Good Nights Sleep Is All You Need To Relieve Sinus Pressure And Pain Naturally
Sometimes, a good nightâs sleep is all the body needs to heal itself and get rid of sinusitis and sinus pressure. Sleep causes your brain to release hormones that boost tissue growth and while at rest, your body is also able to manufacture white blood cells that are necessary for attaching bacteria and viruses. Avoid indulging in activities that will get you all fired up before bed and also avoid consuming stimulants just before bedtime, for example, caffeinated beverages. Once your body gets proper rest, you will notice a reduction in sinus pressure and it will speed up your recovery time as well. You can also take some natural sleeping aids if it helps you sleep better.
What Is The Long
Sinus infections are primarily caused by allergies. The most common allergens are pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Those with repeated sinus infections may have chronic sinusitis, which means long-term solutions may be a better option.
Immunotherapy can help. These allergy shots enable your body to decrease sensitivity to common allergens. The Raleigh sinus doctors at Raleigh Medical Group specialize in helping patients with chronic allergy and sinus problems. While immunotherapy is effective, the treatment can take as long as one year to achieve noticeable results and maintenance treatment will likely be needed.
To find out if youre a candidate for immunotherapy, schedule an appointment with one of our internal medicine doctors. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
When Should I See A Doctor
These home remedies for sinus infections are great for acute infections in the upper respiratory system.
But if five days or so pass and youre not seeing any improvement, or if things are getting worse, its probably time to see an ENT doctor.
If you feel a lot more pressure behind your cheekbones and eyes or your nasal drainage has changed to yellow or green-tinged, its likely your sinus cavity has gotten infected from the blockage.
If you have symptoms like a fever, body aches, chills, chest congestion, or a cough, something more serious could be going on. Especially in this era of COVID-19, its a good idea to get checked out just to be safe.
If youve tried these home remedies without luck, contact ENT Associates of Lubbock to see what your next steps should be.
Recommended Reading: Can I Take 2 Advil Cold And Sinus
Make A Diy Saline Nasal Spray
A simple saline solution is often enough to break up thick mucus and get sinuses clear, open, and moving again.
To make a saline nasal solution, first, you have to boil around 8 ounces of water and then let it cool to room temperature. Afterward, put it in a clean jar and throw in one teaspoon of baking soda and three teaspoons of kosher salt.
When Should I Go To The Doctor For Sinus Pain
You should consult your doctor about your sinus pain if you continue to experience severe sinus pain after a week or if your symptoms start to worsen.
Severe symptoms may be a sign of a more severe sinus infection. You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Severe symptoms, including severe headaches or facial pressure
- Symptoms that worsen after initially improving
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without any improvement
- Fever lasting longer than 34 days
- Recurring sinus infections
Contact your doctor immediately if you have a high fever, confusion, vision changes like double vision, stiff neck, pain, swelling or redness around your eyes.
If you are suffering from severe sinusitis, your doctor may recommend sinus infection antibiotics, which treat your infection by attacking the bacteria causing it. Your doctor will determine whether you have a severe sinus infection by asking about your symptoms and medical history.
Most sinus infections get better on their own without antibiotics, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.
You May Like: What Is A Sinus Head Cold
What Is The Best Pain Relief For Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the medical term for inflamed nasal passages and is treated differently based on the frequency and severity of swelling.
Acute viral sinusitis occurs occasionally and generally clears itself within a week. During this time, you can manage symptoms with pain relievers.
Chronic sinusitis occurs more frequently and lasts longer. While symptoms can be managed with OTC medication or antibiotics for bacterial infections. Chronic sinusitis may require intervention from an ENT.
What Are The Causes And Triggers Of Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are most often a symptom of sinusitis, in which the sinus becomes inflamed from allergies or other triggers like an infection. Sinus headaches may also result from seasonal allergies that last an extended period of time. This is called rhinitis, or hay fever. Sinus infections and sinus blockages can also trigger sinus headaches.
