Sinus Pressure Relief

When the nasal passage become inflamed, it causes sinus pressure and dizziness. Basically, sinuses are air cavities located in the facial part of our skull that performs the task of purifying the inhaled air by filtering the dust particles. More specifically, sinuses are air filled spaces within the bones that are around the nose, cheek and eyes. Sinuses produces mucus that helps to remove air pollutants during inhalation, thus protecting the lungs from foreign objects. The production of mucus is also important to keep the nose moist. Sinus pressure occurs when the nasal passages get irritated and blocked due to allergens or a viral infections. As a result, they secrete more mucus than normal to flush out the allergens or the virus. This increased thick production of mucus blocks the sinuses, which is then felt as sinus pressure. The trapped mucus creates an environment where bacteria can breed comfortably. However, there are a bunch of treatments available to get sinus pressure relief.

Sinus Pressure Symptoms

Now, 4 pairs of sinus cavities have been identified on the face. Depending upon which sinus cavity is affected, signs and symptoms of sinus infection will vary. However, generally people suffering from sinusitis face difficulty in breathing (nasal congestion). Other common sinus pressure symptoms are as follows:

• Runny nose that produces thick yellow green mucus
• Fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Sore throat
• Tooth pain
• Swollen cheeks

Sinus Pressure Treatment

Antibiotics are often used for sinus infection treatment. For acute or chronic sinus infection, the patient is treated by giving antibiotics for a period of 2 - 3 weeks. Nasal corticosteroids which are nothing but prescription sprays are also useful to decrease inflammation of nasal passages. These sprays are also effective to reduce a runny nose, itching and sneezing. The most commonly used nasal sprays are as follows:

• Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
• Fluticasone (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Beclomethasone (Beconase)

Decongestants: In order to ease the sinus pressure and reduce the swelling of nasal passages, decongestants that come in the form of nasal sprays (Dristan, Afrin) can also be used. Decongestant pills such as Contac and Sudafed can also work in controlling the pain. Nasal sprays should not be used for more than 3 days, whereas the recommended usage of oral medicines (pills) is about 7 days. Decongestants only provide temporary relief and are not suitable for long term use. Sinus wash products can also be beneficial to decrease the nasal congestion, thereby decreasing the pain.

Painkillers: Although these medicines may not provide much relief from the nasal congestion, it can significantly reduce sinus pressure pain. Painkillers like Advil, Tylenol and Aleva are known to provide sinus pressure relief.

Antihistamines: Use of antihistamines is also beneficial in the treatment of sinus pressure. These medicines available in nasal spray and oral forms can also treat sinus trouble due to allergic reactions. Antihistamines that have shown to relieve moderate symptoms of sinus problem are as follows:

• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
• Diphenydramine (Benadryl)
• Clemastine (Tavist)

Sinus Headache Relief

Sinus trouble can also cause headaches. The trapped mucus in the sinuses generates undue pressure and persistent pain in the forehead or face which leads to headache. Patients also experience abnormal pressure behind the eyes as well as in the cheeks. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms associated with sinus headache. Pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are commonly prescribed for sinus headache. A regular practice of relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can also help to reduce the severity of sinus headache. Consumption of horseradish and ginger can also provide immense relief from headache. Eating small amounts of jalapeno peppers is also a good remedy for sinus headaches. It is found that sinus headache subsides considerably with the intake of jalapeno peppers. The sinus draining effect of jalapeno peppers provides sinus headache relief within minutes. Other herbs that can relieve sinus headache to some extent are as follows:

• Devil's Claw
• Willow Bark
• Chinese Skull Cap

Supplements: Another approach to resolve the issue of sinus headache is to take nutrition supplements such as bromelain, probiotics and quercetin. These supplements relieve a sinus headache by thinning the mucus, thus reducing the congestion of sinus passages.

