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Sinus Congestion Treatment

What is sinus congestion?

Sinuses are hollow air-filled cavities in the skull. Under normal circumstances, these cavities are all open to the nasal airway by means of

an ostium, which is a narrow opening in the bone.

All humans have 4 pairs of these cavities which are situated in the bones of the face as follows:

frontal sinuses: above the eyes in the middle of each eyebrow

maxillary sinuses: in the cheekbones on either side of the nose ethmoid sinuses: behind the bridge of the nose between the eyes

sphenoid sinuses: behind the ethmoid sinuses and behind the eyes

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The normal condition of sinuses, as mentioned earlier, is to be filled with air.

Sinuses have a thin layer of soft, pink tissue called mucosa (mucous membrane) which helps to keep the inside of the nose moist. Blocked

sinuses occur when these sinus linings (tissues) become swollen due to

allergens, pollutants and dust which cause sinus passages to be filled with

fluid; creating the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, viruses and

germs, causing sinusitis (inflammation of sinuses). Sinus congestion is thus blocked sinuses or sinusitis.

Let’s consider some of the well (and little) known sinus congestion causes:

Viruses: colds are responsible for most sinus infections. Colds cause

nasal tissue to swell which block those holes which drain sinuses

Allergies: those people who are prone to hay fever or allergies

should avoid triggers like pet dander, mold, dust mites, etc.

Bacteria: most likely those known as Streptococcus

pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenza

Polyps: are small harmless growths. Polyps originate from sinus

tissues. They prevent mucus from being drained, causing sinus cavities

to become blocked and infected. Headaches can be triggered when the

polyps restrict airway passages.

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Pollutants: from strong odors such as perfumes, dust and air

pollution can contribute to irritate the nose, coughing and bring about

inflammation which in turn may lead to sinusitis

Swimming for persons susceptible to sinus infection should be limited

to short periods in the water as chlorine may irritate the nasal tissue

and sinuses

Diving: the pressure from diving may cause water to be pushed into

the sinuses and cause irritation and inflammation of the tissue

Smoke of cigars and cigarettes cause irritation to the nose of most

people (myself included). The irritation may lead to inflammation

which makes people more prone to infection of the sinuses. This

obviously puts smokers at greater risk as the continuous smoking

damages the sinus-cleaning system. Lack of moisture and dry air in

the nasal passages make the development of sinusitis thus more

likely. Keep your nose moist by drinking lots of water, by avoiding

caffeine and by using a humidifier during the winter months.

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Abnormalities such as a deviated septum (a shift in the nose’s center

section to one side; often the cause of chronic sinus infection), tumors,

narrow drainage passages, a cleft palate, a chronic condition such as

cystic fibrosis and enlarged adenoids (masses of tissue in the passage

between the nasal cavity and the throat) can all greatly prevent the

drainage of mucus. It leads to inflammation of the nasal passages and

thick mucus developing; setting the stage for onset of sinusitis.

Sinus congestion symptoms:

Pain: as mucus accumulate in blocked nasal passages, pain and a

feeling of heaviness in the face sets in. Pain is usually experienced in

the forehead, in the upper jaws and teeth, between the eyes or on

either side of the nose.

Headache: blocked sinuses and inflammation cause muscles in the

forehead to tighten, leading to headache

Sinus discharge: from either the nasal passages or flowing down

your throat may be yellow or green and comes from infected sinuses.

When it tickles the throat it’s called a postnasal drip.

Stuffy nose: is probably one of the most prevalent signs of sinusitis.

As a clogged nose is also symptomatic of the common cold, the

duration of the symptom is the differentiating factor: stuffy nose

symptom lasts longer when it’s a sinus infection

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Bad breath (halitosis) is the smell caused by the by-products which is

produced by the organisms which cause the infection; emanates from

the discharge which collects in the nose and sinuses and drips into the

throat

Hurting teeth is not actual toothache, but sinus infection can feel like

toothache. It is however referred pain from the pressure which is

building up in the head, and usually presents itself on both sides of the

face.

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Diminished sense of smell and taste: these senses normally work

when air movement in the sinuses gives a signal to your brain, thus

letting you know what you’re smelling or tasting. Once again, the

inflammation which prevents the sinuses from draining is the reason

why these senses become dull.

Home remedy for sinus congestion

The best home remedy for sinus congestion is to make sure your nasal

passages and sinuses are moist at all times; this is not achieved by the

thinking that dry air will clear up your runny nose however. Dry air actually dries out the nasal passages and sinuses even more.

Here are some sinus congestion remedies which will help to keep the nasal

passages moist:

Make use of either a vaporizer or humidifier

A long hot shower produces lots of steam – breathe in the steam

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Put boiling water in a bowl and breathe in the steam while your head is

covered with a towel. If preferred, add dried herbs such as peppermint

or rosemary to the water; alternatively, stir 2-3 tablespoons of

decongestant ointment such as Vicks into the water, making it one of

the most potent home remedies for severe nasal congestion.

Steam therapy using chamomile tea is a sinus congestion cure favored

by many. Instead of a decongestant ointment, boil water in a pot and

add chamomile tea in any of its forms (dried, powder or tea bag) to it.

Put on the lid and leave for 10 minutes. Remove lid and breathe in the

vapors while covering your head with a towel.

Take in lots of fluids; it thins out mucus thus preventing clogging up of

the sinuses. Drink peppermint tea as it contains menthol. Menthol

combined with the steam and warm liquid is great for thinning mucus

and opening nasal passages. Other herbal teas you can drink are sage,

chamomile, ginger, blackberry, thyme and eucalyptus.

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Apparently studies have been conducted which suggest chicken soup

may be very beneficial in reducing the production of mucus. As chicken

soup is well-known as a cold remedy, this makes perfect sense. Spice

up the soup with some garlic and pepper, and voila, you have one of

the tastiest sinus congestion natural remedies!

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Another sinus congestion home remedy which is quite popular is to use

a homemade saline nasal spray (this remedy is not recommended for

anyone who has nasal problems such as a deformity or with the

septum – discus with your doctor first). Nasal sprays bring about the

thinning of mucus; also soothes the inflammation in nasal passages.

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Diligent use of saline sprays can flush out bacteria or pollen which irritates

the nose. Take 1 pint of boiled water (let it cool first) and add 2 to 3

teaspoons of non-iodized salt to it. Squirt the mixture into your nose

towards the back of your head, and not upwards.

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep by trying this sinus congestion

treatment at bedtime: Use ointments like Vicks or Tiger Balm. Apply a

little bit to your throat, forehead and nose. Prop yourself up on more

pillows so you sleep with your head in an elevated position.

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When to see a doctor

Can sinus infection go away on its own? Yes, but you need to seek medical

attention when

your symptoms do not clear up in 10 days

symptoms last for many weeks and keep on coming back

You run a fever (while not impossible, fever is not a typical symptom

of sinusitis. An underlying condition may be the cause of your sinus

infection)

headaches do not let up with over-the-counter pain relief medication

Hey there, my name is Sonia. I research minor illnesses, striving to

bring you the best treatment solutions which won’t cost you an arm

and a leg. For the full article on sinus congestion treatment as well

as on some of the best treatment options for a hangover, acne, sore

throat, overactive bladder, canker sores, constipation, morning

sickness, etc. visit sicknessnhealth.com.

If however you believe laughter is the best medicine, get your daily

dose, visit www.funnyhaha.info…

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