3 Ways to Relieve Pain and Pressure

When you have a sinus headache, all you want is relief…fast!

As the makers of BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion , we’re going to tell you to take our powder formula for fast relief. It can help you quickly relieve the sinus headache, congestion and pressure that can come with allergies, a cold, sinus infection or the flu.

But we also want to give you other options—simple things you can do at home to help relieve sinus congestion and pain. 

1. Warm or cool moist air

Dry air can make sinus pain worse, but moist air can help relieve sinus congestion. Do NOT hold your head over a steaming pot of boiling water or soup. As tempting as it may be when you feel bad, the hot steam can actually burn your skin and eyes. To be safe, inhale steam from your morning shower, either while you’re showering or sitting in a steamy bathroom.

At night, you can use a humidifier or vaporizer to help keep your sinuses open and your nasal passages moist. Just be sure to clean the machines as directed so you don’t introduce more bacteria into the air and into your airways. 

2. Warm compress

Warm compresses can help ease swelling and open your sinus passage, relieving sinus pressure and pain. Lie down for 15 minutes or so, placing a warm, wet washcloth over your forehead and bridge of your nose. You can do this as many times as you need.

3. Saline spray or wash

Many people use a saline wash to irrigate their nasal passages and sinuses every day. You may want to start with a saline spray or mist, which can be easier to use. The saline mist can help ease congestion in your nose and relieve sinus swelling as well. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have been diagnosed with a sinus infection. You will want to use the spray or wash as directed so you don’t accidentally worsen your symptoms.

If it’s winter and you have sinus pain and congestion, you may also want to turn your heat down a few degrees, especially at night. Hot, dry air can make sinus pain worse and irritate your throat, nose and sinuses. Talk to your doctor for more tips to relieve sinus pain and congestion.

And remember, if you need relief during the day when you’re away from home, you can take BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion on-the-go stick packs with you. Slip one or two into your pocket or purse, or keep them at your workstation so they’re there when you need fast sinus headache relief.

Get Fast Relief From Sinus Pain

Sinus pain can range in severity from a mild headache to excruciating head and face pain, toothaches, and earaches. Regardless of the underlying cause, sinus pain usually develops as the result of inflammation in the sinus cavities. Along with inflammation comes congestion.

Congestion is a major contributor to sinus pain so many treatments are aimed at reducing congestion.

There are a variety of over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and lifestyle modifications that can help to prevent or reduce sinus pressure and offer sinus pain relief.

 SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

What Causes Sinus Pain

Sinuses are hollow spaces in your facial bones that are lined with membranes that secrete mucus. Sinus pain is often a result of inflammation that blocks mucus from draining and leads to pain.

Sinus swelling can follow viral illnesses, including the common cold, or it can be due to mucus production from allergies or breathing in polluted air that leads to irritation. It can also happen if there are nasal blockages due to abnormal growths called nasal polyps or structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, that make you prone to congestion.

Sinus Headache or Migraine?

About 80% of sinus headaches are actually migraines with nasal symptoms. If you get frequent headaches, consult your doctor or a headache specialist since there are medications and prevention strategies specifically for migraines. .

If you have intense sinus pain and pressure that gets worse when you are diving, flying in an airplane, driving up a steep mountain, or participating in other activities that involve steep altitude changes, it could be a condition called sinus barotrauma.

Although the pain will usually subside when these activities are discontinued, sinus barotrauma is a sign of an underlying sinus problem that needs to be evaluated by an otolaryngologist, a doctor that specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.

Sinus barotrauma can also be accompanied by ear barotrauma which can cause a ruptured eardrum.

How to Treat Sinus Pain

If you experience sinus pain, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medications, home remedies, and lifestyle strategies that may be helpful.

If your symptoms last more than a week or keep recurring, see a doctor. It could be a bacterial sinus infection, also called sinusitis, that requires a course of antibiotics or it might be migraines or another condition that requires medical intervention.

Fungal sinus infections can also occur and require surgery and/or antifungal medications.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

OTC medications can help relieve pain, encourage nasal drainage, or treat allergies.

Pain Relievers

Common pain relievers that may be effective for treating sinus pain and headaches include:

Aspirin can be used in adults but should not be given to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Some of these pain medications can be combined if one of them is not effective (when used alone). You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying this, however, and let them know of any other medications you are taking.

