add few drops of essential oil .
- Lean forward towards the bowl containing hot water. Make sure your face is at least 30cms away from the water to avoid burns on your face.
- Cover your head with a towel or bedsheet in such a way that the steam vapours donât escape.
- Now breathe through your nostrils and feel the steam going in them.
- Release out from your mouth. Repeat this for 5 counts. Now reduce the inhaling and exhaling to 2 counts.
- Continue doing this for 10 minutes or until the water is steaming.
- Make sure to blow your nose during and after the treatment to remove the mucus draining.
- Continue doing this for 1 to 2 minute or until you can tolerate.
- Remove the towel and relax to feel calm and cooler.
- Repeat the process again one more time.
- Inhale the vapours of hot tea or soup to stimulate a steam treatment when you are at work or outside. You can repeat this treatment once in every 2 hours for relief.
Note:
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How To Treat A Sinus Headache
The best way to get rid of a sinus headache is by treating the underlying cause of the headachethe sinusitis. For sinus problems lasting less than 7-10 days, the cause is usually viral and can be treated with home remedies and if needed, over-the-counter medications. Here are some at-home remedies that may relieve your symptoms:
- Hydrate and rest: Drink ample fluids and rest.
- Breathing steam: Warm moist air by using a humidifier, breathing in warm mist from a hot shower or steaming bath, or applying a warm washcloth over your face.
- Saline nasal flushes: Using a bottle sprayer, Neti pot, or syringe, the saline fluid flushes out the nose and sinus cavities to help with sinus pressure and congestion. Be sure to use sterile saline water for safety reasons.
In addition to those at-home treatments, you may also require:
- Over-the-counter medications: Medications such as ibuprofen , naprosyn , and acetaminophen can lessen pain and inflammation. Please be cautious with these medications if you have liver, kidney, or blood pressure issues, or are on blood thinners.
- Doctors visit: If the sinus problems still have not gone away after 7-10 days , it may be a sign of bacteria causing your sinus infection, and you should see your doctor who may recommend an antibiotic.
Where Are The Sinuses
The sinuses are hollow spaces or cavities in the bones around the nose. Your sinuses make mucus or fluid. The mucus drains into your nasal cavity and down the back of your throat. This keeps your nose moist and gets rid of dust, allergens, and germs.
There are four pairs of sinuses connected to your nose:
- in the cheekbones on each side of your nose
- above your eyes near the forehead
- between the eyes and the bridge of your nose
- behind your eyes
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Avoid Sinus Pain Triggers
“One of the most important things to avoid is over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays. They may give some fast relief, but after a few days they make sinus pressure and nasal congestion much worse,” warns Das. Some other things you can do to prevent sinus pain include avoiding alcohol, which can aggravate sinus pain and congestion cleaning your humidifier to avoid fungal allergies washing your bedding in hot water to decrease allergy exposure and avoiding swimming, diving, or flying when you have sinusitis, a common cold, or nasal allergy.
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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What Kind Of Doctor Or Other Healthcare Professional Treats Sinus Headache
- Frequently, sinus headaches are managed by primary care physicians including those that specialize in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics.
- For complicated cases, an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be consulted.
- With unusual infections, such as fungal infections, a specialist in infectious diseases may be consulted.
Hot And Cold Compress
One of the best home remedies for sinus headache is an alternate hot and cold compress. When moist moderate heat is applied on the sinus region it eases the pressure and loosens the thick mucus. Whereas when cold compress is applied, it provides relief from the pain by constricting the blood vessels in the sinus region.
- Take some water and heat it. Make sure the temperature is warm enough such that your facial skin can handle it without any burns or other discomfort.
- Soak a wash cloth or face towel in this water and wring out the excess.
- Fold and place the towel on your face covering the sinus region .
- Leave it for 3 minutes.
- Remove the face towel and soak it in cold water.
- Wring out the excess, fold and place on forehead for 30 seconds.
- Close your eyes and relax.
- Repeat the process 2 â 4 times in a day.
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Rinse Your Sinuses With Saline
If you frequently suffer from inflamed sinus cavities, make an effort to rinse your sinuses with a saline solution on a nightly basis. Products like the neti pot are created to help people control and eliminate sinus blockage. If you dont have a neti pot, breathe in steam with hot, moist air. This helps to thin the mucus in your nasal passages, which can help your sinuses drain more quickly and help you find relief.
Sinus Toothaches Vs. Signs of a Dental Issue
Telling the difference between tooth pain from a sinus infection or a dental issue can be tough. As previously mentioned, the number one clue that your pain is linked to your sinuses is if the toothache is felt in more than one tooth. The sinuses put pressure on more than one tooth at a time, so if the pain youre experiencing is in several teeth clustered together, its likely your sinuses.
If youre concerned that your toothache is an indication of something more than a sinus infection, contact Hoffman Dental Care today. A quick evaluation by one of our dental professionals will help you get the information you need so you can start finding relief. For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.
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What Is The Prognosis For A Sinus Headache
Most people with sinus headache recover completely, although many people may develop sinus headache again in the future.
Complications of sinus headache are not common. Rarely, an untreated sinus infection can erode through the bones and involve adjacent structures, including the eye socket or brain, potentially causing pain and swelling of the eye or symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis. Infection that spreads to the blood vessels in the area of the sinuses can cause inflammation and blood clots. The cavernous sinus is a collection of veins located near the sphenoid sinus that can potentially become infected and form blood clots.
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Home Remedies For Sinus Headaches
If you have suffered from regular sinus headache, you will probably know that your sinuses are the spaces surrounding your nasal passage which help mucus secretion and air humidification. Your sinuses can become inflamed for many reasons including respiratory conditions like the common cold or allergic reactions.
