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.
Where Are The Sinuses Located
The sinuses are named according to their location in the skull bones:
- The frontal sinuses are located over the forehead, above the eyes on both sides.
- The maxillary sinuses are located over the cheek area, in the bone known as the maxilla, located under the eyes on both sides of the face.
- The ethmoid sinuses are located in the bone that divides the eyes and nose.
- The sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull, behind the eyes.
The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that secrete fluid and are connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts. The sinuses are sometimes collectively referred to as the paranasal sinuses because of their proximity to the nose.
Inflammation due to any cause can cause a buildup of fluid and increased sinus pressure, causing the typical symptoms of a sinus headache.
Otc Medication For Sinus Pain
There are so many over the counter medications out there to relieve sinus pain, sinus pressure, allergies, and nasal congestion. Most of them are products that are combined with a pain reliever and an antihistamine or decongestant. Knowing the cause of the symptoms will assist in deciding which product would best relieve specific symptoms that are associated with nasal congestion or sinus inflammation.
These medications are created to reduce the symptoms that are produced by inflamed nasal membranes and sinuses. They reopen nasal passages, reduce congestions and relieve the pain and pressure in the face.
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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 blocked nose
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
- toothache
- bad breath
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.
Pain & Fever Medication*
Patients with sinus congestion can experience significant discomfort, including facial pressure, headaches, throat inflammation and pain in their upper teeth. Taking a medication that alleviates pain can offer relief from these symptoms. Since viral sinusitis can also cause a low-grade fever, taking an over-the-counter fever reducer can offer added relief.
One option is acetaminophen, which alleviates pain and fever. Another option is an NSAID .
NSAID medications include ibuprofen naproxen. NSAIDs relieve pain and fever, and they have the added benefit of reducing inflammation.
*It should be noted while these medications are safe for most patients, they are not indicated for everyone. Consult a medical provider to see what treatment options are safe for you.
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Best Medicines For Sinus Pressure 2020
If you are experiencing increased sinus pressure, it is possible that youre feeling significant pain around different areas of your face: this is most likely caused by an accumulation of mucus, which results in a congested sinus. Not only is it painful, but it also makes it difficult for you to go about your daily routine.
Fortunately, there isnt a need for us to simply soldier through the discomfort because of the sheer number of different treatments available for sinus pressure. However, it is not uncommon for people to accidentally delay relief as a cause of purchasing the wrong products when in the drugstore.
Prevent the expensive episode of trial and error and make sure to buy the best medicine for sinus pressure that works by checking out this buying guide.
Sinus Headache Medicine In A Pinch
The best sinus headache medicine is of course plenty of fluids and a bit of TLC. There are many treatments that will help ease your pain naturally however, if you need some instant relief, you should consider over-the-counter medication.
That being said, if you are taking these medications regularly for ten days in a row, you should consult your physician to find a more permanent solution.
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What Is A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is a condition where the tissues lining the nasal passages become inflamed. Sinus infections are very common, affecting nearly 30 million people in the U.S. each year, and a large percentage of these infections resolve on their own. Common sinusitis symptoms include nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, and facial pain.
Simply explained, a sinus infection occurs when there is an infection in the sinuses, a connected system of air-filled spaces in the skull. Under normal conditions, mucus drains out so that air can pass through sinus cavities. When fluid builds up in the sinuses, germs grow and an infection can occur.
Sinus infections can cause facial discomfort because of nasal congestion. You may experience a headache, pain behind the eyes, and facial tenderness or swelling. Other sinus infection symptoms are similar to having a bad cold or intense allergies including nasal discharge, postnasal drip, fatigue, sinus pressure, loss of sense of smell, throat irritation, and even a fever.
Typically triggered by allergies or a cold, a sinus infection can take many forms. Acute sinusitis may cause mild symptoms and go away quickly without antibiotics. These cases are often caused by a viral infection like the common cold and do not require anything more than symptomatic treatment for your comfort.
Treat Sinus Pain With Humidity
“Dry, thick mucus in your nose and sinus passages can form crusts that block sinus drainage and trap viruses and other particles. Increasing humidity and getting more fluid into your body can help your mucus thin out and get moving again,” says Dr. Das. Some natural ways to get your sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids using a humidifier avoiding cold, dry air taking plenty of steamy showers and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.
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On Either Side Of The Nostrils
Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to both sides of your nostrils. Your fingers should be at right angles to these points. Keep pressing for a minute to allow the sinuses to drain out this can help prevent inflammation and bring some sinus pressure relief. This pressure point is also good for pain behind the cheeks and helps prevent respiratory illnesses.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Sinus Infection Medications
The most common side effects of sinus infection medications differ by the type of medication you use. Decongestants tend to cause nervousness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. Side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antihistamines and steroids can cause dizziness and sleep disturbances.