Decongestants

Over-the-counter nasal decongestants help break up congestion by reducing the swelling of blood vessels. They work well for easing sinus pain from colds and come in oral medications, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine), or nasal sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline).

Unless recommended by a doctor, nasal decongestant sprays, such as Afrin, should not be used longer than three consecutive days to avoid a condition called rebound congestion.

Antihistamines

If allergies are causing your congestion and leading to sinus pain, OTC antihistamines may be helpful.

Also a type of decongestant, antihistamines work by targeting histamine, a chemical that’s released in response to allergens and can play a role in allergy symptoms, including runny nose. Antihistamines block histamine receptors to relieve allergy symptoms.

Common OTC antihistamines include:

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is another OTC option, but it is an older, first-generation antihistamine, that has a higher risk of side effects, especially drowsiness, compared to the second-generation antihistamines listed above.

Home Remedies

There are a variety of home remedies that can help with congestion to relieve sinus pressure. Home remedies that you can try include:

• Drink water: Staying hydrated can help to thin nasal secretions. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important in your recovery from viral illnesses.
• Neti pot: A neti pot is used to irrigate the nasal passageways and can help to control congestion and nasal secretions.
• Saline nasal sprays: Saline nasal sprays are sold over-the-counter at most drug stores. They are used to loosen nasal secretions and thereby decrease congestion by allowing it to drain. They can be used many times per day.
• Cool mist humidifier: The humidity loosens nasal secretions and the cold air can help to decrease inflammation. If you do not have access to a cool-mist humidifier, several hot, steamy showers per day can also help to loosen nasal secretions.
• Warm compress: Use a warm rag or heating pad over your sinuses to ease the pain. Do this several times per day.

Avoiding Irritants

Pay attention to triggers for allergies and nasal irritations and try to reduce or prevent those exposures whenever possible. Common irritants include:

• Cigarette smoke: Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke are common triggers for sinus pain and sinusitis. Quitting or reducing exposure can alleviate symptoms.
• Pollution: When you breathe in air pollutants, such as industrial chemicals or paint fumes, they are absorbed by the nose and can lead to irritation of the nose and sinuses.
• Allergens: Allergies are a major culprit of sinusitis and sinus pain. Common allergens include pollen, mold, pets, and dust mites. An allergist can give you an allergy test (blood or skin test) to help identify what’s causing your symptoms so that you can take steps to reduce exposure and/or treat symptoms.

Relaxation Techniques

In addition to remedies and medications, practices that promote relaxation may help you to manage or prevent sinus pain. This can include:

• Massage: Relax in a dark quiet room. Gentle head and neck exercises, or gently massaging your head and face may also help.
• Meditation: Research suggests that mindfulness meditation may help decrease the intensity of head pain. Focusing on your breathing, body sensations, and surroundings can be useful coping strategy to manage pain.

You may want to enroll in a local Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training to learn techniques commonly used in studies on meditation and head pain.

A Word From Verywell

Sinus pain can be frustrating, but it usually resolves within a few days and there are many options you can try at home to relive congestion and find some relief.

If your pain worsens, continues more than a week, or keeps recurring, contact a physician or allergist who can help identify exposures and/or evaluate if there are other medical conditions that may be causing the discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can you get fast relief from a sinus headache?

  OTC pain relievers or decongestants are often helpful. If you get sinus headaches frequently, consult your doctor who can evaluate if it might be migraines.

• How long does a sinus headache last?

  Sinus pain from viral infections will typically go away within about a week. If it lasts longer, see your doctor since you may have a bacterial or fungal infection or another condition that requires medical care.

• How can I stop a sinus headache?

  You need to treat or address the underlying cause of the congestion, such as allergies, irritants, or illnesses.

• Will a sinus headache go away on its own?

  Yes, but if the pain goes on longer than a week, intensifies, or keeps recurring, see your doctor.

What to Do if You Have a Sinus Headache

No headache is fun, but sinus headaches can be especially unpleasant and debilitating. The pain from a sinus headache can affect not only the top of your head but can also be felt through your face and sometimes into your teeth. They are caused by irritation inside your sinus cavities. Knowing how to treat a sinus headache can help you get past the misery quicker and get back to your day. Next time you are experiencing sinus pain, check out one of the sinus headache remedies below:

Decongestants

Relieving sinus pressure can be a big part of how to treat a sinus headache. Over the counter pill or sprays can open up passageways and relieve pain-causing pressure. If you use an over the counter spray, make sure that you do not use it for more than three days in a row. More than that, and you can wind up with rebound sinus pressure. Decongestant pills should be taken at the first signs of sinus pressure to be most effective.

