Help For Sinus When I Have High Blood Pressure
Many people suffer from sinus trouble, whether it is a temporary sinus problem or chronic sinusitis. Sinus congestion can cause breathing difficulties, and the extreme congestion leads to sinus headache. Prolonged sinus congestion can lead to sinus infections. There are treatments for congested sinuses, but if you have high blood pressure you must be careful about which treatments you use, as some may actually raise blood pressure.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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Over The Counter Painkillers To Get Rid Of Sinus Headaches
Though the decongestants can reduce the swelling and improve the breathing through nostrils, it cannot reduce the pain. So, to reduce the pain, there are some over the counter painkillers that are best to get rid of sinus headaches fast. These include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Acetaminophen and Naproxem sodium. However, for these medicines as well, prolonged intake is not recommended. You must follow the label instructions for dosage and stop taking them altogether if it is already 10 days or as your doctor prescribes.
For pregnant women, aspirin and ibuprofen are not prescribed. They can take acetaminophen instead. However, one must consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications since it may have major side effects on the pregnancy and the baby.
It must also be mentioned that many of the over the counter painkillers already contain decongestants. So, if you are taking decongestants separately, make sure that you control your dosage and avoid taking too much of it through two different medicines. Most of the over the counter pain relievers help in reducing inflammation along with the pain. So, if the cause of the sinus headache is inflammation, these medicines would be able to cure them as well.
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Allergies Vs Sinus Infection
Allergies can develop at any point in your life. While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult.
This type of reaction is caused by a negative response to a substance. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash.
Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis.
A sinus infection, on the other hand, occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem.
Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath.
Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time.
| Allergies |
When Your Sinus Makes You Suffer You Need Try These Best Otc Sinus Medications And Effective Home Remedies To Get Relief And Bring You Peace Curious
Four pairs of hollow cavities comprise the sinus system. The frontal sinuses are located in the forehead, the maxillary sinuses behind the check bones, the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses behind the eyes. The sinuses are normally filled with air but can become blocked and filled with fluid and germs, causing infection. Sinuses are covered with a protective mucous layer and small hairs or cilia that repel bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Nevertheless, germs can evade this protective layer, causing blockage, fluid buildup and infection.
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Hereditary Plays A Part
Hereditary factors certainly do set one up for a susceptibility to allergies. A predisposition is every reason to ensure you take steps to protect your body from potential health problems.
Allergies appear to run in families which means you have a higher than average risk of developing an allergy. Therefore avoiding the potential allergen and protecting your immune system with the right lifestyle and the right medicine is a smart move and will result in far fewer symptoms.
What Is The Best Medicine For Sinus Congestion
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When To Call A Professional
Contact a doctor if you experience facial pain along with a headache and fever, cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days, or persistent green discharge from the nose. If your symptoms don’t improve within a week of beginning treatment, call your doctor. Call sooner if symptoms are getting worse.
If you have repeated bouts of acute sinusitis, you may have allergies or another treatable cause of sinus congestion. Ask your doctor for advice.
How Do You Use The Neti Pot
There aren’t any official medical guidelines, but Neti pots usually come with an insert that explains how to use them. You might also want to ask your family doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to talk you through the process so you can get comfortable with the Neti pot before trying it on your own.
Typically, to use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation device, mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free, preservative-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small clean container. Mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture in 8 ounces of distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water.
If you experience burning or stinging, cut the amounts of dry ingredients to make a weaker solution. For children, use a half-teaspoon with 4 ounces of water.
Once you’ve filled the Neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline solution into that nostril.
The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. It may also run into your throat. If this occurs, just spit it out. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid, then refill the Neti pot and repeat the process on the other side. It’s important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.
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The 5 Best Allergy Medicine
- A very effective nasal spray that doesnt affect your adrenal system. A powerful water-based formula, free of alcohol and scent anti-allergy.
Price when Reviewed: $8.99
One of the best and most effective reliefs that you can find in the market. It is a proven and tested 24-hour allergy relief product that can ease nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose. It is perfect for regular usage because it is scent free and alcohol-free. You wont need to worry because as compared to other allergy relief products, there are no particular drowsiness side effects with this medicine. Its anti-inflammatory effect is very impressive. This medicine is also nonaddictive. Within 24 hours, you will immediately feel its great effects.
- Best Oral Antihistamine Strong results with limited site effects
Price when Reviewed: $20.25
This proven and tested tablets can instantly relief nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose. You will notice relief in just an hour. A very cost effective med. In terms of effects, you can never go wrong with Allegra.
- An Allergy Spray that is suitable for pregnant woman
Price when Reviewed: $18.64
- Good Reviews from customers and best seller on Amazon. Proven to work but FLONASE might cause irritation in your nose
Price when Reviewed: $18.33
- For Immediate Relief Fastest Results
Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.
Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?
Home remedies for allergies including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below youll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.
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Can You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
Many sinus infections are caused by a virus like the common cold and do not require antibiotics for treatment. If you have mild symptoms, OTC medications may help relieve your symptoms until you feel better. However, consult your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days, or if at any time you have intense/severe pain or pressure, or a high fever.
