Sinus Problems And Ways To Relieve Them
If you feel stuffed up on a constant basis and often have pain in your head and certain parts of your face, such as between the eyes and your cheekbones, you probably suffer from sinus problems. The technical term for sinus problems is sinusitis, which means that your sinuses are inflamed. This condition is quite common and affects over 26 million adults in the United States.
Causes and Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinuses are the hollow pockets located behind your cheekbones and also the low-center part of your forehead. The primary functions of the sinuses are to create mucous, which keeps the nostrils moist. The mucous created by the sinuses also helps to protect the nostrils and lungs from contaminants. When the sinuses get blocked, they cannot properly drain, which then results in sinusitis.
Some of the reasons the sinuses get blocked include:
- Allergies
- Deviated septum
- Polyps
- Chronic medical conditions
Some of the most common symptoms associated with sinusitis include sinus headaches, facial tenderness, nasal stuffiness, and pressure in the ears and teeth. Some people also experience pus-like nasal discharge.
Three Ways to Relieve Sinus Problems
If you ever get sinusitis or have chronic sinus problems, there are some ways to relieve this condition.
1. Nasal Spray
One of the best things you can do for your sinuses is to clear your nasal passages. When you are able to breathe through your nose, it helps to filter and moisturize the air you breathe. Being able to properly breathe through your nose also keeps the mucous flowing. You can choose between a variety of nasal sprays to clear the nasal passages, some of which include saline nasal spray or steroid-free nasal spray.
2. Oral Medications
If your sinus infection is a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Other types of oral medications that your doctor may recommend include over-the-counter pain medications to help relieve the pain, allergy medicines if allergies are the cause of your sinus problems, or decongestants, which help to reduce the amount of mucus in the sinuses.
3. Home Remedies
If your sinus problems aren't due to a bacterial infection, you can try to relieve them using natural home remedies. Some of the most effective remedies include using a humidifier, breathing in steam from a bowl of warm water, drinking lots of fluids, and using a Neti Pot to flush out your sinuses.
You may decide to use a combination of nasal spray, certain medications, and also home remedies to help relieve your sinus problems.