Neti Pots and Sinus Irrigation

A neti pot or saline nasal spray relieve pressure and pain and can also wash out irritants like pollen. The salt in these nasal solutions pulls fluid through mucus membranes by osmosis. The result is less inflammation and less pain. Always use distilled water and pure salt when making your own neti pot solution. There are recipes online for the right process and salt concentrations; you can also buy neti pot salts at your local pharmacy.

Pain Relieving Medicine

Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also offer relief from a sinus headache. Which you choose comes down to personal preference. The first two are NSAIDs, so they provide both pain relief and anti-inflammatory action. Acetaminophen affects how pain is processed in your brain, which can give relief to people who find they are not helped by NSAIDs or who are not able to take them for health reasons. If you turn to over the counter medications, particularly multi-symptom drugs, read labels carefully. Cold medicines, for instance, may also contain pain relievers. Taking an additional dose separately can lead to levels of the medication that are too high for safety.

Corticosteroid Sprays

These sprays are available over the counter or through a prescription from your doctor. Instead of taking them when symptoms hit, you take these medications daily to prevent sinus and allergy issues. If you suffer from sinus headaches regularly, this approach can provide the relief that you need.

Hot and Cold Compresses

Some people find relief from sinus pain through the application of damp cold and heat. A hot washcloth over your eyes and nose can help loosen up sinus mucus and relieve congestion. A cold compress, on the other hand, can help relieve inflammation and numb pain. Use each treatment for a few minutes at a time a few times a day.

Occasional sinus headaches can typically be handled at home. However, if you suffer sinus headaches frequently, it may be time to look at medical help. We can discuss your options and help you arrive at one that will provide lasting relief from sinus pain. Call us today!

Ways to Relieve Sinus Pain

A cold makes it hard to breathe. When your sinuses get blocked, you might hurt too, especially around your forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nose. The pain might get worse when you touch your face or hold your head down.

You don’t need a doctor to deal with sinus pain caused by colds. It tends to get better along with your other cold symptoms. Sometimes, though, bacteria in blocked sinuses can lead to an infection known as bacterial sinusitis. Sinusitis from a bacterial infection might cause pain longer than the week of a typical cold. Your doctor may give you antibiotics and other medications to help you feel better.

Whether your sinus pain is caused by a cold or a bacterial infection, here’s how you can relieve it:

1. 
   Try
   a saline nose spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest a plain saline spray. Saline mist will ease sinus swelling and help break up the mucus that’s clogging your nose. You can use it up to six times a day without worrying about side effects. You can also make your own saline nasal spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how, and be sure that the water you use is distilled or has been boiled, not straight from a tap.
2. 
   Use a humidifier. Stuffy sinuses respond well to moist air. Using a humidifier, especially when you sleep at night, will help keep your sinuses open and relieve the pressure. You can also try sitting in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower or inhaling the steam from a pan of hot (not boiling) water for faster relief.
3. 
   Apply a warm compress. Ease swelling and throbbing with a warm, wet washcloth across your forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
4. 
   Use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nose spray. These ease congestion and provide relief, especially early in a cold. You can get them as a nasal spray, liquid, or pill. If you use a decongestant nasal spray, don’t use it for more than 3 days. If you use it for longer, it can make your stuffiness worse, not better.
5. 
   Take OTC pain relievers. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can relieve sinus pain. But never give a child or teenager aspirin for pain. It can be dangerous.

If you have sinus pain from a cold that isn’t better after 10 days, talk to your doctor. You may need an antibiotic or a different treatment.

6 Steps to Fight Sinus Problems

Whether it’s a cold in winter or allergies in spring and fall, nasal congestion and sinus pressure and pain are common complaints. But if you know the causes and can find the right treatments, you can breathe freely again.

1. Find Out What Causes Your Problems

Some people are just more prone to sinus problems than others. You may have narrow sinus passages or a deviated septum. Nasal polyps can also grow in your passages and block drainage.

Whatever the cause, it’s important to keep those pathways open so they can drain properly.