When his occurs, the sinuses are inflamed and not able to effectively drain mucus which leads to increases pressure and sinus headaches. Treatment depends on decreasing inflammation in the sinus passages which leads to improved mucus drainage and reduced pressure. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications but there are a number of more natural and safer home remedies that can be just as effective.
If you suffer from sinus headaches and you would like to give natural treatments a shot, then read on.
How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Try These Amazing Home Remedies
Sinus infection happens when too much mucus accumulates in the sinuses, creating an environment that is damp and stagnant and ideal for viruses, bacteria, or fungi to proliferate. The discomfort and pressure in your face, whether you have a single sinus infection or chronic sinusitis, are enough to make you go for some medicine. The National Institutes of Health cautions against taking unnecessary antibiotics as most sinus problems are caused by viruses, which antibiotics dont treat and even those brought on by bacteria dont usually improve any faster with antibiotics, the agency says. In ancient times, when there were hardly any advanced technologies, homemade remedies made from natural extracts or medicinal plants were the only source to heal all conditions and diseases therefore, home remedies are always a safer option to try.
Talking to HT Lifestyle, Charmi Jigar, Head Nutritionist with Luke Coutinho, shared effective home remedies to get rid of sinus infection.
1. Steaming
Steaming helps in sinus infection because as a person breathes it in, it moistens their sinus passages. Take hot water and steam 3-4 times a day by adding cabbage leaves and 1 tsp carrom seeds.
2. Herbal sinus concoction
Take 200 ml water, add 1 tsp of Turmeric, a dash of cayenne pepper, 1-2 peppercorns and 3-4 crushed garlic. Boil the water, reduce to half and strain it then add 1 tsp raw unpasteurized honey . It helps in providing relief to sinus infections.
3. Application of lep
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Chamomile For Migraine Headache Treatment
Chamomile is known to have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties which help relieve migraine symptoms fast and naturally. Drinking chamomile tea regularly can also help prevent the problem.
Directions:
- Take 2-3 tsp of dried chamomile flowers and mix them in a cup of hot water for a few minutes.
- You can also add some honey and lemon juice to it.
- Strain the mixture and drink it 3-4 times a day to get relief from migraine symptoms.
- Optionally, you can prepare an herbal tea by steeping same amount of chamomile, meadowsweet and horehound in a cup of hot water.
- Wait for at least 5 minutes.
- Strain and drink it regularly.
Tips to Remember
Sinus Headache Symptoms & Treatment Options
Sinus headaches can bring acute discomfort to the sufferer, and are commonly experienced as pain across the forehead, nose and cheekbones. Sharp movements of the head can result in bursts of pain, making everyday life uncomfortable.
For many sufferers, diagnosing whether you have a sinus issue or a migraine can be tricky. If you or your child areexperiencing the symptoms of sinus headache or a possible migraine, Dr. Chacko will diagnose the issue and work to find the best sinus treatment solution for you. Serving families in the Atlanta area, Chacko Allergy is ready to help.
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What To Do When Home Remedies Aren’t Working
When you have a sinus headache, trying some treatments at home should be your first step. However, if you’ve tried a few things and nothing is helping, seeing a doctor can help you to get the right treatment and perhaps identify an underlying cause. You should also see a doctor if you have a fever, if there is pain or swelling of your face or eyes, redness around your eyes, cheeks, a severe headache, stiff neck or confusion.
After other treatments have been exhausted and your sinus problems are recurring, surgery might be suggested as an option for sinus headaches and blocked sinuses. This is something that you might discuss with your ENT to determine whether it’s the right choice for you and how it can help, as well as some of the risks that surgery can have. Before discussing surgery, it’s important to try other remedies to find out if any of them work.
If sinus headaches are a regular problem for you, Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Associates can help. Contact us today at Sylva 828-586-7474, Franklin 828-524-5599, Murphy 828-835-1014 or New Asheville 828-458-8100 to schedule an appointment or learn more.
Things To Know About A Sinus Infection
- Sinusitis or sinus infection is inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose.
- Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergies, and chemical or particulate irritation of the sinuses.
- The fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection can include medications, home remedies, alternative therapies, and surgery.
- Most people do not spread sinus infections to other people.
- Sinusitis may be classified as acute sinus infection, subacute sinus infection, chronic sinus infection, infected sinusitis, and noninfectious sinusitis.
- Sinusitis signs and symptoms include
- cloudy discolored nasal or postnasal drainage,
- the feeling of nasal stuffiness,
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Accurate Sinus Diagnosis And Treatments Is Essential
The only way to stop recurring sinus infections once and for all is to have an evaluation by a specialist who has the specialized training and experience to accurately diagnose their cause. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, we can discuss the options. The goal is always to provide the patient with all the available options, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and help you find the best treatment plan for you.
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What Causes Sinus Pressure And Headaches
Bacteria or viral infectionSinus pressure and headaches are often caused by inflammation from a bacterial or viral infection. The lining of your sinuses begin to swell, which traps mucus and pus in your sinus cavities causing pressure in the face, over the cheeks or forehead, or between or behind the eyes.
Weather change
For people with sinus problems or allergies, a shift in weatherespecially from summer to fallcan cause sinus headaches. Sinus pressure from weather is more prevalent in Houston and other coastal cities where high pressure and low pressure systems meet.
Stress
Stress-induced sinus pressure can also occur because stress weakens your bodys immune system, making you more vulnerable to the effects of allergens, as well as germs, bacteria, viruses, infections.
Injury or genetics
A deviated septum or narrow sinuses dont cause sinus pressure but can make it easier to get congested and more likely to have chronic sinus infections.
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