How To Take Away Sinus Pressure

Which Allergy Drugs Are Ok With High Blood Pressure

11 Fast Facts About Your Childâs Allergies I Have High Blood Pressure. Are Allergy Drugs OK? First things first: Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start to take any medication â for allergies , high blood pressure , or anything else. Thatâs true for herbs and supplements , too. Antihistamines are the most common medication for allergies . Most of them seem to be safe if you have high blood pressure â but again, ask to make sure. Donât take decongestants unless your doctor tells you otherwise. They may raise your blood pressure . They also keep some high blood pressure drugs from working the way they should. Watch out for combination medications for allergies that include decongestant ingredients. That includes allergy drugs as well as many remedies for cold, flu , and sinus problems. Ask your pharmacist to check the ingredients for you. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Suzanne R. Steinbaum, MD on December 14, 2016 American Heart Association: âOver-the-Counter Medications.â Harvard Medical School: âDonât Let Decongestants Squeeze Your Heart.â UpToDate: âDefinition, risk factors, and evaluation of resistant hypertension,ââDiphenhydramine.âContinue reading > >

Treatment For Sinusitis From A Gp

If you have sinusitis, a GP may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:

• steroid nasal sprays or drops â to reduce the swelling in your sinuses
• antihistamines â if an allergy is causing your symptoms
• antibiotics â if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms and you’re very unwell or at risk of complications

You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds.

A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist if, for example, you:

• still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
• keep getting sinusitis
• only have symptoms on 1 side of your face

They may also recommend surgery in some cases.

Keep Your Body Hydrated

Staying hydrated is beneficial for your general health and helps to flush out toxins from your body.

Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to thin nasal secretions, hence making your sinus passages less congested. When you are dehydrated, your sinus passages tend to dry out, leading to increased pressure, discomfort and pain.

If you feel bloated from drinking lots of water, or dont enjoy drinking water in general, there are other types of fluids you can take to help you stay hydrated.

Drinking more soup during meal times, having tea or sucking on ice cubes can also help you stay hydrated. Additionally, increasing your intake on water-based vegetables and fruits will help to increase fluid intake in your diet.

Just as there are things that help hydrate, there are also some that do the opposite. For example, caffeine and alcohol dehydrate your body and should be avoided.

Fried and oily foods are also not the best options if you have sinus, and you should stay away from unhealthy food in general as they could worsen your condition.

Its important to be mindful of what you eat and drink to speed up your recovery from sinus. Healthy lifestyle habits like drinking more water and eating healthy, even while youre well, will also go a long way towards benefiting your overall health.

Also Check: Mucinex Or Dayquil For Sinus Infection

Middle And External Ear Infections

A middle ear infection can cause ear congestion, as well as dizziness, ear pain, and occasionally fluid drainage. Theyre usually caused by colds or other respiratory problems that travel to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube.

External ear infections, also known as swimmers ear, are usually caused by water that remains in your ear after swimming or bathing, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. You may experience pain, itching, redness, and clear fluid drainage or a discharge of pus.

Ear infections often resolve without treatment. Over-the-counter ear drops and pain medication can help relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or last more than two days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

When To Seek Medical Care

See a doctor if you have:

• Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
• Symptoms that get worse after improving.
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.
• Fever longer than 3-4 days.

You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:

• Seasonal allergies

Recommended Reading: Houston Advanced Nose And Sinus

Use A Saline Nasal Spray

Saline nasal sprays work very much like the salt irrigation method weve just looked at, and you can easily buy them at a pharmacist or health and wellness stores.

One big advantage nasal sprays have over the salt irrigation method is that a nasal spray is more compact and easy to carry around as they come simply as a squirt or pump bottle. Additionally, you wont need to go through the hassle of mixing your own saline solution. These nasal sprays also tend to also have a longer shelf life than saline solutions.

Heres a step-by-step breakdown of how to use a saline nasal spray:

• Put yourself in an upright position
• Gently blow your nose to clear mucus
• Close one of your nostrils and place the spray bottle under the nostril to which you are applying to
• Make sure you aim away from the septum so as not to damage it
• Inhale slightly through the nostril while you gently squeeze the spray applicator

One downside to saline nasal sprays is that they can be costly in the long run if you use them on a regular basis.

Furthermore, while saline nasal sprays can help ease symptoms, they do not address the root cause of your sinus issues. So if youre experiencing sinus problems because of allergies, you should look into removing or avoiding any allergens youre exposed to.

Looking to purchase a nasal spray in Singapore? Did you know that there are actually three different nasal spray types? Learn all about them and how effective they are for nasal problems.

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.

Also Check: How To Relieve Sinus Pressure In Your Head

What Are Sinus Pressure Points

The idea of pressure points comes from acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine. In acupuncture, practitioners stimulate specific points on the body using fine needles. The aim is to disperse Qi, or vital energy, that has become stagnant.

Acupressure involves stimulating these points through pressure instead of needles it is noninvasive, and a person can try it at home. Some people report that stimulating sinus pressure points helps alleviate their nasal congestion.

Both acupuncture and acupressure are popular complementary therapies for nasal conditions in the United States. In a 2006 survey, researchers found that among over 300 licensed acupuncturists, 99% had treated clients for chronic sinus and nasal symptoms.

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.

Recommended Reading: Treatment For Sinus Infection In Adults

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 .

How Do You Diagnose Chronic Sinusitis

The presence of two or more of the listed symptoms for at least three months raises the suspicion of a chronic sinus infection.

In such cases, we will evaluate you to confirm the diagnosis. This involves applying pressure on your sinuses to elicit tenderness. If the tenderness is positive, your sinuses are likely to be inflamed. We will then take a peek into your nose using a small flexible scope, and check for nasal polyps, pus-filled discharge, and deviated septum.

