What Causes Sinus Congestion
Before we get into how to get rid of sinus congestion, its important that we review what may be causing your nose to get stuffy. Thats because the type of remedies and treatment you pursue may be dependent on what is causing your sinus congestion in the first place. Some of the most common causes of sinus congestion include but are not limited to:
Illnesses: Many people experience sinus congestion at its worst when they are ill. Common illnesses that have sinus congestion as a main symptom include: the common cold, acute and chronic sinusitis, influenza, and non-allergic rhinitis.
Allergies: Allergens are a primary culprit when it comes to what causes sinus congestion. Congestion is one result of your body trying to produce enough mucus to block pollen, dust, mold, smoke, and other irritants from entering your body. Allergens also irritate the lining of your sinuses, which can cause them to swell.
Anatomical issues: Sometimes the anatomy of our nose can contribute to congestion and other sinus problems. Patients with a deviated septum, nasal polyps, and enlarged adenoids are at a higher risk of experiencing frequent nasal congestion.
Hormones: Hormonal changes, including those related to pregnancy, can cause you to become congested.
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 Can I Do About Recurring Sinus Headaches
Many sinus headaches, especially those that recur, are actually migraines. But its smart to see your healthcare provider to figure out the cause of your headaches.
You may find that the best long-term solution is figuring out what triggers your migraine headaches so you can avoid them. Its helpful to keep a headache diary to track potential triggers. Triggers you can control include:
- Specific foods, such as chocolate, red wine or strong cheese.
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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.
Make The Sinus Pain And Mind
“Techniques that take advantage of the mind-body connection, such as deep breathing practices and relaxation exercises, can be very effective for relieving sinus pain,” notes Das. These practices rely on the mind’s ability to influence pain perception and are especially helpful with chronic or recurrent pain that is often seen with sinus pressure. Some examples include biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and hypnotherapy.
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Consider Using A Supplement Such As The Enzyme Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in the pineapple plant that is sold as a dietary supplement. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , you can get it as a powder, cream, tablet, or capsule, sometimes in combination with other ingredients.
According to a research published in the journal Laryngoscope, bromelain has been studied for sinusitis because it is thought to be effective in taming inflammation. A small number of double-blind studies has found bromelain improves sinus symptoms more than a placebo, the review found.
Research published in Alternative Medicine Review indicated that oral doses of bromelain are typically from 500 to 1000 milligrams per day, but some people take 2000 mg.
Although bromelain is natural, that doesnt mean there cant be side effects. The NCCIH cautions that some people experience allergic reactions, GI issues, menstrual problems, and an increased heart rate.
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Pressure or pain in upper cheeks, top of the nose, between eyes or forehead
- Stuffed nose, mucus is thick and yellow, greenish or grayish
- Symptoms last more than 10-14 days
But whatever it is, the following remedies can help either.
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Use Caution With Certain Over
While it might be tempting to run to the drugstore to fill your basket with everything in the decongestant aislethey are called decongestants!these come with a warning from all of the medical pros we spoke to.
Common decongestant nasal sprays and decongestant pills should be used with caution because excessive use can eventually exacerbate the congestion, Zafar says.
A condition called “rebound congestion” may crop up after use of these medications for more than three days. “Your body can get used to these medicines, and if you use it constantly, you can end up with worse congestion than when you started,” Simmonds says.
Avoid taking nasal decongestants for more than three days at a time.
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Address Any Potential Congestion Triggers
Antihistamines may help if your congestion is related to allergies, but the quickest and easiest solution is attacking the problem at its source.
“If your congestion is triggered by allergies or irritation, removing the allergen will offer the best help,” Friedlander says.
Replace carpet with wood or tile floors that don’t trap dust mites or dander. If possible, keep windows closed to avoid pollen inside and use HEPA filters in your HVAC system and air purifiers.
Take A Second For A Mini
Massages do wonders for the rest of our bodies, so why not try a mini-massage when you feel a “knot” of sinus pressure building in your head? According to massage therapist Heather Wibbels, you can pull fluid from the head with a few quick rubs.
Use your fingertips to push firmly against the notch of your collarbone repeatedly to get the fluid moving downwards. According to Wibbels, you’ll know the process is working when you feel a need to clear your throat and your ears might also suddenly open up when the pressure releases.
If this is uncomfortable, Wibbels also suggests a different method. Crossing your hands, you can make a “V” shape and use the same pumping motion on the sides of your neck to get the lymph fluid to release. Both this action and the fingertip pulses create suction in the lymphatic system, which vacuums the fluid residing in your sinuses downward and away from the head.
Read the Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage to learn more about therapeutic massage.
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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.
