Top 7 Ways to Relieve Sinus Presure
If you had a sinus infection before, you know how bad it feels to be pestered by sinus pressure. The stabbing and throbbing pain can drive you to seek comfort underneath your blanket for an indefinite period.
Sadly, sinus infections are not solely the cause of nagging pain. In Orange County, an otolaryngologist at Mission Hospital named Dr. Christopher Thompson says that anatomical differences, environmental changes, and allergies can also cause pressure and pain.
Whatever it is that brings you sinus pain, there’s only one thing that you want to do – get rid of it immediately. Medical experts or a sinus specialist in Singapore will try to understand what is happening in your sinuses and how to eliminate the pain right away.
Pinpointing the Sinuses and Understanding Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure builds up when your sinuses become swollen or inflamed due to any of the following scenarios:
– When there’s a change in pressure between the air outside and inside your sinuses.
– When irritants, which illnesses or allergies can bring, begin to assault your sinuses.
– When you have nasal polyps, deviated septum, or other anatomical issues.
It is impossible to outfit your sinus pain treatments that target the culprit. Fortunately, many sinus remedies can help reduce the swelling and inflammation of your sinuses.
Below is a guide that doctors recommend in treating sinus pain so you can get back immediately to your usual activities.
- Try some steam to get a temporary, immediate cure.
You can use the steam from your hot shower or humidifier to provide you with temporary, immediate cure. The steam can give you symptomatic comfort. The Houston Methodist Hospital’s Chair of Otolaryngology named Dr Mas Takashima says that steam is not a solution that provides long-term relief. He explains that there are areas that are already moist and using steam can lead to mold overgrowth that can worsen the swelling or allergies. For those who feel pain due to excessively dry sinuses, using steam can help a lot.
- Nasal irrigation can also help.
Dr Takashima explains that the nose acts as the lungs’ air filter that prevents the entry of irritants, allergens, and other particulates. If the trapped particulates in your nose cause discomfort, nasal irrigation can help eliminate those irritants. According to Dr Takashima, there are three types of nasal irrigation:
– Saline irrigation can help flush out the numerous irritants that gathered in your nose. It can also thin out and eliminate the mucus blocking the nasal passages and allow unobstructed flow of air. This is suitable for all types of sinus problems.
– Steroid irrigation requires combining topical steroid and saline to create a solution to penetrate your sinuses. Once the steroid reached the problem area, it can reduce the swelling of the hard-to-reach cavities. This type of nasal irrigation is recommended for those who suffer from seasonal sinus problems.
– Xylitol irrigation uses sugar alcohol to flush out the irritants. This method provides antiviral and antibacterial effects. This method can decongest better than saline irrigation because it can draw water out from the nasal tissues. This type of nasal irrigation is suitable for chronic sinus issues.
- Keep your body hydrated.
You already know the many benefits of keeping your body well-hydrated. Even your sinuses benefit a lot from it. Dr Takashima explains that your nose recognizes the trapped irritants within its premises. The brain alerts your body that it should get rid of the irritants. Your body generates mucus to eliminate the irritants.
However, a dehydrated body will produce thick mucus that will block the sinuses and cause congestion and infection due to the growth of bacteria. Remember to drink enough water to hydrate your body.
- Use decongestants for temporary relief only.
You can use decongestants to de-clog your sinuses, but it is foolish to always do it whenever you encounter a problem involving your sinuses. Some decongestants, like Afrin, can be addicting when you keep using it for days. There are oral decongestants that give unfavourable cardiovascular effects when taken regularly. Dr Takashima warns people with high blood pressure against the use of over-the-counter decongestants. Those who are sensitive to stimulants may encounter sleepless nights when they use decongestants.
- Use a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever when your sinus pressure becomes unbearable. Dr Takashima suggests using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are developed to reduce inflammation and swelling. Instead of using Tylenol that works to numb the pain, Dr Takashima recommends ibuprofen or Aleve.
- Consider using nasal steroids.
If you are suffering from sinus pressure caused by an allergy, Dr Takashima highly recommends the use of nasal steroids. For it to work effectively, you need to use the nasal steroids consistently. It will not provide the result you want when you only use it occasionally.
- Opt for sinus surgery.
Many people do not want to have surgery, as much as possible. But, the most effective solution for chronic sinusitis is sinus surgery. You should consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor when you want to undergo a sinus surgery, which can help open up the sinuses for better drainage.
Dr Thompson explains that facial pain is not limited to sinus problems. It can also be due to bruxism (teeth grinding), neck tension, or migraines. If the traditional sinus treatments fail to alleviate your pain, it’s best to discuss your issue with your doctor. Your pain might be something unrelated to your sinuses.
