When your sinuses get inflamed, it can cause fluid to build up and eventually plug the sinus cavities, keeping mucus from draining from the sinuses the way it should. This condition is called sinusitis.
When you have sinusitis, it can be hard to breathe through your nose. You might have a headache, and your face might throb with pain when you lean forward or bend down. Sinusitis can also cause coughing, fever, sore throat, nausea, and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Sinusitis is usually triggered by a cold, although allergies and bacteria can also cause sinusitis.
Should you see a doctor for your sinusitis?
You should see a doctor if:
• You experience moments of confusion or disorientation.
• Your sinusitis is accompanied by a fever of 100.5 F or more.
• Your headache is severe.
• Your neck is stiff or sore.
• Sinusitis has caused redness or swelling around your eyes or other parts of your face.
• Your sinusitis has lasted for four days or more despite your attempts to treat it with home remedies.
These symptoms could mean you will require medical treatment to keep your sinusitis from escalating into a more serious condition.
However, most cases of sinusitis aren’t that serious. In fact, sinusitis will usually go away all on its own. But home remedies can help speed the process along, and can also help relieve the pain and congestion sinusitis can cause.
Treat sinusitis with steam.
If you have sinusitis, steam can help drain your sinuses, so you’ll breathe easier. It will also help mucus flow better.
Place humidifiers around your home, especially in rooms where you spend lots of time, like your bedroom.
If you don’t have a humidifier yet, and sinusitis is really bothering you, go into the bathroom and close the door. Turn the shower on hot, and let the room fill with steam. Stay in the bathroom for fifteen or twenty minutes.
If you’re at work or school, and don’t have access to a humidifier or shower, get yourself a mug of hot tea, cocoa, soup, or coffee. Cup your hand over the top of the mug, and lean in close enough to breathe in the steam.
In fact, breathing in steam from any source, whether it’s hot water in a sink or a pot of boiling water off of the stove, can help you find relief from sinusitis. Just remember to take the pot off of the stove first, and wait for it too cool a bit so your skin won’t be burned by the steam.
If you have sinusitis, drink plenty of liquids.
Drinking fluids will help thin out mucus, which can help drain your sinuses. Drinking almost any beverage, hot or cold, is good. But, if you have sinusitis, skip the alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can worsen the inflammation of the lining inside your nose and sinuses, which will make sinusitis even worse.
An over-the-counter decongestant might relieve sinusitis.
If you’re having trouble breathing through your nose, try an over-the-counter decongestant. A decongestant tablet will help relieve sinus pressure, decrease congestion, and dry up backed up mucus. Choose an over-the-counter remedy that only contains decongestants. Sudafed is a popular choice for many sinusitis sufferers.
Avoid using decongestant sprays too often. A spray might work well at first. But, when used to frequently, they can end up making your sinusitis even worse.
Use warm compresses to relieve sinusitis pain.
If sinusitis is causing your face to throb with pain, warm compresses might help. Place damp, warm washcloths over your eyes and cheeks, and around your nose. Leave the compresses in place until the pain subsides. If necessary, when the compresses start to cool, replace them with fresh, warm ones.
Try these home remedies, and you will alleviate the pain, pressure, and stuffiness of sinusitis in no time.
