How To Relieve Sinus Pressure
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Sinus pressure
Many people experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinus pressure results from blocked nasal passages. When your sinuses cannot drain, you may experience inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.
Your sinuses are paired in two, and are found in four main areas of the face:
While some over-the-counter treatments can help reduce symptoms, there are also many effective natural remedies.
All Natural Allergy Relief With Bee Pollen
Bee pollen has grown in popularity, and it’s commonly believed to provide serious allergy relief. This powdery substance is what plants make to reproduce and is collected on the legs and bodies of bees to take back to the hive for food. Some bee pollen contains flower nectar and bee digestive enzymes that provide the human body with essential vitamins and minerals. The pollen grains can be collected from a variety of plants, so the supplement can vary in shape, color, and the level of nutrients it contains. If you decide to take bee pollen for allergies, start with small doses to confirm that it works for you. Some people may have adverse side effects, while others swear that bee pollen is a miracle-working solution to solving allergy symptoms.
Natural Ways To Beat Allergies
Every year an estimated 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. For many, spring and fall are miserable seasons, with blooming trees setting off many peoples allergies in the spring. But in the fall, its the ragweed and outdoor mold that can run rampant. Both seasons bring about sinus pain, sneezing, itchy eyes, and chapped nostrils to many individuals. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, these symptoms usually last until the first freeze of the season. We recently went over the ways to ward off seasonal allergies, but even with the best intentions for prevention, allergies can still put a damper on your day. Even though over-the-counter antihistamines work for many, they can come with unwanted side effects. If you want to avoid the side effects of your allergy medication, check out some of the natural ways to beat allergies.
1. Ingest foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have an amazing ability to fight inflammation from allergies. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in eggs, tuna, mackerel, salmon, milk, yogurt, natto, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
3. Eat local honey. Ingesting honey from your area can help your body become immune to the local pollen. By doing this, over time your body may become less sensitive to your local allergens. If you want to give this delicious trick a try, make sure you add one to three teaspoons of locally produced raw honey into your daily diet.
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What Causes Sinus Problems
Sinus pain and pressure happens when the tissue in your nose and sinuses gets swollen and inflamed. That keeps the sinuses from draining properly. A change in temperature, allergies, smoking, the common cold — pretty much anything that causes swelling in your sinuses or keeps your cilia from sweeping away mucus — can cause problems.
Treating The Underlying Cause
The right treatment for sinus drainage symptoms depends on the cause, which is often the common cold. A cold is a viral infection that goes away on its own, and antibiotics will not help.
If the flu is causing uncomfortable drainage, antiviral drugs may speed healing. However, these medications only work if a person takes them within a few days of noticing symptoms.
Antiviral flu medication is available by prescription only, so a person should see a doctor as soon as they notice flu symptoms.
If a bacterial sinus infection is causing sinus drainage symptoms, antibiotics may help clear the infection.
If an allergic reaction is responsible, a person should undergo allergy testing and receive a diagnosis. Some prescription medications can help.
Chronic sinusitis can also cause uncomfortable sinus drainage. Antibiotics and corticosteroid medications can help, but a person may require surgery if the sinusitis has caused a blockage.
Sinus drainage is a natural process, so a person cannot prevent it. The sinuses drain down the back of the throat and into the stomach. Each time a person swallows, they are swallowing some mucus.
Symptoms occur when there is an excessive amount of mucus, and the mucus is unusually thick.
Common causes of excess sinus drainage include:
- infections, including the flu or a cold
- allergies
- dehydration
- medications, which can thicken mucus
Also, an injury can affect the ability of the sinuses to drain properly or produce enough mucus.
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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.
Natural Remedies For Chronic Sinusitis Relief
What is a person to do when the symptoms of a sinus infection – headaches, sinus pressure, congestion in the head, and possibly fever and malaise, continue on for weeks, or even months in spite of treatment? Many Earth Clinic readers have shared the tried and true natural treatments they have found to cure chronic sinusitis.
Cures for chronic sinus infections include apple cider, herbs, coconut oil, and vitamin supplements. It is also important to use remedies that will reduce inflammation in the body to help heal inflammation in the sinus cavities. Remedies to strengthen an immune system that has been overworked for weeks or months are also important.
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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.
Herbal Remedies For Allergies And Sinus Congestion
Many people find relief from seasonal allergic rhinitis or chronic sinus inflammation with herbs, . First, the caveats:
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Chat with your doctor about trying an herbal remedy. Remember, if an herbal product is effective, it works as a drug. You may experience an allergic reaction or side effects, and the herb may interact with other drugs or herbs youre already taking. Your doctor will have access to information that might not be readily available to you.
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Unless you’re under the supervision of a medical professional, dont take any herbal products if youre pregnant or nursing, or if you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma.
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Tell your doctor about all herbs or supplements you take.
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Dont take more than whats recommended on the label of the product you choose.
Indigenous peoples have used, and modern herbalists still use, many native herbs to treat both short-term and long-term congestion. Among the best-known and most widely used: stinging nettle and butterbur. Small clinical studies have shown positive effects for both these herbs.
- Stinging nettle has been used for centuries as a remedy for allergic rhinitis . Modern freeze-drying apparently concentrates the compounds that soothe inflamed nasal passages and sinuses.
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Some research has shown that butterbur eases allergic rhinosinusitis , though the unprocessed herb contains potentially toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids . If you want to try butterbur, use only a product thats certified PA-free.
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Herbal Remedies With Little Scientific Evidence
Important: Consult with your doctor before trying any herbal remedies or supplements.