Oral And Nasal Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels inside the nose. There are both oral and nasal formulations.
Sudafed is an oral decongestant used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. Do not use Sudafed for longer than three days as it can also lead to rebound congestion.
While Sudafed is available without a prescription, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and requires an ID to obtain. A similar drug called Sudafed PE can be purchased without hindrance but has not proven to be anywhere near as effective as pseudoephedrine.
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin also provide short-term relief of a stuffy nose. It should also not be used for longer than three days due to the risk of rebound congestion .
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What Is The Fastest Way To Relieve Sinus Pressure
Curious about what reduces sinus inflammation or how to get ride of a sinus headache? Here are some of the best at home treatments you can try right away:
- Hydrate
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid chlorinated pools
- Use a saline nasal rinse or use a Neti pot
- Avoid triggering irritants
- Use a saline nasal spray
- Try over the counter decongestants
Taking Decongestants With Other Medicines
Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if youâre taking other medicines.
For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Itâs also important to be careful when taking other medicines if youâre using an âall-in-1â decongestant remedy.
âAll-in-1â decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.
Page last reviewed: 28 February 2019 Next review due: 28 February 2022
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What Is Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip refers to mucus from the nose or sinuses draining into the throat. A person may complain of having nasal congestion and a sensation of mucus dripping from the back of their nose. When a healthcare provider does an examination, they may see mucus dripping into the throat and inflammation in the nose and throat. A combination of symptoms and a physical examination can help your healthcare provider diagnose postnasal drip.
How Is Acute Sinusitis Treated
Acute sinusitis is typically a short-term condition that is not too severe. For many people, little or no treatment is needed. Most people get better on their own after seven to 10 days.
Antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. Most sinusitis is due to viruses or other causes that are not cured by antibiotics.
Other treatment options include ways to manage your symptoms. You can:
- Try nasal sprays and decongestants. You should not use over-the-counter medicated nose sprays longer than three days unless your healthcare provider says you should.
- Get extra rest and drink extra fluids.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have significant pain.
- Irrigate your nasal passages with saline solution. Since this is just salt and sterile water applied to the nose for cleaning, you can continue longer than five days.
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What To Look For When Buying Otc Sinus Decongestants
When youre figuring out which decongestant to buy, youll need to determine whats causing your congestion. If its allergies, youll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add in pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. Treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you dont have.
Can/should I Take A Sinus Decongestant For A Sinus Infection
You can take certain decongestants for a sinus infection. Decongestants that contain only pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are more typically recommended for a sinus infection. Decongestants with additional ingredients like antihistamines may suppress your bodys immune response and interfere with your bodys ability to fight the infection. If you have a severe sinus infection, or if youre on antibiotics, consult with your doctor about the best OTC medication choice for you.
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Tips For Choosing Suitable Medications
When at the pharmacy, a person should look for medications that do not contain decongestants or NSAIDs other than aspirin. A person should read the product label carefully and look at the active ingredients list. This is where drug manufacturers typically list the drugs and their effects.
A person should also avoid medications that are high in sodium. These ingredients can also increase a persons blood pressure.
Some medications, such as NSAIDs, have warning labels on the packaging. The warning is about how the medication may increase a persons blood pressure. People with hypertension or heart disease should avoid any medications that have this label.
Finally, if a person is not sure, they can ask the pharmacist or their doctor. They should mention any conditions they have, such as hypertension or heart disease, as well as any medications they are taking. The pharmacist or doctor will then outline which medications are safe for the person to take.
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Others Ways Of Avoiding And Minimizing Sinus Problems
Except those best sinus medicines mentioned above, there are many other effective home remedies that help you alleviate sinus discomforts.
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Best Medications To Get Rid Of Sinus Headaches Fast
Sinus headaches are quite common in a large percentage of the general population. It occurs when the cavities behind your nose, at the back of your eyes, in your cheeks and forehead are clogged due to some infection or allergy or even simple cold. This leads to severe headache, causing pressure in the area between your eyes, above the nose.
Sinus headaches can be very troublesome. It not only causes pain and pressure in your sinus region, but also causes serious discomfort. The discomfort increases if you try to lie down or bent over. Usually the symptoms of sinus headache include nasal discharge or stuffy nose or sore throat and cough, along with fatigue. If you do not have these additional symptoms, then you may not have sinus headache. However, if you do, it is important that you have it treated soon, as delay will only increase your pain and discomfort.
What Is Acetaminophen And Why We Eliminate It Too
It can be unbearable to suffer from allergic symptoms, and it is natural to want to relieve yourself of pain and fever. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, used for treating many conditions such as sinus, headache, backache, toothache and fever. It comes with side effects:
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Nausea
- Difficulty with breathing
- Serious skin reactions. Between 1969 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration found that 67 people required hospitalization of which 12 died after skin reactions were reported after taking acetaminophen products. This comes from documented medical literature. One of the skin reactions linked to acetaminophen included Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis . You start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, aches and fever and progress to a blister-like rash. The skin starts peeling and the hair starts falling out. This skin reaction is often fatal.
There are different brands and forms of acetaminophen available, but all labeling warns you not to take more than is recommended. It can damage your liver, more so if you drink alcohol with it.
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