Will I Need To Make Lifestyle Changes To Deal With Sinus Infections
If you have indoor allergies it is recommended that you avoid triggersanimal dander and dust mites, for exampleas well as take medications. Smoking is never recommended, but if you do smoke, strongly consider a program to help you quit. Smoke can also trigger allergies and prevent removal of mucous by the nose. No special diet is required, but drinking extra fluids helps to thin nasal secretions.
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When Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion Fail:
If these home remedies for nasal congestion are continuing to not work, there may be something more serious going on. When symptoms continue, it might not just be a common cold and you should visit an ENT to get to the root of the problem and learn how to clear sinus pain once and for all. Many of these home remedies for nasal congestion simply mask the symptoms you have, they donât solve them. For real relief that lasts, visit Pittsburgh Sinus Centers.
Irrigate To Relieve Sinus Pressure
“Salt water irrigation is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses this can help prevent or relieve sinus pain. You can use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray, but I recommend using a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit that you can get at the drugstore,” advises Das.
Try this commonly-used, easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution with your own sinus irrigation kit: Fill a clean 8-ounce glass with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water. Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 1 minute . Add 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda. And be sure to clean all equipment and make a fresh batch of solution each time you use your kit.
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How Do I Get Rid Of A Sinus Headache
To get rid of a sinus headache, you have to treat the underlying cause. But you can take steps to ease sinus pressure and pain at home:
- Apply a warm compress to painful areas of the face.
- Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow mucus to drain.
- Try a saline nasal spray or drops to thin mucus.
- Use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of boiled water. Warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion.
Sinus infection
Viruses, bacteria and sometimes fungi cause sinus infections. Viral infections often go away on their own. But if your infection is bacterial or fungal, you need antibiotics or antifungal medications. Your healthcare provider may also recommend other medications to ease discomfort, such as:
- Antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms.
- Pain relievers to ease headache pain.
- Steroids to reduce inflammation.
Migraines with sinus symptoms
Sinus headaches that are actually migraines need a different type of treatment. The first step is to relieve your pain. You should know that frequently using over-the-counter medications when you have a headache can cause even more headaches .
Your provider may recommend prescription medication for migraine pain. You may also need a preventive medication that helps you have fewer migraine attacks.
How To Tell If You Have An Actual Sinus Infection
Even though we often say we have a sinus infection even if its just inflammation or an allergic response, there are symptoms of an actual infection that may be treatable with antibiotics. Nasal congestion and pain under the eyes or around the temples are, of course, main symptoms, but others include the loss of the sense of smell, green nasal discharge, mucus dripping down your throat, cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and even bad breath.
Sometimes, a sinus infection will clear up without intervention, but if you develop a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, have your symptoms for 10 or more days, notice that your symptoms are getting worse and are not improved by OTC medications, or you have multiple infections in a years time, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
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Ear Pressure Causes And Treatments
Keith Alexander, MD is board-certified in Otolaryngology. He provides services in adult and pediatric ear, nose and throat disorders, and treats allergy and sinus patients of all ages. He specializes in functional and cosmetic nasal surgery, including rhinoplasty. Dr. Alexander can be reached at 278-1114.
Lexington Clinic is Central Kentuckys largest and oldest medical group. With 180+ providers in more than 30 specialties, we have been taking care of 600,000+ visits annually in the Lexington community since 1920.
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Causes Of Sinus Pressure
Whenever there is a breach in this security wall such that an irritant finds its way into the respiratory system, the smooth sinus drainage is bound to get disrupted. Respiratory infections such as the common cold as well as seasonal allergies can lead to an irritation or inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the insides of your nose. Subsequently, the bodys natural defenses go into overdrive to flush out the culpable irritants, and this results in an increased amount of mucus secretion. The swelling of the mucosal lining makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain out the excessive mucus, leading to nasal blockage and subsequent buildup of sinus pressure.
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Sinus Pressure Points On The Ear
You may be able to relieve sinus pressure by pressing on the ear gate, which is found on top of the ear, just in front of the lobe. Use your thumb and index finger to press and hold the point for about five minutes.
Another pressure point sits at the bottom of the ear, behind the ear lobe. This is called the windscreen. Hold for three to five minutes on both sides of the ear. It may offer you relief from both sinus pain and ear pain.
Use Some Steambut Don’t Expect A Long
Steamwhether from a humidifier or a hot showercan provide some symptomatic comfort, but isnt really a long-term solution, Mas Takashima, M.D., chair of otolaryngology at Houston Methodist Hospital, tells Health.
Certain areas are moist anyway and you can cause an overgrowth of mold , he explains. But for people who feel dry air or excessively dry sinuses are contributing to their pain, steam can be helpful.
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Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections
1. Top Foods & Beverages for Sinus Infections
2. Foods & Beverages to Avoid
3. Oil of Oregano
4. Grapefruit seed extract
5. Vitamin C
6. Garlic
7. Echinacea
8. Neti Pot
9. Add Moisture
10. Essential Oils
Other Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Sinus Pressure
Below are some other options to show you how to relieve sinus pain without doing facial reflexology.
- Use a humidifier: Moist air keeps the sinuses lubricated so they dont become irritated.
- Use a saline spray: Saline nasal sprays are good for lubricating the lining of the nasal passage. A hot shower will also help to get moisture into the sinuses.
- Keep hydrated: Staying hydrated is important, especially by drinking hot beverages. Ginger tea with lemon has anti-inflammatory properties and will help boost your immune system, and it also provides your body with vitamins and nutrients to help fight off the infection causing pressure and pain.
