Sinus Drainage

In the event of a sinus drainage, the sinus fluid and mucus which is produced by the body, drains into the back of the throat. This fluid comes from the nasal passages and sinuses. What most people are unaware of is that, sinus drainage is a natural process wherein, small amounts of sinus fluid moves through the sinuses everyday. The drainage becomes a problem when the sinuses get inflamed due to certain reasons. Now let's have an overview about the various sinus drainage symptoms, causes and the treatment methods involved. More on sinus problems.

Sinus Drainage Symptoms
Sinus drainage symptoms are common in chronic and acute sinusitis (the two types). The symptoms of sinus drainage which show up when sinusitis sets in, include feeling of pressure in the face (particularly starting from the area above and below the eyes and behind the nose), nausea, bad headache, pain in the ear, accompanied by bad breath and sometimes fever. There are other sinus drainage symptoms which occur even after the treatment has started. These symptoms are usually an indication of the sinusitis subsiding, and they include yellow-green nasal drainage (clear or thick), lessening of pressure in the face and relief in breathing. Sinus drainage sore throat is also a common symptom when the illness begins to cure. It occurs due to the sinus drainage in throat. You can also know more on sinus pressure relief and sinus headache relief.

Sinus Drainage Causes
Sinus drainage may also be experienced in the form of a runny nose. For most people this happens due to spicy foods, irritating odor and other allergens. These and similar irritants trigger the production of a watery liquid by the mucus producing glands in the nasal area. The important point to remember is that sinus drainage is one of the different reflexes of the body which reacts to any abnormal substances entering the nasal cavity. So, when the sinus cavity is irritated, it floods the affected area by producing more mucus in order to get rid of the impurities and reduce the inflammation. This excess fluid is drained out through the throat for elimination. This sinus drainage in the throat causes sore throat as the throat starts swelling due to the allergic reaction. Allergens usually cause a sinus infection wherein the sinus cavities get inflamed and this may trigger a painful sinus headache, sinus cough or a runny nose. However, when the irritants are gone, the drainage returns to normal. Read more on:

• Sinusitis: Sinus Infection Symptoms and Treatment
• Why Does Sinus Drainage make you Cough

Common cold is one of the most common reasons of a sinus drainage, mainly due to a bacterial or a viral infection. During the onset of common cold, the sinus fluid gets stagnated in the nasal passages and becomes dense or thicker. This mucus remains trapped and presents an ideal environment for the bacteria to grow. This is the main cause of discoloration of the mucus and the foul odor. This mucus makes it way into the throat and the upper chest and promotes more growth of the virus or the bacteria. So when the treatment begins, the medications which are taken by the affected person helps to unblock the congestion and the blocked passages. This allows the trapped mucus to flow freely and cause high amount of sinus drainage.

What most people are unaware of is that, sinus drainage also results from inadequate water level in the body. Dehydration causes a dearth in the supply of fluid to the mucus-producing glands and thus results in a sinus drainage. Drinking too much of beverages also contribute to sinus drainage. This is because, such liquids move the water out of the body, causing dehydration. Check out more on sinus infections signs and symptoms.

Sinus Drainage Remedies
Eliminating the causes is the best remedy for sinus drainage. Keep yourself from being subjected to allergens and other irritants. Drink plenty of water, 6 - 8 glasses everyday. This will help in keeping your system clean and your sinus healthy. On the onset of a sinus drainage, a hot cup of black or green tea, or even a soup provides great relief. Hot showers, inhaling hot vapors or steam bath also provides instant relief from the symptoms of sinus drainage. Nasal irrigation is also considered one of the best ways for treatment of sinus drainage. A salt water gargle everyday helps in providing sinus drainage relief. Over the counter medicines are also helpful in treating the illness. More on antibiotics for sinus infection.

Garlic juice, apple cider vinegar, warm soups, inhaling vapors of eucalyptus oil, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and peppermint are also included in the treatment methods of sinus drainage. Increasing intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin C and maintaining good personal hygiene are also some sinus drainage remedies.

Get more tips on the sinus infection treatment methods by reading more on sinus infection home remedy and safe and natural sinus relief.

However, it is important to keep in mind that while going for the sinus drainage medicines, it is wise to differentiate between the types of sinus drainage; whether it is an allergic or irritant-based or an infection-based sinus drainage. In this case, visiting a doctor would be the smartest way out.