We may also recommend nasal endoscopy. This is an office procedure that enables us to view the interior of your nose and sinus passages. Its done with an instrument called an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light. We will pass this scope into your nose and sinuses to look inside. Nasal endoscopy allows us to detect any swelling and polyps, as well as collect discharge from the infected area. This can help spot the cause of your infection and whats the best way to treat it.

If need be, we may also perform imaging in the form of a computed tomography to look for further problems.

Allergy skin tests look for allergic causes and to check for problems within your immune system may also be done.

Read Also: Are Allergies And Sinus The Same

You May Like: Cvs Severe Allergy And Sinus Headache

Types Of Sinus Infections: Chronic Vs Acute

There are four types of sinus infections. These classifications depend on the length and frequency of the infection:

• Acute sinusitis.This type of sinus infection lasts only for a short time, defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology as less than 4 weeks. This short-term infection is usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection .
• Subacute sinusitis. A subacute sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks .
• Recurrent acute sinusitis. An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
• Chronic sinusitis.Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to recur.

Many sinus infection symptoms are common in both acute and chronic forms. Seeing a doctor is the best way to learn if you have an infection, find the cause, and get treatment.

• nasal congestion

For cases of acute bacterial sinus infections, these symptoms last at least 10 days without improving, or they worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve. In this case, its important to talk with a doctor, such as a general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor , to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Learn more about the symptoms of a sinus infection below.

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.

Don’t Miss: How To Relieve Pressure From Sinus Headache

How Severe Are The Symptoms

Most sinus infections go away on their own without severe symptoms or complications. If a sinus infection is caused by bacteria, you may need antibiotics.

Many cases of COVID-19 may be mild or moderate. The World Health Organization estimates that

Heres what to do next whether you think that you have a sinus infection or COVID-19.

When Is Sinus Surgery Needed

If the thought of surgery makes you more miserable, dont worry its only needed for more chronic or complex cases. If prescription treatments dont work, your doctor will refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor. They can try other approaches to take care of your infection, including sinus surgery. There, they can remove swollen tissue, polyps, growths, fluid or other blockages that make it difficult for your sinuses to drain and heal. Again, there are plenty of medications and treatments that doctors can use before surgery is considered.

Read Also: How To Get Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection

You May Like: How To Kick A Sinus Infection

Sinus Pain Has A Variety Of Causes

If your head is throbbing and you feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead, you could have a sinus headache. “Many factors can cause a sinus headache,” says Subinoy Das, MD, chief executive officer and interim medical director for the U.S. Institute for Advanced Sinus Care and Research in Columbus, Ohio. The most important factor is swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses, causing pressure and pain on in the face and head.

Symptoms of sinus pain and headache include pain associated with congestion from a common cold or allergies pain around your eyes, forehead, or over your teeth pain that is worse in the morning and pain that gets worse when you bend over. Some of the more natural methods of relieving sinus pain that reduce swelling, thin mucus secretions, and improve sinus drainage are often very helpful.

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.

You May Like: No More Allergies Asthma Sinus Infections

Tips To Relieve Your Sinus Pain

Are you among the 37 million Americans who have sinus problems each year? If so, theres a lot you can do around the house to create a sinus-friendly environment.

Here are some tips to help you prevent sinus infections and avoid the complications associated with it.

If you develop a sinus infection, begin treatment right away to reduce complications. Contact us today!

Consult Advanced ENT and Allergy if symptoms persist for more than ten days, if you have a fever more than 100.5, or if you have multiple sinus infections a year because all of these are signs of respiratory or sinus heath issues.

Drink Lots Of Water And Get Adequate Rest

“I recommend drinking a lot of water because it thins the mucus,” Abi Hachem says. While there’s no evidence about the most effective quantity, he recommends drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day.

You can also try drinking hot liquids like tea or soup to temporarily help relieve your symptoms. But you should avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s dehydrating and can worsen your congestion. If you’re taking an antibiotic for your sinus infection, drinking alcohol could increase side effects like upset stomach and drowsiness.

It’s also important to get about seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help your body rest and recover. “You want to get enough sleep and follow a normal sleep cycle so that all the hormones in your body are maxing out your immune system function,” Abi Hachem says.

Because getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult due to the pain and congestion, you can do the following to help you get more rest:

• Use a neti pot before going to bed to help clear your nasal passages.
• Sleep with your head raised by an extra pillow to help prevent mucus from pooling in your sinuses.

You May Like: Best Essential Oil For Sinus Headache

Sinus Pain & Pressure Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking Sinus Pain & Pressure and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate

• confusion, hallucinations

• tremor, seizure

• little or no urinating

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice or

• dangerously high blood pressure .

Common side effects of Sinus Pain & Pressure may include:

• sleep problems .

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How To Relieve Sinus Pressure And Pain

Now that you know what causes sinus congestion, you can determine how to relieve sinus pain. Here are a few tips and tricks for easing sinus pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Chill Out Your Sinuses

Anything you can do to cool your head can ease sinus pain symptoms. An ice mask, bag of ice or a cold compress can help.

Massage and Relax

Stress often makes your sinus symptoms feel worse. Gently massaging your neck and shoulders, while not linked to your sinuses, can help you relax, giving you relief.

Try SUDAFED® to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain

For a treatment that works to relieve sinus symptoms day and night, try SUDAFED PE® Sinus Congestion Day + Night for powerful congestion relief.

Related Articles

Don’t Miss: Advil Cold And Sinus Medicine Ingredients