Check If You Have Sinusitis
Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth.
The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose.
Sinusitis causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up.
This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up.
Symptoms Of Sinus Pain And Pressure
When you experience sinus pain and pressure, there are likely other symptoms that come along with it. If your discomfort is being caused by a sinus infection or allergies you may also experience related symptoms like exhaustion, sore throat, and headache.
Common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include:
Color Of Nasal Discharge With Colds
- The nasal discharge changes color during different stages of a cold. This is normal.
- It starts as a clear discharge and later becomes cloudy.
- Sometimes it becomes yellow or green colored for a few days. This is still normal.
- Colored discharge is common after sleep, with allergy medicines or with low humidity. Reason: all of these events decrease the amount of normal nasal secretions.
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Is a humidifier or vaporizer better for sinus infection?
Used correctly, vaporizers and humidifiers are equally effective, he says. Both humidifiers and vaporizers can get moisture into your nose and sinuses when they get dried out. The key to using humidity as part of your sinus treatment is to use your equipment properly and keep it safe and clean.
What is difference between vaporizer and humidifier?
The primary difference is the way they introduce moisture to the air. In general, humidifiers work by creating mist from cold water, whereas vaporizers heat water to create steam.
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.
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The Fastest Way To Relieve Congestion According To Doctors
Be it due to allergies, a cold, asthma or otherwise, congestion is a real pain in the neck. Actually, a pain in the facethat stuffed-up, achy sensation in the sinus area is no joke, as you can attest to if you’re one of the 9 to 16% of Americans who experience it often.
Although it’s far from pleasant, congestion is actually a sign that your immune system is working appropriately.
“Nasal congestion is the body’s defense mechanism when it senses something foreign entering the nasal cavity,” explains Jonathan Simmonds, M.D., an ear, nose and throat physician and sinus and skull base surgeon at Westmed Medical Group in Rye, New York. “Structures that sit next to your septum, called turbinates, swell with cells that work for the immune system to fight off these foreign substances.”
This swelling works to protect you by:
- Providing a larger surface area to capture these foreign substances, and
- Blocking off the nasal passage to prevent the invader from attacking the rest of the airway
While this is a terrific illness barrier when you are exposed to a virus, “it can be quite annoying when this happens in response to something innocuous, like pollen,” Simmonds says, and allergies like this are actually a major cause of congestion.
Beyond that stopped-up sensation, symptoms can include runny nose, post-nasal drip , a heavy head and a burning feeling in the sinus area.
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The Effects Of Lying Down On Sinuses
For a variety of reasons, lying down on your sinuses may be beneficial. When we lie down, gravity strengthens blood flow to the head, resulting in congestion. Lying down can also cause a decrease in the drainage of sinuses, which is why many people experience a postnasal drip while sleeping. Furthermore, sleeping on the back can cause nasal congestion because mucus collects in the sinuses and increases the already tender pressure in the area. Finally, when we sleep for an extended period of time, our blood flow to the brain can increase, causing sinus congestion and, in some cases, pain. As a result, we frequently experience stuffy, congested, and sinus pain during the night, as well as a poor night of sleep.
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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.
How To Relieve Sinus Pressure
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Sinus pressure
Many people experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinus pressure results from blocked nasal passages. When your sinuses cannot drain, you may experience inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.
Your sinuses are paired in two, and are found in four main areas of the face:
While some over-the-counter treatments can help reduce symptoms, there are also many effective natural remedies.
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What You Can Do Now For Congestion Relief
If you have sinus congestion, make sure you eat a healthy diet. Avoid dairy, chocolate, and processed foods. They may increase mucus production. Make sure youre drinking enough fluids to help thin your nasal mucus. Put a humidifier in your bedroom to increase the humidity while you sleep.