Sinus Pressure in Ears

Pain and pressure in the ear due to sinus infection can be indeed frustrating as it causes partial loss of hearing. People with sinus trouble often experience blocked ears or humming (ringing) in the ears. There are various treatment options that are useful to achieve sinus ear pressure relief. In order to relieve the discomfort, applying a cloth soaked in warm water to the ear can be a good option. A hot shower bath can promote drainage of mucus, thereby relieving ear pressure. Increasing fluid intake can dilute mucus, which helps to ease pressure on the ear. Keeping the head in an elevated position while sleeping can also reduce sinus pressure in ears. Decongestants and even antibiotics when taken as directed can provide sinus pressure relief.

Sinus Pressure Home Remedies

An effective sinus pressure home remedy involves drinking plenty of fluids. This in turn helps to thin out the mucus which can ease the sinus blockage. Other home remedies are listed below:

Peppermint Tea: This tea too can help relieve sinus pressure. Put 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of water and boil it for about 10 - 15 minutes. Add honey for taste and then filter it to remove the leaves. Drinking this tea can contribute in relieving sinus pressure.

Ginger: This herb that has multitude of health benefits, and is also useful to treat sinus pressure. This is because the pain relieving properties of ginger make it ideal for sinus pressure relief. Taking ginger capsules (600 mg) daily as instructed can work wonders in reducing sinus pain.

Eucalyptus Oil: A good approach to relieve sinus pressure is to use eucalyptus essential oil. Take a handkerchief and put a few drops of this oil on it and then inhale to get relief from sinus pressure pain. Repeat this procedure until one gets sinus pressure relief. This treatment is extremely beneficial to clear away the blockage of sinus cavities.

Acupressure: This technique involves applying pressure on specific points (sinus pressure points) which helps to relieve sinus pressure. Areas on the face, head and side of nostrils are some of the sinus pressure points. Apply pressure on these points with the tips of the fingers to reduce the pain. As no side effects are associated with the acupressure method, this technique is safe, and when done correctly can also provide instant relief from sinus headache.

Sinus Pressure Relief Massage: A face massage that focuses on sinus pressure points can relieve the person from sinus trouble. A sinus relief massage can drain the sinuses naturally and prevent further accumulation of mucus.

Sinus Infection Home Remedies

There are quite a few home remedies that are considered excellent sinus infection treatment options to relieve pain. Some sinus infection home remedies are given below:

Steam: An easy way to treat sinus infection at home would be to inhale steam of hot water. This stimulates sinus drainage which releases the pressure and allows the patient to breathe easily. Even the practice of inhaling steam of eucalyptus oil can ease the discomfort to a great extent. One can also drink juice of ripe grapes during the duration of symptoms to reduce the infection.

Ginger: Make a paste of basil leaves, dried ginger and cloves. Applying it on the forehead can give considerable amount of relief from the pain and discomfort of sinus problems. Applying paste of milk and ginger is another natural way to decrease sinus pain.

Tea: A great deal of relief can also be obtained by drinking hot tea. Having hot tea and other liquids such as soup is the easiest way to unclog sinuses.

Horseradish: This herb has plenty of health benefits, one of them is to clear sinus. Horseradish sauce is one of the best natural sinus infection remedies. Half a teaspoon of sauce taken in the morning and afternoon is capable enough to release sinus infection. Horseradish basically stimulates expulsion of mucus which can help to cure sinus. Juice made from horseradish root can work wonders to get rid of sinus infection.

Change in Diet: As we all know, sinus trouble occurs due to accumulation of mucus, so patients suffering from sinus infection should refrain from eating those foods that promote buildup of mucus and increase the risk of inflammation. Some of these foods are listed below:

• Milk and dairy products such as yogurt and ice cream
• Alcohol
• Foods having high sugar content

Before trying antibiotics, home remedies can always be a better substitute to get sinus pressure relief. They are effective to unblock nasal passages and sinus cavities thus helping to reduce sinus pain.