Friday, March 29, 2024

What Helps For Sinus Pressure

Nicole Cutler Lac Mtcm Dipl Ac

Sinus Pressure: The Fastest Way to Drain Your Sinuses

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM is a long time advocate of integrating perspectives on health. With a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute, Nicole has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. She has gathered acupuncture licenses in the states of California and New York, is a certified specialist with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has earned diplomat status with the National Commission of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. In addition to her acupuncture practice that focuses on stress and pain relief, digestion, immunity and oncology, Nicole contributes to the integration of healthcare by writing articles for professional massage therapists and people living with liver disease.

What Causes Sinus Pain And Pressure

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces connected to your nasal passages that help humidify air as you breathe in and produce mucus that helps trap bacteria and foreign particles. When nasal passages and their tissues become irritated, mucus can build up instead of draining normally. This build-up causes swelling and often causes pain and pressure in your sinuses. Swollen and inflamed tissues can also cause pressure on nerve endings around your sinuses. This leads to dull or throbbing pain and aches.

Several factors can cause nasal passage irritation and bring on sinus pressure symptoms.

  • Environmental irritants Airborne pollutants such as those that cause allergies can trigger mucus build up and sinus pressure.
  • A sinus infection Sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection, could be a cause of your sinus pressure and pain. If you think you may have a sinus infection, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
  • The common cold Not every cold is the same but sometimes symptoms include mucus build up, which can mean sinus pressure and pain.

What Kind Of Doctor Or Other Healthcare Professional Treats Sinus Headache

  • Frequently, sinus headaches are managed by primary care physicians including those that specialize in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics.
  • For complicated cases, an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be consulted.
  • With unusual infections, such as fungal infections, a specialist in infectious diseases may be consulted.

Also Check: Best Otc For Sinus And Chest Congestion

How You Can Treat Sinusitis Yourself

You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:

  • getting plenty of rest
  • taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
  • cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion
  • Boil a pint of water, then leave it to cool.
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Stand over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it.
  • Sniff the water into 1 nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat.
  • Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day until your nose feels more comfortable.
  • You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose.

    Find Sinus Pressure Relief With Balloon Sinuplasty In Houston

    Best 25+ Sinus pressure headache ideas on Pinterest

    Sinus pain is uncomfortable and can disrupt your life regardless of what causes sinus pressure. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we help people breathe better with a variety of sinusitis treatment options, including balloon sinuplasty.

    Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive and effective way to treat your underlying sinus issues and can deliver lasting relief in as little as 20 minutes. We can help you treat your chronic sinus infections and get you feeling and breathing better again in no time.

    Call 713-588-9987 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaplan today!

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    How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Pressure Headache

    If you suffer from allergies, you may have congested sinuses as well, and this can lead to a sinus pressure headache. If youre wondering how to get rid of a sinus pressure headache, the first thing you need to understand is that these types of headaches can have several causes. Consequently, sinus headaches have a few different remedies.

    If Your Sinus Headache Wont Go Away Call Kaplan Sinus Relief

    Dr. Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Sinus Relief is a leading practitioner of the balloon sinuplasty treatment, and he often trains other doctors on the technique. Patients who visit Kaplan Sinus Relief also have the option to add IV Sedation and/or TGS image-guided navigation to their surgery, which are services that help keep patients relaxed during the surgery and improve accuracy and safety, respectively.

    You dont have to put up with a sinus headache that wont go away. Kaplan Sinus Relief can help you find relief from sinus headaches, congestion, and more. Call 713-766-1818 or request an appointment online today.

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    How Can I Try Acupuncture

    If youve decided to give acupuncture a try, its essential to choose a qualified acupuncturist. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers licensing programs and examinations, but specific licensing requirements vary by state.

    When looking for an acupuncturist, keep in mind that a licensed acupuncturist is not the same as a certified acupuncturist. Doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals may have certification in acupuncture and a few hundred hours of training, but they may have less experience working with patients.

    Licensed acupuncturists, on the other hand, typically have a few thousand hours of training and must treat a certain number of people before being licensed.

    You can also ask your primary care physician for a referral or search the NCCAOM acupuncturist registry. Once youve found a provider, you can call your state licensing board to make sure theyre licensed to practice in your state.

    Things you might ask before making an appointment include:

    • how long the acupuncturist has been working with clients
    • whether theyve treated sinus issues with acupuncture before
    • how long treatment will take
    • whether they accept insurance or offer a sliding-scale payment system

    If youre worried about pain or discomfort, let them know. They may be able to address your concerns and help you feel more comfortable before your first session.

