How Is Sinusitis Treated
Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat sinusitis caused by . Some doctors may recommend decongestants and antihistamines to help ease symptoms.
Sinusitis caused by a usually goes away without medical treatment. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or warm compresses can help reduce any pain. Over-the-counter saline solution is safe and helps wash the nose and relieve many symptoms caused by allergies, viruses, and bacteria.
Keep Pets Out Of The Bed
Although you might love sleeping with your dog or other furry friend, it may not be the best idea when you have a stuffy nose. Pet dander carries allergens that can irritate nasal congestion, which may worsen if your bedding is covered in it.
While youre under the weather, you can give your pets some cozy dog beds so they take their daytime naps and nighttime rest elsewhere. With a bit of separation, both you and your pets can sleep soundly. Plus, youll still be able to observe your poochs adorable sleeping positions.
Lying Down Makes It Hard To Clear Sinuses
When we stand or sit upright, gravity is pulling downward from our sinuses to our esophagus. This means that when mucus drips down the back of the throat, it can go down the esophagus and drain effectively, simply because thats the way gravity works.
But when were lying down, gravity is still pulling toward the groundwhich means that it isnt pulling mucus down the esophagus anymore. Rather, mucus may pool in the back of the throat, irritating the tissue and causing a worse sinus infection.
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What Are The Treatment Options For Nasal Polyps
Depending on the number and size of the nasal polyps, your doctor mayprescribe medication, surgery or both.
- Medication typically includes nasal or oral corticosteroids designed to shrink the nasal polyps or remove them.
- Surgery may be necessary in some cases to extract nasal polyps. Endoscopic surgery is typically conducted through the nose so that no incision on the skin of the face is needed.
What Are The Symptoms Of Nasal Polyps
At the beginning stages, nasal polyps may have no symptoms at all. As theygrow bigger, you may experience a stuffy nose, cough, headaches, and sinus pressure. Unfortunately, these symptoms are shared by severalother conditions, such as the common cold, flu and allergies. If you dohave these symptoms and they wont go away, consult with your primaryphysician or otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor.
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Take An Otc Pain Reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are commonly used to soothe inflammation. In addition to general pain relief, a study has shown that NSAIDs may relieve some discomfort caused by the common cold.
Popular NSAIDs like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are available over-the-counter, so seeking relief can be as easy as a trip to the drug store. However, before taking NSAIDs, you should be aware of potential side effects such as heartburn and stomach pain and speak with your doctor if you have concerns.
Candida/fungal Overgrowth Another Cause Of Night Sweats
Night Sweats are very common in fibromyalgia, and to a lesser degree in the general population. In two recent newsletters I talked about the role of reproductive and adrenal hormone deficiencies as causes of night sweats. Today Ill discuss another very common problem that triggers night sweats: infections.
Candida is an overgrowth of yeast/fungi . It is a major issue In fibromyalgia and the general population. Unfortunately theres no medical test for this, so a diagnosis can only be made clinically which to most doctors means that it doesnt exist. And you cant diagnose and treat something if you dont even know it exists!
So how can you tell if you have it? One way is that if you have nasal congestion, sinusitis or irritable bowel syndrome without any apparent causes, then theres a reasonable chance you have Candida overgrowth and should treat it to bring its level in your body back into balance. This not only helps improve your other symptoms, but also helps eliminate your night sweats and even helps decrease your pain, fatigue and brain fog.
So balancing Candida is critical. Now lets discuss how to do it!
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When To See A Doctor
The common cold often causes a stuffy nose. Antibiotics and other medications will not cure the cold virus, so there is little a doctor can do.
It is best to drink plenty of fluids and sleep or rest as much as possible to give the body time to recover.
Symptoms of a common cold can last between 2 days and 2 weeks. People with the flu usually recover , but some symptoms can last for 2 weeks or longer.
See a doctor if:
- A person with a weak immune system, such as an older adult or a baby, develops flu symptoms.
Try Cold And Flu Medicines
Using cold and flu medicines with decongestant and other ingredients can make it easier to breathe. They may also help with other symptoms, such as achy muscles and headaches.
People should be careful to avoid non-drowsy daytime products before bed, as these may make it harder to sleep. Conversely, it is generally best to avoid nighttime products when a person needs to be awake, because these will likely cause drowsiness.