- Warm compresses: Placing a warm compress on your face while lying down will help reduce sinus pressure.
- Elevate your head at night: Propping yourself up with a few pillows will allow the mucus to drain better.
- Eucalyptus:Eucalyptus is an anti-inflammatory herb, so drinking tea or inhaling steam with eucalyptus oil in it can clear out the nasal passages.
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How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection: Try These Methods Today
Sinus infections can really lower your quality of life, especially if they occur often. So if you’re looking for how to get rid of a sinus infection, try these methods to see if they work for you.
While surgery can be effective, it’s also quite invasive. If you live or work in the Scottsdale/Phoenix Metro area, please give the Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center a call today for an appointment to learn more. The Phoenix area specialty sinus clinic offers an alternate method that’s both quicker, in-office, less expensive, and more effective. Call 480-567-7098 to learn more about this method of treating sinusitis and see if you are a candidate!
How To Tell If Its Something More
If your ear pressure sticks around after you otherwise feel better and you start to experience issues like ear pain, fluid drainage, and hearing loss, you may be dealing with an ear infection, Dr. Del Signore says. This can happen if the fluid thats built up in your inner ear becomes infected by a virus or bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although ear infections often clear up on their own in a week or two without any treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic, severe cases can cause complications and may require antibiotics. If you suspect that you might have an ear infection, definitely see a doctor. Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, they can take a detailed look inside your ears and figure out whats behind your symptoms.
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Why Do I Have Nasal Congestion
The causes of nasal congestion or a âstuffy noseâ is when membranes in the nasal passages in your face become irritated and/or inflamed. This inflammation blocks your nasal passages, giving you that âstuffed upâ feeling. When your passage gets irritated, your body makes extra mucus that may build up and cause a blockage. When you find yourself breathing through your mouth, this is the cause. It’s commonly caused by colds, sinus infections, allergies, and some more serious conditions. There are several options to help relieve your symptoms. Many sufferers choose to use home remedies for nasal congestion or visit an ENT.
Learn more about nasal congestion causes
Rinse With Salt Water
The irritants from dust, pollution, and fragrances can make their way into your sinuses and cause congestion. To get rid of these irritants, use a saltwater saline rinse either an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or a saline rinse from a neti pot, which is designed to pour saline water through your sinuses, says Dr. Kern.
As Phillip Tanner, 44, of San Francisco, California, says, “I use very warm water and a super-saturated hypertonic salt solution. It’s definitely an odd experience, even once you get used to doing it, but I find that it really does help my symptoms.”
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Combining Massage And Steam Treatments
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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Sinus Pressure Points To Relieve Sinus Pressure Congestion And Pain
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Sinus pain and pressure can be unbearable at times, which is why its good to be aware of the various sinus pressure points that can help relieve sinus pain.
This recurring and frustrating source of pain often becomes more noticeable during allergy season. The pressure is frequently a result of blocked nasal passages, which can lead to inflammation in the face and head.
Aside from seasonal allergies, sinus pressure is also a potential symptom of the common cold.
Pressure builds in these areas because of the construction of the sinuses. They are paired and found in the following four facial regions:
- Frontal
- Ethmoid
- Maxillary
- Sphenoid
See Your Doctor If All Else Fails
The pressure within your sinuses may be due to another condition. Pain in your ears could be due to a more serious problem. You will want to speak to your doctor if the sinus pressure persists after trying everything. See your doctor if it persists for longer than three to four weeks.
Unfortunately, a lot of sinus pressure is due to a viral infection. Antibiotics will not help clear viral infections up, and you will have to work with your body to clear them up naturally. Eat food that will boost your immune systems capabilities and look after your overall body to help overcome the problem right away.
Your doctor will consider all the reasons for your sinus pressure. You will then get the exact help you need, rather than just treating symptoms as you go. Your doctor may still recommend the above seven proven techniques for removing the symptoms while you get rid of the reason.
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A Naturopathic Doctor To Address Your Health Issues
Over-the-counter medications are only one way of treating sinus pressure. There are many natural, effective alternatives. Dr. Karen Threlkel is a naturopathic doctor serving primarily women in the greater D.C. area.
Dr. Karen Threlkel provides a holistic approach to medicine and natural-focused remedies for treating symptoms and underlying conditions. Contact Dr. Threlkel to schedule a consultation for more information about natural sinus pressure treatments or to learn more about natural remedies.
About The Author:
Dr. Threlkel received her degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from The National College for Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She also holds a Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from The University of Maryland. She is licensed in Naturopathic Medicine by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health. Dr. Threlkel is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, past president & current member of the Washington DC Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Get Your Allergies Under Control
Katie Stavert, 30, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, has already had two procedures to open up her sinuses, but she still needs to take allergy medications and saline solutions if she wants to keep her sinuses clear. Im allergic to everything, she says, but especially sagebrush and trees.
Allergies can definitely contribute to sinus congestion. Jeff Culp, MD, an allergist and assistant professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, tells people to figure out whats triggering their allergies, then plan appropriately either by taking allergy medication or avoiding the allergens altogether.
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Treatments From Your Gp
See your GP if your symptoms are severe, donât start to improve within 7 to 10 days, or are getting worse. They may recommend additional treatment with corticosteroid drops or sprays, or antibiotics.
If these treatments donât help, you GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist for an assessment and to discuss whether surgery is a suitable option.
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