Don’t Miss: If Sinus Infection Is Left Untreated
Avoid Smoke And Noxious Fumes
The air you breathe could be making your sinuses ache, depending on what that air is carrying. Avoid cigarette smoke and fumes from
- harsh cleaning products,
- hair spray, and
- perfumes.
With a world full of industrial chemicals and people who smoke, how can you keep your sinus problems at bay? Here are a couple of tips:
- Don’t let friends or family smoke in your home.
- Look for “green” cleaning products in unscented varieties. They’re less likely to contain the harsh chemicals that can kick-start sinus pressure and pain.
When To See A Doctor
Sinus pressure caused by sinusitis often clears up within 7-10 days and usually by itself. However, you should see a doctor if you experience severe symptoms, have symptoms that fail to improve or get worse after initially improving, have symptoms that have lasted more than 10 days without improvement, or have a fever lasting longer than 3-4 days. You should also visit your doctor if you have experienced multiple sinus infections during the last year. Further investigation may be recommended by an otolaryngologist who can diagnose and treat your condition effectively. Depending on the cause of the sinus pain, a variety of treatments will be considered, which may include:
- Culture-specific antibiotic therapy
- Culture-specific compounded antibiotic nasal sprays
- Allergy management
- Nonallergic rhinitis management
In severe cases or if noninvasive treatment methods have been unsuccessful, surgery may be recommended to treat the underlying condition. Surgical procedures can include a septoplasty, turbinate reduction, nasal polypectomy, and balloon sinuplasty. Some procedures utilize minimally invasive techniques, which can reduce recovery time and accelerate the healing process, allowing you to return to work and activity faster.
You May Like: Is Zyrtec Good For Sinus Pressure
How Do You Relieve Severe Sinus Pressure
You can relieve severe sinus pressure using a combination of over-the-counter medication and home remedies. If traditional methods, such as decongestants and pain relievers, do not provide relief, home remedies can help manage your symptoms and relieve sinus pressure.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment with antibiotics. While antibiotics are not needed for most sinus infections, they can help treat more severe sinus infections.
How Are Sinus Headaches Prevented
If you have reoccurring sinus headaches as a symptom of sinusitis or seasonal allergies, you may need to consider prescription medication to manage the condition.
Lifestyle changes to reduce congestion, such as avoiding allergens and incorporating aerobic exercise into your routine, might decrease how many headaches you get.
In cases of chronic sinusitis, a nasal surgery such as a balloon sinuplasty might be the only way to stop getting more sinus headaches.
Also Check: Why Does My Sinus Smell Bad
What Are The Complications Of Sinus Headaches
In rare cases, complications around the eye area can happen, resulting in the area being swollen and inflamed. This may even affect your vision.
If you have a high fever that persists, discolored nasal discharge, rattling in your chest, or difficulty breathing, see your doctor about these symptoms. While a sinus headache might seem like a harmless health condition, its important to determine its cause.
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.
Don’t Miss: Does A Sinus Infection Require Antibiotics
Alternate Hot And Cold Compresses
“Reclining with a hot washcloth over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions,” says Das. You can also alternate warm and cold compresses to relieve sinus pain and sinus pressure. Heres how to do it: Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then place a cold compress across your sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate two more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.
Ways To Sleep Better With Sinus Pain And Congestion
Are sinus woes keeping you from getting quality rest? Try these sinus pain and congestion relief strategies to sleep better.