Some herbal remedies that are said to help allergy symptoms include:
- Black seed oil: A small 2014 study found that black seed oil, from the black cumin plant, applied topically within the nose improved and treated mild to severe allergy symptoms. This might be due to the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects of black seed oil, which has also been found to help treat other respiratory issues, such as sinus infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Stinging nettle: Nettle is another plant that has long been touted as an herbal remedy. A small 2017 study found that patients’ allergy symptoms significantly decreased after taking stinging nettle tablets four times a day for a month. But the scientists say more research is needed to understand nettle’s full benefits.
- Butterbur: The research looking at butterbur’s effect on allergy symptoms is not convincing enough for experts to recommend it as a treatment. What’s more, Butterbur contains chemicals that may damage the liver and lungs, and that may cause cancer. That’s why, if you do try butterbur, it’s important to buy products that were processed to remove these chemicals, called pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
How Irrigation Is Used
You can perform nasal irrigation daily, or even several times a day, to relieve symptoms of congestion. You can try a nasal rinse by purchasing a kit and following instructions.
One method is to use a neti pot with a saline solution. You pour the solution from the pot in one nostril and the solution drains from the other nostril. A squeeze bottle or bulb syringe can also be used.
A nasal rinse may sometimes be performed in the hospital during an inpatient admission, especially for young children with severe respiratory reactions.
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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.
What Are Sinuses Anyway
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces in the forehead, behind and around the eyes, behind the nose, and under the cheekbones. They produce mucus that drains into the nasal passages. The functions of these holes in our heads remain something of a medical mystery, although scientists say they help humidify the air we breathe in, may contribute to immune function, and provide strength and structure to facial bones.
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What The Research Shows
One study looked at the effects of cold-weather exercise on adults with respiratory allergies. The participants took part in a four-hour hiking/snowshoeing tour or a day of skiing in moderately cold alpine conditions.
Results showed that they had decreased allergy symptoms and an improvement in breathing tests. These effects were noted both the day after exercise and 60 days later.
How Allergy Symptoms Start
The conception that antibodies, which should protect against disease, are also responsible for disease, sounds at first absurd.
Clemens von Pirquet
Scientists have learned a lot about allergies since Clemens von Pirquet first coined the term.
Defined as an abnormal adaptive immune response, allergic disorders occur when the body responds to a usually harmless substance with an increase in IgE attached to mast cells in the body and Type 1 T helper cells . Reactions such as constriction of the bronchial tubes, mucus secretion, and increased vascular permeability may occur within minutes.
If the exposure exceeds the bodys first immune response, this reaction begins to trigger further activation of leukocytes and Type 2 T helper cells . This is a stronger immune response the body mounts to things like parasites and physical invaders. This manifests in different ways depending on the persons genetics and where the body perceives the invasion. Symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- even anaphylaxis
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Look Into Alternative Treatments
Some allergy sufferers swear by alternative home remedies for seasonal allergies. These include butterbur , acupuncture, spirulina , stinging nettle, eucalyptus oil, and bromelain . There isn’t too much evidence on these treatments, so it’s best to conduct your own research and consult a doctor with any questions.
Tweak Your Workout Routine
Pushing though a HIIT routine or a kickboxing class may kick your allergy symptoms into high gear. Why?
“Cardio and high-impact movements can temporarily increase inflammation and blood flow, which can exacerbate your allergies,” Purvi Parikh, MD, an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network, tells LIVESTRONG.com.
A good rule of thumb? When your allergies are running rampant, stick to a low-key workout. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling or yoga may be your best bet.
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Do Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies Work
If you have mild allergy symptomsmeaning it feels like you have a slight cold but youre not 100% miserablethen trying certain natural remedies for seasonal allergies at home may be worth a shot before you turn to allergy medications. Here are some common ones to consider:
This is an important one! Understanding the cause of your symptoms plays a vital role in seasonal allergy management, according to Beth Corn, MD, associate professor of medicine and clinical immunology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She recommends getting a skin allergy test if possible. There are numerous allergy tests, but the common skin prick test involves scratching or poking your skin with the various allergens and waiting to see if you develop a reaction, such as redness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It takes a minute, and within 15 minutes you know what you are allergic to, Dr. Corn tells SELF. Once you have this information, you can do your best to minimize contact with your personal allergy triggers.
To do this, keep your windows closed and, if its too warm, use air conditioning to stay cool if you can. We know this is a bummer, but letting air in also invites allergens into your homewhich is exactly what you dont want. Be sure to also check your window sills and frames for condensation, which can contribute to mold growth.
Herbal Remedies For Allergic Rhinitis
We get a lot of questions from patients inquiring about ideas of natural solutions for treating their allergy symptoms. We are devoting this blog to explaining two common types of allergies we most often see at our office in Arizona and share some natural herbal which may help.
Please keep in mind, that we are not giving medical advice in this blog. We cannot properly treat your unique condition or allergy without seeing you or conducting one of our comprehensive allergy tests. We suggest you talk to your doctor.
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No 8 Move To A Fresh Air Location
This is a home remedy, however, in order to incorporate it youll have to literally move your home . Some places in the U.S. have really bad air quality.
In large cities, air quality is usually poor from pollution. Even cities near the ocean can have bad air.
But living in a more rural area doesnt mean better air. I grew up in an agricultural area and the air quality was worse than most large cities.
In Texas people battle seasonal cedar fever, experiencing nose symptoms in the winter. In the South, hot humid summers might cause a boom in dust mite populations and seriously affect people with dust mite allergy.
If youre moving to a new location for a new job look at the air quality, precipitation patterns, humidity, and vegetation to better understand if your symptoms will be affected.
Make An Appointment With An Acupuncturist
Researchers aren’t sure why it works, but, according to a 2015 meta-analysis, acupuncture was found to improve the symptoms and quality of life of allergy sufferers.
Note: Make sure you go to a certified acupuncture practitioner. You can search the registry for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to find a certified acupuncturist in your area.
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