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Sinus congestion remedies

Also known as rhinitis or nasal congestions, sinus congestion is the blockage of one (or more than one of) the four pairs of sinus passages in the human skull. Sinus congestions cause the blockage of the flow of fluid into the sinuses. This leaves people prone to bacterial infections which can cause sinusitis.

Sinus congestion may be caused by a blockage created due to the inflammation or swelling of the nasal tissues, mucus secretion or even an obstruction caused by one of the many smaller bones of the nose. Some forms of sinus congestion, usually the chronic form, occur due to aggravation caused by allergens, environmental irritants (such as food allergens and tobacco smoke) or even foreign bodies in the nose. Causes for sinus congestions might also include acute sinusitis, bright lights, bronchiolitis, bright lights, chicken-pox, chronic sinusitis, churg-Strauss syndrome, deviated septum, overuses of decongestant nasal sprays, DiGeorge syndromes, high blood pressure medications, as an effect of hormonal changes, narcotic drug addiction, dry air, dust mite allergy or latex allergies. Other recognized causes of sinus congestions include:

• Food allergy
• Hay fever
• Medications
• Influenza (flu)
• Lodged object
• Nasal polyps
• Nonallergic rhinitis
• Measles
• Milk allergy
• Perfume
• Pet allergy
• Mold allergy
• Rubella
• Shellfish allergy
• Occupational asthma
• Peanut allergy
• Pregnancy
• Spicy foods
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Roseola
• Tobacco smoke
• Soy allergy
• Stress
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Whooping cough
• Thyroid problems
• Wegener’s granulomatosis
• Wheat allergy

Nasal congestions usually occur when the nasal passage becomes dry or rough, thus becoming easily irritable. Sinus congestion shows symptoms like:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Itchy eyes
• Pressure in the eyes
• Pressure or pain around the face

Sometimes the conditions of sinus congestions are overplayed. Many of its symptoms are exactly as those of the common cold, normal allergies and of sinus infections. As a result, it is easy to misdiagnose one for the other. This is one of the reasons that sinus is often left undetected with the patients misjudging the side effects of common cold. It is very important to go for medical checkups if the conditions are persistent and the symptoms appear in close proximity – usually the signs of sinus.

Nasal congestions can be treated with various types of home remedies as well as with serious medications. However, it is always best to try to natural remedies before trying medications if the case is not too serious. Some natural remedies include:

• Using humidifiers
• Inhaling steam
• Drinking lots of fluids
• Avoiding alcohol
• Saltwater nasal spray
• Keeping the head elevated while sleeping or lying down
• Avoiding chlorine and chlorinated pools
• Nasal irrigation
• Warm compresses on the face

Over the counter medicines can also help in relieving sinus congestion symptoms. Medicines like the following can also help in relieving nasal congestions:

• Decongestants, e.g. Afrin, Sudafed, Dristin or Contac
• Antihistamines, e.g. Claritin, Benadryl or Nasahist
• Painkillers, e.g. Tylenol, Advil or Aleve

When the symptoms of sinus congestion last for 10 days or more, it is imperative that a doctor be consulted. Also, a fever may indicate a worsening of the state. People suffering from other medical conditions or having sustained head injuries should not hesitate in seeing a doctor. The symptoms may be due to other problems. Inflammation of the face, blurred vision, throat pains and discoloration of tonsils also indicate other health conditions that require immediate medical attention. In the case of children, especially small children, sinus congestions can become fatal if not immediately attended to. Adults and older children should see a doctor as well, even though sinus congestions may at first seem to be a bother at most. No medication should be taken without a doctor’s prescription and consultation.

Last updated on Jul 29th, 2010 and filed under Alternative Medicine. Both comments and pings are currently closed.