This is not an exhaustive list of sinus infection medication side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions from a medication or treatment, its always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
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Nasal Wash: Neti Pots Saline Nasal Spray And More
Many people find sinus relief through a saline nasal wash, but it does require some preparation. You can find a lot of these supplies at most drug stores, including
- rinse bottles,
You can buy a pre-filled container or make your own saline solution.
Nasal Saline Solution Recipe
To make your own nasal saline solution, follow this simple recipe:
- 16 ounces of sterile water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
Simply mix the lukewarm, sterile water with the salt. Some people add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to take the sting out of the salt, but this ingredient is optional.
Differentiate Between Sinus Headache And Migraine Headache
Many people who assume they are having sinus pain due to sinus pressure are actually having a migraine headache. Migraine pain can involve the same nerves as the sinus cavities and is frequently accompanied by nasal congestion, nausea, and aggravation by bright light. “If sinus pain is caused by a migraine, the best natural treatment is lying down in a dark, quiet room,” advises Das.
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What Home Remedies Help Soothe Sinus Headache Symptoms
There are a number of self-care measures available to help decrease sinus congestion and promote drainage of the sinuses, providing relief for sinus headache.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated.
- Breathe humidified air.
- OTC pain medicationssuch as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help control pain.
- such as pseudoephedrine may be useful in promoting drainage of the sinuses. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions should check with their healthcare practitioner before using these medications. A number of over-the-counter decongestant medications are available, either singly or in combination with antihistamines, pain relievers, and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
- are also available that contain decongestant medications, but these should not be used for more than three days, due to the possibility of rebound inflammation, a worsening of the condition once use of the spray has stopped.
- Inhaled steroid preparations are sometimes prescribed to treat allergic sinusitis, and bacterial infections of the sinuses are treated with antibiotics.
- Antihistamines may be useful if allergies such as hay fever are the cause of congestion.
Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
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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.
When Should I Seek Medical A Care For A Sinus Headache
- Sinus headaches and infections may sometimes be successfully treated at home .
- However, you should seek medical care if you are not sure what is causing your symptoms or if you have signs of a severe infection including high fever, symptoms that do not resolve with time, or if over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective in controlling the pain.
- You should also seek care if you notice swelling in the face that accompanies the pain, swelling around your eye or changes in vision, since this could be a sign of an abscess.
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Use Pillows To Encourage The Drainage From The Ears
Sometimes there will be some blockage in the ears. You can get the fluid that builds up, due to it having nowhere to go or a previous infection. You will want to get it out of the ears as soon as possible.
Rather than using a saline cleanser , you will want to encourage the draining of the liquid as soon as possible. The best way to do that is by focusing on the way you sleep and sit throughout the day.
Arrange the pillows in your bed to help prop your body slightly. This will help to keep your head up and avoid the pressure going further into your ears and head theres nothing worse than trying to sleep when dealing with pressure around your sinuses! The pillows will also help to encourage the right positioning for the draining of the fluid. Keep your blocked ear closest to the bed for the best results.
Even if the fluid does not drain out, sleeping like this will help you get a good nights sleep. This will encourage your immune system to work better, so you get rid of the sinus issues and pressure quicker.
You may also find that the pressure is due to thetrapped fluid within your ear canal . Tilt your head to one side and jump up and down. Gravity can help to dislodge the water. You will feel it trickle out of your ear!
What Causes Sinus Pain
Sinuses are hollow spaces in your facial bones that are lined with membranes that secrete mucus. Sinus pain is often a result of inflammation that blocks mucus from draining and leads to pain.
Sinus swelling can follow viral illnesses, including the common cold, or it can be due to mucus production from allergies or breathing in polluted air that leads to irritation. It can also happen if there are nasal blockages due to abnormal growths called nasal polyps or structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, that make you prone to congestion.
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Spice Up Your Diet To Ease Sinus Pressure
“Many people find that spicy food like peppers or hot mustard opens up their nasal passages and gives them some relief from sinus pain. There is good evidence that capsaicin, which is the active ingredient found in chile peppers, is effective in relieving some types of pain,” says Das. Capsaicin preparations have been investigated for the treatment of some facial pain syndromes and of rhinitis with promising results. But if you have the taste for them, you can try spicy foods to help with sinus discomfort.
Sinus Pressure Points On The Back Of The Head And Neck
There are areas around the neck and base of the skull that present an opportunity to relieve sinus pressure. The pressure points in these areas are located in delicate, cavity-like areas where the neck and skull adjoin. There are two such points.
One of them is the specific point where the neck meets the skull. It is right in the middle of the neck/head, near the base of your hairline.
To find it, place your finger at your hairline and move it either up or down until you find the cavity. By squeezing the point with your thumb for about five minutes, it may help clear sinus pressure.
The other area is found on the neck close to the base of the skull. The points are located at the highest point of the neck, just below the base of the skull.
To find it, place both of your thumbs at the top of your neck point and slowly separate them until you feel the cavities . Access the point by pressing slightly in and up and holding for about five minutes.
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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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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.
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Related Resources For Sinus Infections
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.