If you have any of these essential oils on hand, try steam inhaling them a few times per day:
The Following 10 Tips Can Help Keep Your Nose Sinuses And Lungs Healthy This Fall And Winter
1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep the mucous produced by your nasal, sinus and respiratory passages thin and flowing. This will prevent stagnant mucous from building up in your sinuses and lungs. When thick mucous is retained for long periods of time in the sinuses and lungs bacteria may flourish in that environment leading to sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia. Adequate hydration by drinking water helps to prevent thick mucous.
2. Rinse the nasal passages with saline solution. Washing the nasal mucous membranes with saline solution eliminates irritating particles, allergens and thick mucous from the nose and sinus drainage passage ways. Saline solution also stimulates the lining of the nose and sinuses to clean themselves better. Little microscopic hairs called cilia move more frequently when exposed to saline resulting in egress of mucous from the nose and sinuses. Many products are available over-the-counter to rinse the nose with saline including Neil Med® Sinus Rinse, Simply Saline® and Neti Pot. Remember to use distilled water to mix the saline rather than tap water or bottled drinking water. 1, 2
3. Keep doors and windows closed on poor air quality days. As the temperatures drop in the Valley it is tempting to open our homes to the more temperate desert air. This can allow dust, air pollution and allergens to enter the home and our nose and lungs causing inflammation, swelling and increased mucous production.
Ryan M. Rehl, M.D.
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Symptoms : Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Feeling stuffy? Maybe youâve been blowing your nose all day and are almost running out of tissues, and yet, you feel worse. You canât be productive because your head feels heavy and youâre finding it difficult to breathe. Nasal congestion can be relieved with nasal decongestants like Sinex SEVERE Ultra Fine Mist nasal spray.
Keep reading to learn more about nasal congestion.
What is Nasal Congestion?
If you have the common cold or flu, the uncomfortable stuffed-up feeling you are experiencing is called nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy nose. When youâre all stuffed up, the simple act of breathing can be difficult. On top of that, you might feel tired and just plain dreary.
But what is nasal congestion, exactly? Nasal congestion is often called ârhinitisâ by healthcare providers. âRhinoâ is a Greek prefix meaning the nose, and ââitisâ refers to inflammation. Therefore, rhinitis is the inflammation of the linings of the nasal cavity.
Symptoms of Nasal Congestion
When your nose feels stuffy, you may find it hard to breathe. The inflammation leads to swollen nasal passages that constrict air flow, making it harder to breathe through your nose. The inflammation and swelling also makes it harder to get mucus out of your nose, so you may also have a build-up of mucus, as well. It causes you to feel stuffed up, which is why itâs also referred to as a stuffy nose.
What Causes Nasal Congestion?
Nasal congestion causes include:
Why A Neti Pot
A Neti Pot can help remove dust, pollen, and other debris, as well as loosen mucus in the nostrils.
Richard Orlandi, MD, a nasal and sinus specialist and Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Health at University of Utah Health, told Consumer Reports, “Just about any condition that causes irritants and mucus to build up inside the nose will benefit from saltwater rinsing with a Neti Pot or similar device.”
A nasal rinse can help improve symptoms due to:
- Sinus inflammation
- Upper respiratory infections
But dont expect a Neti Pot to be a miracle treatment. While it can bring immediate relief, it can also take several triespossibly several days using it twice a dayfor symptoms to improve. Unlike nasal decongestants, which shouldnt be taken for more than three days, there is no limit with a Neti Pot. “Patients experience the best relief from a Neti Pot after consistent use,” Orlandi says.
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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.
What Foods Help Clear Sinuses
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There are a few different types of foods that can help clear sinuses. These include: spicy foods, citrus fruits, and hot beverages. Spicy foods help clear sinuses by promoting the release of mucus. Citrus fruits help thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Hot beverages help by increasing blood flow to the sinuses, which helps to clear them out.