    Yawning To Ease Ear Pressure And Pain

    How to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Sinus Pain with Self Massage (INSTANT!)

    If you can induce a yawn, this might help you relieve pressure in your ear. Yawning helps air flow out from the middle ear to the throat. Consequently, this lessens the ear from stress. Indeed, one of the best methods on how to relieve ear pressure from sinus infection.

    Chewing Gum

    Like yawning, chewing gum might help release pressure from the middle ear through the throat. In addition, the movement of the jaw while chewing should help air escape and relieve your ears from pressurereducing ear pressure and pain.

    Swallowing with Closed Nose

    Another technique on how to relieve ear pressure from sinuses is by swallowing with a closed nose. People can restore normal ear pressure by simply holding their nose closed and then swallowing. The effect is like the Valsalva maneuver but done more gently.

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    Sleep With Your Head Above Your Heart

    If youve ever had a swollen ankle, youll know that putting your foot above your heart can drain away some of that excess fluid. The same logic also works for sinus pressure. Increase blood flow from the sinuses to relieve mucous build-up by raising your head on pillows before bed, so its higher than your heart.

    Balloon Sinuplasty: A Safe And Effective Sinusitis Treatment

    Sinus surgery is not the only option for long-term sinus pressure relief. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery that can be done from the comfort of the office and get you back to enjoying all that life has to offer. This safe and effective procedure does not involve cutting or removing bone or tissue. Imagine all the benefits of a real solution without discomfort, long recovery, or excessive bleeding.

    Unlike sinus medications, sinuplasty addresses the root cause of your sinus pressure by cleaning out the sinus cavity and restoring normal flow. This procedure simply inserts a tiny balloon through the nose and into the sinus cavity. The sinus cavity will be open and clean, allowing you to breathe easily again. With balloon sinuplasty, you can enjoy smelling, tasting, sleeping, and avoiding sinus pressure and headaches.

    We understand that when the pressure sets in, you canât enjoy all that life has to offer. You miss work, hobbies, and priceless time is taken away from friends and family. We work hard to restore your sinuses and help you avoid the risk of surgery and medications. Sinusitis relief is a top priority for the entire team at Capitol Breathe Free.

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    Acupressure And Acupuncture For Sinuses

    Acupuncture is used to treat chronic sinus pressure and other symptoms.

    Research from 2006 found that about 99 percent of acupuncturists in the United States treat sinus problems. Similarly, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using acupressure to relieve sinus pressure due to allergies.

    While more research is needed on using acupressure to treat sinus symptoms, this practice may help improve blood flow, relax muscles, and help mucus drain from the sinuses.

    You can do acupressure for sinus symptoms on yourself. It only takes a few minutes.

  • Use a mirror to help you find the points on your face.
  • Apply firm but gentle pressure on the points for at least 3 minutes each. You can use your fingers, thumbs, or a thin, blunt object, like the eraser tip of a pencil.
  • Repeat throughout the day for several days.
  • You can press on the acupressure points or gently rub or rotate your fingers in a circular motion over the area.

    You can also get professional acupressure treatment from a certified acupuncturist. Some massage therapists may also use acupressure points.

    Here are the main acupressure points for sinus relief and how to find them:

    How To Relieve Sinus And Nasal Congestion

    How To Relieve Your Sinus Infection In Under 30 Seconds ...
  • Give yourself a sinus relief massage.
  • You can use your fingers to gently massage your sinuses to get nasal congestion relief. For example, place your index fingers on both sides of your nose where the nose and cheek meet , and apply moderate pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. You can also use your index fingers to apply pressure on the bridge of your nose, right between your eyebrows hold for 2 to 3 minutes. This sinus massage will bring comfort to your nasal passages.

  • Irrigate your sinuses.
  • Flushing out your sinuses with salt water can help clear out mucus and other irritants and reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in better drainage. This can be done with a neti pot, syringe or various other products that can be found in drug stores. When using a nasal rinse, be sure to use sterile or previously boiled water, and rinse and dry the device thoroughly after each use.

  • Take a decongestant.
  • Over-the-counter nasal decongestants reduce blood flow to the nasal membranes, which decreases swelling and congestion. They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. For fast relief, try Sinex⢠Severe All-in-One Sinus Liquicapsâthe non-drowsy formula contains a powerful pain reliever and phenylephrine, a safe and effective decongestant.

  • Try a nasal spray.
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    Hydrate Yourself To Relieve Out Sinus Pressure

    Dehydration is one of the major causes of the sinus passages drying out and you feel an increased pressure in the face. Remember to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water daily.