Thinkstock
Not sleeping well affects both your body and your mood, but when you have sinus pain and congestion, getting a good nights sleep may be easier said than done. Sinusitis, often referred to as a sinus infection, occurs when there is swelling in the nasal sinuses and passages. You may experience symptoms like pressure around the nose, eyes, or forehead, a stuffed-up nose, and thick mucus. Some people also report tooth pain with sinusitis. If you have allergies, you may be at greater risk for sinus trouble, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
There are many reasons that sinus pain and congestion get worse at night,” says Jordan S. Josephson, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and the author of Sinus Relief Now. “One is that allergies tend to be worse at night, and two is that when you lie down, your nose becomes more congested. But this doesnt mean you should give up on a good nights sleep. Instead, try these expert-approved tips to help you sleep better despite sinus pain and congestion:
Following these tips will put you on the path to sinus pain and congestion relief and help you get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t Miss: Who To See For Sinus Issues
Include Horseradish In Your Daily Diet
Horseradish might not be a common food you eat everyday, but it does have a lot of health benefits. The health benefits of horseradish are mainly attributed to its high nutrient and mineral content, which includes dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, as well as its organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils, like sinigrin, a powerful glucosinolate.
This spicy root acts much the same way as chili peppers, reducing inflammation and stimulating the immune system.. It also has antibiotic properties.
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.
Read Also: Prescription Antibiotics For Sinus Infection
Practice Stress Relief Techniques
Stress promotes sinus problems by creating oxidative compounds and limiting many of the bodys regular functions. Find ways to alleviate and release stress from your life.
Try doing meditation and practicing breathing exercises. Yoga is also a great exercise to relieve stress.
Other things that can stimulate your bodys natural healing properties are mind over body techniques and getting a massage.
Related: Reduce Stress and Improve Health Naturally with Meditation
Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy infographic for reference:
These are just some of the best ways to clear sinuses naturally. If infections get worse, seek advice from a medical professional.
Natural treatments and supplements are great, but you shouldnt neglect taking the proper medication as well.
Fighting a sinus infection? Try this great soup recipe that uses many of the ingredients listed above!
Sinus problems can be a real issue and stand in the way of doing the things you love. If youre constantly battling with a stuffy nose or sinus issues, its a good idea to incorporate certain foods into your diet. While doing things like cutting our dairy and exercising regularly may benefit your sinuses as well. By making positive and healthy lifestyle choices, you can help to improve your overall well-being and kick sinus problems to the curb.
Did this guide help you learn how to clear sinuses? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Ways To Ease Sinus Pain Naturally
Sinus pressure and pain are awful. They can make you feel like your head is going to explode. It becomes hard to focus, and lying down can be just as painful as sitting up. A good ear, nose and throat doctor can of course help with these issues, but sometimes you need relief at home to hold you over until you get there. Here are a few natural remedies that can help to ease sinus pressure and pain.
Recommended Reading: Sinus Allergies At The Beach
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:
- Alcohol.
- Specific foods, such as chocolate, red wine or strong cheese.
- Lack of sleep.
Causes & Risk Factors
Any health situation that blocks off the vital drainage channels of your sinuses can cause a sinus infection including:
- Respiratory infections like the common cold
- Hay fever or exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dry air and pollutants
- Obstructions in the nasal or sinus cavities including nasal polyps, deviated septum, or nasal bone spur
- Non-allergic rhinitis
- Changes in air pressure
- Infections resulting from dental problems
- Physical injury to the sinuses
- Bacteria, viruses, and fungi
The five most common bacteria that can cause sinus infections are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Risk factors for sinus infections include:
- Having asthma
- Being in the hospital, especially if the reason you are in the hospital is related to a head injury or you needed a tube inserted into your nose
Don’t Miss: Good Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection
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
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.
Read Also: Aleve D Sinus And Headache Discontinued
When To See Your Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a fever, nasal discharge, congestion, or facial pain that lasts longer than ten days or keeps coming back. A fever is not a typical symptom of either chronic or acute sinusitis, but it is possible. You could have an underlying condition that is causing your chronic infections, in which case you may need special treatment. Schedule an appointment with a Cumberland Valley ENT doctor if:
- You’ve had sinusitis several times, and the condition doesn’t respond to treatment
- You have sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days
- Your symptoms don’t improve after you see your doctor
See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection:
- Fever
- Swelling or redness around your eyes
- Severe headache
- Double vision or other vision changes
- Stiff neck