A Guide On How To Get Rid Of Sinus Drainage In Throat
- Oyewale Oyelami
Sinusitis is a painful condition people of all ages can have. The sinusitis pain can be so severe that it is difficult to talk. Most people with sinusitis have unique ways of dealing with the discomfort and stress of living with this condition. Read this article to learn how to get rid of sinus drainage in throat.
One of the most common ways is through drainage from the nose and throat or rhinorrhea. Sinuses are small air-filled chambers found in the nasal passages above and below the nose and the cheeks. When a person has congestion due to excess mucus or fluid, it results in sinusitis.
The symptoms of sinusitis include pain, pressure, and stiffness in one or both cheeks and behind one or both eyes that gets worse with crying, laughing, or breathing deeply.
If you have been diagnosed with sinusitis, its essential to follow all your healthcare providers instructions for treating sinusitis effectively.
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You will want to eliminate triggers as soon as possible, so your condition does not worsen. Keeping your breathing passages clean by clearing excess mucus regularly will also help keep your situation under control.
Itching, irritation, and redness may be other side effects of sinusitis that you may experience apart from drainage from your nose and throat.
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What To Look For When Buying Otc Sinus Decongestants
When youre figuring out which decongestant to buy, youll need to determine whats causing your congestion.
If its allergies, youll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines target your bodys immune response to allergens like pollen. Antihistamines usually make the person taking them a bit drowsy, so keep in mind taking them at any time other than bedtime may have you needing a nap.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These ingredients work by shrinking your blood vessels, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce the symptoms of a sinus headache or a stuffy nose.
However, both of these ingredients can cause you to feel restless and can make it difficult to fall asleep. These types of drugs can also make you nauseous. Generally, phenylephrine may have fewer serious side effects than pseudoephedrine. You should always consult a doctor before taking these meds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. Its best to treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you dont have.
Treating your congestion with OTC products doesnt always provide relief. You should seek professional medical care if you experience any of the following:
How To Get Rid Of Sinus Infections In 24 Hours
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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.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection
If youve ever suffered from a sinus infection , you know that the symptoms, such as the constant dripping from your nose or the sore irritated throat, are just shy of unbearable. Heres a list of symptoms you might experience if youre suffering from sinusitis:
- In some cases, people may experience anosmia due to the smell receptors being blocked and irritated. It typically resolves itself after the symptoms have cleared, although there are treatments to help speed up the recovery process.
- People also report a feeling of swelling, tenderness, and pain around the eyes and in the forehead.
What Causes Sinus Pressure
Pressure in your sinuses is essentially swelling in response to any of three different causes: a pressure change between the air inside your sinuses and the air outside your sinuses , when irritants invade your sinuses , or when you have an anatomical issue .
Unfortunately, you cant cater your sinus pressure treatment to the exact cause, but the good news is that most available remedies can work to reduce sinus inflammation and swelling regardless of whats causing it.
Heres a guide, according to experts, on the best ways to treat sinus pressure so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.
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How Long Does Sinus Drainage In The Throat Last
The length of time that sinus drainage may last will contrast depending on various factors, including age, overall health, and the severity of the infection. Sinusitis can also be present without rhinorrhea.
If the condition persists for more than three weeks, someone with sinusitis must contact their doctor. Sinusitis symptoms vary in severity and duration.
Some individuals may only suffer from sinusitis symptoms that last for short periods, while others may endure them for months or years.
The severity of the condition is determined by how frequently the symptoms occur and how painful they are to endure. Chronic symptoms are often characterized by thick-yellow mucus draining from both nostrils and a reddened, irritated area behind both eyes that worsens with crying, laughing, or deep breathing.
In addition, symptoms can include headache coughing up yellow mucous or phlegm sneezing post-nasal drip sore throat hoarseness or difficulty swallowing swollen cheeks.
Avoid Anything That Worsens The Infection
There are lots of habits that keep your health better. But some habits can make the situation worse. If you are a smoker, the smoke of nicotine triggers the sinus infection.
Another factor is consuming alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates your body significantly. Dehydration only makes the symptoms of the infection more intense. If you want to get rid of a sinus infection fast, you have to avoid these factors.
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Applying Warm Wet Towels
A warm, wet towel held against the face may help relieve the swelling and inflammation of sinus congestion.
It may also help keep the mucous membranes moist by breathing in moist air, which can help it function properly.
People can also soak a towel in warm water, wring it out, and drape it over their face in a way that is still comfortable for them to breathe through their mouth.
Sinus Infection Home Remedies Recommended By A Doctor
Philip Scolaro, MD
You probably dont give too much thought to your ability to breathe through your nose until you wake up with a sinus infection and that ability is gone!
Sinus infections, sometimes called acute sinusitis, can steal your joy pretty quickly.
A lot of viruses start with nasal symptoms. If you have a scratchy throat, congestion, and a runny nose, youve probably got a virus on your hands.
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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.