Sore Throat Runny Nose Sinus Pressure

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 youre 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.

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 initially improving.
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
• 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

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Home Remedies For Sinus Pressure With Hot And Cold Compress

For this situation, the hot and cold compress is mentioned as the best solution. When you use this remedy, it can help to relieve the pressure as well as get the air and mucus moving easily. Here is the detailed instruction, which you can follow in order to get rid of sinus pressure:

• Firstly, put a hot or warm towel across your sinus area on your face in 3 minutes
• Next take the hot towel out
• Then put on a cold towel for 30 seconds
• After that, return to hot towel
• Do this procedure for 3 cycles
• Repeat this procedure 4 times per day
• Keep doing until your condition is improved

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Are Sinus Infections Contagious

A sinus infection caused by a virus is contagious. When you sneeze or cough, the virus can travel in droplets of moisture through the air. If another person breathes in the virus, they might develop a cold that turns into a sinus infection. In order to limit the spread of sinus infections, remember to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. And wash your hands frequently to avoid leaving the virus on objects that you touch.

If your sinus infection is caused by a bacteria or fungus, its not contagious. But you should still wash your hands frequently and cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze.

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Its Best To Choose Cold And Flu Medication By Symptom

The key to picking the right product or products to help you feel better faster is to zero in on your symptoms. Also important: Whenever possible, stick to single-ingredient remedies to reduce the risk of side effects, says Nate Favini, MD, an internist and medical director of the nationwide healthcare system Forward.

Choose a medication thats going to directly address the symptom or symptoms that are bothering you rather than a cocktail that may include things you dont need, he says. For example, if the label of a cold or flu medication says that it treats fevers, coughs, and runny noses but you have only a cough, choose a simple cough suppressant instead.

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Cold And Sinus Infection Symptoms

Because a sinus infection often develops due to a cold, it can be difficult to tell if you have a cold or sinus infection. In general, sinus infections tend to cause more pain, pressure or fullness in the sinuses than a cold does. Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Facial pressure, fullness or pain, especially on one side
• Pain in your teeth

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What You Should Do

Dr. Sedaghat recommends that you treat colds symptomatically. “I tell my patients do whatever makes them feel better. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help. Home remedies that can improve nasal symptoms include saltwater rinses for the nose,” Dr. Sedaghat suggests. He also points out that maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your energy levels up.

Sinus infections are treated the same way as a cold. If bacteria cause the infection, antibiotics are an option. But many bacterial sinus infections get better on their own.

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Sinus Vs Regular Toothache

Many symptoms of a regular toothache are similar to those of a sinus toothache. However, sinus tooth pain is primarily felt in the upper molars, affecting several teeth instead of only one. If youre having pain in these teeth, and its coupled with some of the symptoms listed below, its likely that your toothache is due to a sinus infection. You may also feel a bit under the weather or have a fever.

A toothache caused by dental concerns will likely be the only source of pain, and it could be more intense and focused. Pain from a sinus toothache will intensify with certain types of movement. Jumping up or bending over may make the pain worse. This is because the sinus pressure shifts as you move and is felt more in your teeth. The pain may subside when youre sitting or lying down.

When To Go To A Doctor For A Sinus Infection

An untreated sinus infection can turn into a chronic infection, so its important to see the doctor if your symptoms arent improving on their own. We recommend making an appointment with your doctor if:

• Your symptoms havent improved after two days of at-home treatment
• You have cold symptoms that last for 10 days
• You have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Youre experiencing severe pain in the upper part of your face or your teeth
• You have facial pain from the bridge of your nose to your lower eyelid
• You notice thick and discolored mucus
• You have mild face pain for a month or longer

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General Sinus Face Massage

To start, place your four fingers on each of your temples and gently massage in a circular motion. If you feel a tense spot, hold and breathe for several seconds. You can continue along parts of your forehead and hairline.

Next, take your thumb and index finger and place them on your eyebrow closest to your nose while gently pinching down. Hold this position for several seconds. Slowly work your way across the eyebrow toward your ear.

Then take four fingers and place them on the inside of your cheekbone near the bottom of your nose. Gently press and drag your fingers outward. Repeat several times.

As you finish toward the outside of your ear, gently massage the temporomandibular joint , which connects the lower jaw to the skull. If you cant find it, open your mouth and you should be able to feel it protrude out.

Finally, make a V with your fingers by separating your middle and index fingers from your ring and pinky fingers. Bring your fingers to your ear and slowly massage this area in an upward and downward motion.

Its not much fun to have a blocked nose. You cant breathe properly and sleeping can become a painful experience and the only thing you can think of is how to get rid of your stuffy nose quickly.

Difficulty Swallowing Nasal Congestion Runny Nose And Sore Throat

• Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2020

Your symptoms are characteristic of upper respiratory illnesses including viral sore throat, sinusitis, hay fever, or other allergic reactions. Sore throat of any cause typically leads to difficulty swallowing. Allergic reactions may come and go over time, whereas acute sinusitis and viral pharyngitis tend to come on suddenly and eventually go away. If you are concerned about your symptoms, seek the advice of your doctor.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

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How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed

Often, your healthcare provider can diagnosis sinusitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Sometimes other tests are done. These may include:

• Cultures from the nose

• Sinus computed tomography . This imaging method uses X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body.

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best care based on:

• How old you are

Common Colds: Relief For A Stuffy Nose Cough And Sore Throat

There are no treatments that fight cold viruses directly. But nasal sprays and painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide some relief from cold symptoms. Many other treatments have either not been studied well enough or have no proven benefit.

Colds are very common: On average, adults come down with a cold 2 to 4 times a year, and children have as many as 6 to 8 colds a year. The reason that colds are so common is that they can be caused by very many different kinds of viruses. So having had one virus doesnât make you immune to other cold viruses.