Ginger and turmeric are two simple foods to incorporate into your diet in order to avoid sinus infections. Ginger, as an anti-inflammatory, has been shown to aid in the relief of nasal congestion. Turmeric is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory spice, and it is also a great spice to aid in the treatment of sinus infections. Yogurt and other fermented foods, in addition to eating regular yogurt, will help you fight sinus infection. Antibiotics cause the loss of good bacteria, so probiotic supplements replenish the good bacteria that are lost.
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Looking For Nasal Congestion Relief Look For A Neti Pot
Its that time of the year when youre stuffed up and the only way to breathe is through your mouth. Finding relief to breathe easier can be challengingand sometimes it may feel like nothing works.
While there are over-the-counter medications available to help nasal congestion, you may be able to relieve your symptoms with a Neti Pot.
Sleep Better: Improve Sinus Health & Reduce Allergens
If you have sinus problems, sleeping well can be even more difficult it is critical for overall health, but you may be hampered further by sinus issues. To prevent sinus problems, it is critical to find a sleeping position that allows your sinuses to open properly. You could do this by lying on your back with your head propped up on a high pillow, or you could even sleep in a recliner or bed with your head propped up. Your blood can pass through your sinuses in this manner, allowing it to escape and relieve pressure and congestion. When it comes to sleeping, the quality of your pillows is also an important factor. In addition to being associated with health complications, pillows can become infected with bacteria, mold, and other microbes over time. When these microbes mix in with the air, they can trigger contact dermatitis, eczema, asthma, rhinitis, and other allergies. In addition to replacing your pillows every 12-18 months, you should also ensure that your sleeping environment is free of allergens and other harmful particles.
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What Are Some Home Remedies For Sinus Congestion
Besides over-the-counter and prescription medications to help with sinus congestion, there are several things you can do, such as inhaling steam and using Neti Pots to moisten and open up your nasal passages and sinuses. Heres a quick overview of home remedies for sinus congestion:
- Use a vaporizer or humidifier to moisten the nasal passages.
- Inhale steam from hot water in a pot or hot shower.
- Use a saline nasal spray to moisten your nasal passages.
- Use Neti Pots or another nasal irrigation device to flush out your sinuses and help relieve congestion.
- Place a warm, wet towel on your face to reduce discomfort and loosen up mucus.
- Use a bulb syringe to remove mucus from your nose.
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin your mucus.
- Avoid chlorinated pools, which can irritate your nasal passages.
- Keep your head raised on a couple of pillows when lying down.
- Avoid blowing your nose with too much force, as this can push mucus into your sinuses.
Amazing Ways To Relieve Sinus Congestion Naturally
If you are like us, sinus congestion is an annoying part of life. For some, it can be a serious medical condition.
Nasal congestion happens when the tissues and blood vessels fill with excess fluid. This creates a swollen effect in your nasal passages.
While there are treatments such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines these are always a smart choice. For example, the CDC has reported that antibiotics might not be the best solution to a sinus or ear infection. And may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
To help, we have put together this handy list of natural remedies for sinus congestion. With these methods you should be feeling better soon.
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Prescription Medication For Sinus Congestion
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that you see your healthcare professional if over-the-counter medications are ineffective in reducing inflammation and relieving sinus congestion within a week. Your doctor may prescribe prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, for acute sinusitis . Also, you should get medically reviewed if you have a fever , worsening symptoms, or frequent sinus or nasal congestion.
What Juices Break Up Mucus
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Because it contains a potent mixture of enzymes known as bromelain, pineapple juice has anti-inflammatory properties. Because bromelain is linked to allergies and asthma, it is thought that it can be beneficial in the treatment of respiratory issues. Mucolytic properties are thought to contribute to the mucus breakdown process.
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How To Cure A Sinus Infection
Sinus infections impact the lives of millions of Americans just like you. Together, we spend billions of dollars each year in over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat difficult symptoms. It is responsible for more than 16 million doctor visits that take away valuable time from work, friends, and family. The good news is that you donât have to continue suffering. There are cures for sinusitis that are safe, affordable, and ready for you.