Building sinus pressure can lead to a bad headache.
The sinuses are located in four air-filled pockets near the nose area of the face and skull bones. The main purpose of the sinuses is to moisturize and protect the inside of the nose with the mucus it produces. When problems occur within the sinuses, uncomfortable and often painful pressure follows as one of the symptoms. You can clear your sinuses, relieve pressure and reduce its recurrence with a combination of at-home techniques and medicine.
Causes of Sinus Pressure
Several channels within the sinuses help them drain properly through an opening called the ostium. The ostium serves to connect the sinuses and the nose, helping to move mucus through and out of the nose, where it naturally drains down the throat. Occasionally one or more of the sinus channels becomes blocked, resulting in a condition known as sinusitis, which is experienced at least once a year by more than 20 million people in the United States.
Conditions Leading to Sinusitis
Many factors and conditions can lead you to suffer from sinus pressure and other sinusitis symptoms. Allergies cause the nasal tissues to swell and production of mucus to increase, leading to sinus problems. If you have an upper respiratory infection, the nasal passages can become inflamed, leading to obstruction and potential infection. Other factors also contribute toward the development of sinus pressure, such as diving and swimming, tooth infection and breathing secondhand smoke.
Clearing the Sinuses
When your sinuses are blocked, you can relieve pressure by clearing them. Antibiotics are not always necessary unless an infection is present, and some at-home remedies can be very effective. Boil water and pour it into a large bowl or sink. Lean over the hot water without touching it, and place a large towel over your head and the bowl to keep the steam in. Breathe in the steam for five to 10 minutes to help loosen mucus. A saline nasal solution or spray can also effectively help open the sinuses by relieving inflammation. If the sinus pressure is causing you to have pain across the cheekbones or forehead, lay a warm compress over the area to relieve the pain.
Tips for Avoiding Sinusitis
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, there are certain things you can do to reduce the recurrence of sinus pain and pressure. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and your mucus loose. Keep your head elevated when you sleep, and get adequate rest. Take allergy medicine as prescribed by your doctor and over-the-counter cold medicine when needed to prevent a stuffy nose from turning into a full-blown sinus infection.
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