    This will reduce blockages inside the sinuses. Make sure that you drink enough water throughout the day. Not only water, but you can also drink fluids through other food and beverages such asBroth soups

    Symptoms Of An Ear Infection

    The primary symptoms of an ear infection include acute ear pain and hearing loss. You will have the sensation that your hearing is muffled and you may experience referred pain to your throat or fluid in the middle ear.

    When youre experiencing an ear infection, you may not necessarily see a change in color in or outside your ears.

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    Over The Counter Medications

    For help alleviating sinus pressure and pain, try ibuprofen and a decongestant. Some medications include a combination of pain reliever and decongestant.

    Mild antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra are helpful in moderation. Strong antihistamines like Benadryl are often way too drying. Be careful not to take antihistamines too often.

    Even though you want your nose to stop running, too many antihistamines can make it more likely that youll get sinus infections in the future.

    Drugs like Mucinex and Flonase can also be helpful in thinning the mucus in your nose and sinuses.

    If you use Afrin, make sure you stop after three days. Though it can seem like a miracle drug, using it more than three days in a row can lead to something called rebound congestion. In other words, when you stop using the Afrin after continuous use, your nose becomes more congested than it was in the first place!

    Avoid Smoke And Noxious Fumes

    How to Relieve Headaches and Sinus Pressure

    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.

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    Where To Put Vicks Vaporub For Nasal Congestion

    Want to know my husbands hack how how to help sinus pressure, here it is!

  • First, take a hot shower to clear some nasal congestion.
  • Then he uses a neti pot for nasal irrigation, thats a great home remedy too.
  • Recently we got this electric nasal washer that clears nasal passages like NO other! I would highly recommend this for treating colds long term.
  • Then, skip the nasal sprays, this is how to clear sinus congestion from there!

    You dont need a fancy and expensive piece of equipment to clear your sinuses, its actually simple really. If you have this in your medicine cabinet youre setif not grab some at below and keep it handy when the time arises.

    • You see, dry air is no good at times like this.
    • Nasal decongestants and pain relievers are short term, and dont really improve the situation. Instead..

    Why Do My Sinuses Act Up When The Weather Changes

    You may notice that you get significant nasal congestion or stuff nose when there is a front moving in, with a rain storm or on days with changes in the humidity. This is essentially due to sensitive nerve endings in the nasal passages leading to over reaction that results in swelling of blood vessels.

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    If You Have A Problem Sinus Ringing Ears May Result

    There are many things that can cause a ringing sound in the ears, otherwise known as tinnitus. Often, it is the result of exposure to loud noises. Other times, tinnitus is caused by sinus problems. Anyone who has ever had a head cold can probably attest to the ringing in their ears, and many people who have sinus problems find that they must deal with tinnitus as well. If you have a problem sinus ringing ears may result, but luckily, there are many ways to treat tinnitus. If the tinnitus is the result of a sinus problem, it may simply be that you just have to treat the sinus problem. But, if the tinnitus does not go away once you have treated the main issue, you may have to take other steps to treat the problem.

    Why Do Sinus Problems Cause Tinnitus?

    The reason people who suffer from sinus problems and allergies end up with tinnitus is because the mucus in the middle ear becomes thickened. As a rule, the mucus will drain out of the middle ear and into the throat, but there are times when the mucus will build up instead of draining, and the resulting pressure can cause a ringing in the ears. Most often, those who suffer from sinusitis, sinus infections or allergies tend to experience tinnitus.

    Treating Tinnitus.

    For more information on sinus ringing ears visit

    When Should I See An Ent For Sinus Pain And Pressure

    How to Relieve Sinus Pressure?

    A good rule of thumb is to talk to your doctor if sinus pain and pressure is affecting your daily life. Other things to look out for include:

    • It makes it difficult to sleep
    • Youve had a stuffy or runny nose for over a week
    • Your sinus headaches more frequently
    • Over-the-counter treatments dont work
    • You injured your nose

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    Avoid Sinus Pain Triggers

    “One of the most important things to avoid is over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays. They may give some fast relief, but after a few days they make sinus pressure and nasal congestion much worse,” warns Das. Some other things you can do to prevent sinus pain include avoiding alcohol, which can aggravate sinus pain and congestion cleaning your humidifier to avoid fungal allergies washing your bedding in hot water to decrease allergy exposure and avoiding swimming, diving, or flying when you have sinusitis, a common cold, or nasal allergy.

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