Avoid combining multiple medicines, and do not give babies or children decongestants unless a doctor recommends it.
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What Causes Nighttime Nasal Congestion In Children
Children and infants have narrower nasal passageways than adults, making them more susceptible to nighttime congestion caused by inflammation or excess mucus. Very young children and especially infants, who mostly breathe through their nose, cannot blow their noses as adults can. For adults, nasal congestion is a serious annoyance that can keep us from getting a good nights sleep, but for children, it has the potential to lead to even bigger health risks. For example, Stanford Childrens Health states that a stuffy nose could affect your childs hearing, in addition to keeping them from getting the sleep that they need for their still-developing bodies. Other long-term effects of nasal congestion in children, as described by the NIH, include speech development, while mucus drainage could lead to ear and sinus infections.
It can be difficult to determine just why your child is experiencing nasal congestion at night because children cannot always clearly explain the type and severity of symptoms that they are experiencing . Overall, the NIH lists some of the reasons behind your childs stuffy nose around bedtime are similar to those for adults:
- Common cold or flu, which can fill the nasal cavity with mucus
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever or other allergies
- Nonallergic rhinopathy
However, with younger children, more sudden nasal congestion may also be caused by a foreign object obstructing the nasal cavity.
An Overview Of Sinus Headaches And What They Feel Like
Sinus headaches are caused by an inflammation of your sinuses, the air-filled cavities around your nose, eyes, forehead and cheeks that help to humidify the air you breathe in and secrete mucus. This swelling may decrease the ability of the sinuses to allow mucus to drain, increasing pressure around your nose and eyes and leading to a sinus headache. Common causes of sinus inflammation include allergies or colds.
Sinus headaches can feel like a vise is squeezing the inside of your head behind your nose, eyes, and forehead. They may occur on one side or both sides of the head and the neck is typically not involved. Sinus headache sufferers may also experience nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, watery eyes, internal ear pressure, swelling in the face, fever, chills, and sweats.1 Pain often worsens when you bend forward, cough, or when you wake up first thing in the morning because mucus may have collected in your sinuses during the night.
Many people confuse a sinus headache with a migraine because pain and pressure in the sinuses, nasal congestion and watery eyes often occur with both conditions.1 Sinus headaches, however, usually arent associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light all common symptoms of migraines.
References:
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Can You Overcome Nighttime Nasal Congestion
The most important question this reader needs to resolve is why is he suffering from nighttime nasal congestion? Perhaps an allergist could identify what is causing the stuffiness.
Some people cannot give up their beat-up old pillows. When a pillow collects dust mites it can lead to night time nasal congestion. Thats because people who are allergic to mite poop get direct exposure from their pillow . Pillows can also harbor fungi such as aspergillus . Researchers have found that:
the typical used pillow contains a substantial load of many species of fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. Given the time spent sleeping, and the proximity of the pillow to the airway, synthetic and feather pillows could be the primary source of fungi and fungal products.
An allergist can identify substances that might be contributing to nighttime nasal congestion. Such a specialist can recommend ways to reduce reactivity. Avoiding the triggers that are causing the congestion would be the best solution.
Non-stimulant treatment options include steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone or triamcinolone . Such drugs can help ease withdrawal stuffiness from decongestants like Afrin. They may also ease symptoms of congestion. Some people report relief by using a saline nasal spray.
Fred offers this less-than-perfect strategy:
Peggy says Xlear has been helpful:
Keep Your Bedroom Cool And Dark
When youre sick, small things can keep you from getting much-needed sleep. For example, you might feel more sensitive to fluctuations in light or temperature.
Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool and opt for light covers. Use blackout curtains to ensure outside light doesnt affect your sleep.
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Stop Counting Sheep And Get Proper Sleep With Balloon Sinuplasty
If youve lost more nights than you can count to sinus issues caused by sinusitis, allergies, or even a deviated septum, it may be time to consider balloon sinuplasty.
During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into your sinus cavities through your nasal passageways. When these balloons are expanded, healthy drainage is restored.
Why Are My Sinuses Worse At Night
Weve all been there: you think your sinus problems are getting better, but the minute you lay down, your nose gets stuffy, and youre stuck staring at the ceiling. Ultimately, you find yourself wondering, Why are my sinuses worse at night?