Colds usually go away on their own after about one to two weeks. Although the symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough and headache can be bothersome, you donât need to take medication. None of the currently available treatments can shorten the length of a cold. Antibiotics only fight so they dont help in the treatment of simple common colds that are caused by viruses. They can have side effects too, so they should only be used if a bacterial infection develops as a complication of the cold.

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What Does A Sore Throat From Post

Have you ever asked yourself where sinus drainage goes? Knowing how sinuses drain is critical to understanding why having post-nasal drip feels like it does.

Typically, your sinuses drain through your nose and your throat. The sinus drainage that goes down your throat is typically so thin and watery that you dont even notice it.

When you get sick, however, your sinus drainage system can go awry. For example, if youre congested, your sinuses are no longer draining through your nose. And typically, the mucus created when youre ill is thicker than usual. All of that combines so that more mucus that average and thicker mucus that average is making its way down your throat. As a result, post-nasal drip has its own set of symptoms.

Post-nasal drip symptoms include:

• Nausea from excess mucus draining into the stomach
• Cough, typically worse at night.

If youre not sick frequently, it may be difficult for you to tell the difference between a sore throat caused by post-nasal drip or, say, a sore throat from mold exposure. But if you are suffering from sinusitis, its a safe bet that your sore throat is likely caused by post-nasal drip.

Best Cold Medicines For A Stuffy Nose

Topical nasal sprays offer quick relief but may cause rebound congestion with overuse. People should restrict using decongestants to a maximum of 3 consecutive days.

Oral decongestants, including pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, are effective for the short-term relief of nasal congestion. However, some people may experience side effects from decongestants, such as insomnia or increases in heart rate or blood pressure.

Some cold medicines contain other ingredients, such as antihistamines. People typically use antihistamines for allergies, but because they can cause drowsiness, manufacturers also add them to nighttime cold and flu formulations. This can help people if they have difficulty getting to sleep.

Adding an antihistamine to a decongestant does not guarantee that a person will fall asleep. Also, people should stop using decongestants at nighttime if they find that they cause insomnia.

Doctors do not recommend medicines that suppress a cough for people with a wet cough.

People with a wet cough may take guaifenesin. This is an expectorant that manufacturers claim can help loosen mucus and phlegm.

People with a dry cough, which is a cough that does not produce mucus, may take a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant present in many cold and flu medicines. It acts on parts of the brain to stop a person from coughing.

Sometimes, manufacturers add dextromethorphan to combination cold and flu products, such as all-in-one medicines.

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How Can Sinus Infections Or Sinusitis Be Prevented

Prevention of a sinus infection depends upon its cause.

• Avoid contracting upper respiratory tract infections. Maintain strict hand washing habits and avoid people who are suffering from a cold or the flu.
• Obtaining the flu vaccination yearly will help to prevent the flu and subsequent infection of the upper respiratory tract.
• In some studies, zinc carbonate lozenges have been shown to reduce the duration of many cold symptoms.
• Stress reduction and a diet rich in antioxidants, especially fresh, dark-colored fruits and vegetables, may help strengthen the immune system.
• Plan for seasonal allergy attacks.
• If a sinus infection is caused by seasonal or environmental allergies, avoiding allergens is very important. If avoidance is not an option, either OTC or prescription medication may be helpful. OTC antihistamines or decongestant nasal sprays can be used for an acute attack.
• People who have seasonal allergies may benefit from nonsedating prescription antihistamines during allergy-season.
• Avoid spending long periods outdoors during allergy season. Close the windows to the house and use air conditioning to filter out allergens when possible. Humidifiers may also be helpful.
• Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, may be effective in reducing or eliminating sinusitis due to allergies. An allergist administers shots regularly for 3 to 5 years, which often produces a reduction or complete remission of allergy symptoms for years.

/11drink Lots Of Fluids

Drinking enough fluids can prevent dehydration and also thin mucus. Water is your best bet when it comes to staying well hydrated. Though you can also sip other things like juices and teas.

You can try honey and lemon tea as it can help break congestion and can also ease a sore throat. Hot soups can also promote nasal drainage and make breathing easier.

One must avoid alcohol if they have a cold as consuming alcohol can lead to dehydration.

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Pain Or Pressure In Your Sinuses

Facial pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. You have several different sinuses above and below your eyes, as well as behind your nose. Any of these air-filled cavities can hurt when you have a sinus infection.

Inflammation and swelling can cause your sinuses to ache with dull pressure. This is because inflammation may alter the typical path of mucus from the nose to the back of the throat.

You may feel pain in:

• on either side of your nose
• in your upper jaws and teeth
• between your eyes

This may lead to a headache. Headaches caused by sinus infections can occur where the sinuses are or in other places.

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.

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In Kids Is A Runny Nose A Sign Of Covid

With children, runny nose isnt always the most common symptom of COVID-19.

According to Vidya Mony, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist and an associate hospital epidemiologist at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California, the most prevalent signs of COVID-19 in children are usually fever, cough, and sore throat.

Its also important to remember that there are multiple other viruses that are circulating right now, so its possible that your child may not actually have COVID, but could have another virus, she says.

These other viruses include rhinovirus and RSV , which typically peaks in winter but surged last summer in the U.S. as mask wearing and other COVID-19 restrictions lifted.

The easiest way to figure out if your child has COVID-19 is testing. If your child had a known exposure to COVID and is symptomatic and the home antigen test is negative, its probably worthwhile to get a PCR to be sure, Dr. Mony says. Otherwise, you can always remember to do the home antigen test multiple days in a row.

Mony urges parents to vaccinate children age 6 months and up, and to make sure kids who are 5 and older are both vaccinated and boosted .