The answer to this question why are my sinuses worse at night? isnt always straightforward, and it can differ from person to person. What holds true for everyone, however, is that if your nose is blocked at night on one side or both, or if you are struggling with any other sinus-related issue, your sleep is going to suffer.
What follows is a list of common conditions or circumstances that might make your sinuses worse at night, along with some potential remedies.
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Alleviate Sinus Problems In Detroit
At Detroit Sinus Center, we are a team of ENT specialists and sinus doctors that specialize in treating sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. Our doctors can do everything from prescribing a nasal steroid spray to performing balloon sinus dilation, depending on the severity of your sinus problems. In order to get long-lasting relief from chronic sinus pain and trouble breathing, schedule an appointment with us. We look forward to helping you breathe easy once again!
When To See Your Doctor
A stuffy nose typically isnt cause for alarm. Its usually caused by seasonal allergies or temporary bouts of the common cold, flu, and sinusitis.
Although most people can treat a stuffy nose at home, certain groups should see their doctor for diagnosis. This includes:
- infants
- adults age 65 and older
- people who have a compromised immune system
Even if youre not in one of these groups, you should see your doctor if your symptoms last for more than a week or get progressively worse.
You should also see your doctor if you experience:
- difficulty breathing
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Diffuse An Essential Oil In Your Bedroom
Essential oils might help improve sinus congestion, but there arent enough reliable studies to know for sure.
A found that tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which suggests it might help with nasal congestion.
Another
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can make you feel like its easier to breathe.
You can use a diffuser to disperse essential oils in your bedroom.
When Should I Call The Doctor
- a cold that lasts for more than 710 days without improvement
- a cold that seems to be getting worse after 7 days of symptoms
- symptoms of allergies that don’t clear with the usual allergy medicine
Also call if your child shows any other signs of worsening sinusitis, such as:
- pain or pressure in the cheeks or around the eyes
- swelling around the eye
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What Stuffy Nose Symptoms Are Concerning When Should We Seek Medical Advice
- If your babe is under 3 months old, chat with the doctor sooner than later. Things progress quickly in our little guys, better safe than sorry!
- If symptoms are lasting longer than 10 days.
- Sinus pain or sinus pressure along with symptoms. Our tiny babes wonât be able to tell us this, so youâll have to use your Mommy Radar to determine if theyâre having head/sinus pain that doesnât feel normal to you.
- Ear pain. The build-up from stuffy noses puts our babes at risk for ear infection, so if they appear to be grabbing or pawing at that ear while they are more fussy than usual, call the doc.
- Signs of dehydration
- Yellow or green âgoopâ/discharge from their eyes.
- Sometimes our babes spit up or throw up because of mucus draining down their throat or excessive crying. This can be normal. If it is ever blood-tinged or you feel like itâs from something else , call your doctor.
- If youâre ever concerned it is not related to a cold or virus, ask your doctor. Maybe itâs allergy related or something else more serious. Follow your gut!
- Anytime your babe is wheezing or has trouble breathing – go to the emergency room.
- Fever, depending on age: 0-3 months: > 100.4 F 3-24 months: > 102 F 2 yrs+: > 104 F
Things People Can Do To Help Clear A Stuffy Nose And Make It Easier To Sleep:
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Other Remedies For Symptom Relief
Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.
Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.
If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.
Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.
damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.
Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.
Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.
Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.
You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:
- avoiding the allergen
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What Are The 5 Telltale Signs You Might Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, your upper airway gets blocked from time to time throughout the course of a night. This makes it difficult for you to breathe and will often disrupt your normal sleep cycle.
In some cases, you might be able to regain your breath while you’re still asleep. In others, you might wake up out of nowhere gasping for breath.
Either way, sleep apnea can make it very hard for you to sleep through the night. As a result, you’ll usually be very tired when you wake up in the morning.
That tiredness will continue throughout the day, and the fatigue will often get to be worse and worse. As you might imagine, going through this day after day can get old quick and leave you wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again.
Getting treatment for sleep apnea or finding out if you have a condition like sinusitis is the only way to start sleeping regularly so that you’re not always tired.
People snore for all kinds of reasons at night. Some snore because they sleep in strange positions, while others snore because they’re overweight.
If you snore on a daily basis and can’t seem to get it to stop no matter how you lay or how much weight you lose, sleep apnea could be your real problem.
Do you wake up almost every morning with a painful headache?
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