2. Make It Humid

A dry climate and heated indoor air will both dry out the membranes in your nose. And when the mucus up in there dries, it gets thicker and is more likely to clog your sinuses. The result? Pain and pressure.

The best solution: Get a room humidifier for your bedroom and use it while you’re running the heat.

3.Clean out the Gunk

Use a saline solution to remove allergens, irritants, and excess mucus. You can use a drugstore saline spray. Or make your own solution at home and use a nasal irrigation system like a Neti pot, a gadget that looks like a teapot. You can get one at the drugstore.

Continued

To make your own saline mixture, mix 3 teaspoons of salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in a sterile airtight container. To use, combine about 8 ounces of lukewarm water (distilled, sterile or previously boiled) with 1 teaspoon of the mixture. Be sure to use canning or pickling salt that has no preservatives, iodide, or other additives that can irritate your sinuses. If you feel burning, or seems too strong, dilute with extra warm water.  

Put the mixture into a clean Neti pot. Tilt your head over your sink at a 45-degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril and gently pour the solution in. The saline water will flow through your nasal cavity into the other nostril and out. Blow your nose to get rid of remaining water. Repeat the steps on your other nostril.

4. Open Things Up

Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day. This can help open up spaces in your sinuses.

Continued

To keep them moist, inhale steam two to four times a day. One simple way to get it done: Sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running.

Drink plenty of fluids, too. That’ll thin out your mucus and help you get rid of it.

5. Clear the Air

Things in the air around you — like pollution, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, hair spray, and any other material that gives off fumes — can make your problems worse.

If you smoke, it’s time to quit. Stay away from other smokers, or ask them to take it outside. Also, stay inside on high air-pollution days if you can.

Should you get a HEPA air filter for your bedroom or office? That depends on what irritates your sinuses. These filters are good at removing airborne particles related to dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. But those don’t just stay in the air. They settle in your carpets, upholstery, and other areas. If allergies cause your sinus problems, ask your doctor if a HEPA air filter makes sense for you.

6. Treat the Problem

Medications can help.

Decongestants reduce the swelling in your nose and can ease stuffiness and sinus pressure, too. You can get them in more than one form. Here’s what to look for on the ingredients list:

A word of caution: Don’t use a nasal decongestant spray for more than 3 days, and don’t use a decongestant you take by mouth for more than 7 days.

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine available at supermarkets and drugstores can help ease the pain caused by sinus pressure. Always read and follow the label and dosing instructions carefully. If you have to use them more than 7 days in a row, it’s time to call the doctor.

Nasalsteroidsease a stuffy nose from allergies. They can also help treat nasal polyps. Some are available over the counter, including Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort. Others are available by prescription only.

Continued

Antihistamineallergy medicines may help if your sinus problems are related to allergies. Over-the-counter products include cetirizine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. If your problems don’t go away, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy skin test.

If medications don’t help, your doctor may tell you to see a specialist. You might need sinus surgery to remove polyps, scar tissue, and other things that keep your nose from draining like it should.

Discover Causes and Relief of Sinus Pain and Pressure

What Causes Sinus Pain and Pressure?

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces connected to your nasal passages that help humidify air as you breathe in and produce mucus that helps trap bacteria and foreign particles. When nasal passages and their tissues become irritated, mucus can build up instead of draining normally. This build-up causes swelling and often causes pain and pressure in your sinuses. Swollen and inflamed tissues can also cause pressure on nerve endings around your sinuses. This leads to dull or throbbing pain and aches.

Several factors can cause nasal passage irritation and bring on sinus pressure symptoms.

• Environmental irritants – Airborne pollutants such as those that cause allergies can trigger mucus build up and sinus pressure.
• A sinus infection – Sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection, could be a cause of your sinus pressure and pain. If you think you may have a sinus infection, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• The common cold – Not every cold is the same but sometimes symptoms include mucus build up, which can mean sinus pressure and pain.

Sinus Pain and Pressure Causes

There are different types of sinuses, each of which can cause different sinus pain symptoms. The images below show what causes sinus pressure in different areas of your face, neck and head and can be helpful to pinpoint relief or discuss with your doctor.

Frontal

Frontal sinuses causes forehead pain and headaches.

Ethmoid

Ethmoid sinuses causes pain between the eyes and across the nose.

Maxillary

Maxillary sinuses causes pain in the cheeks, upper jaw or teeth.

Sphenoid

Sphenoid sinuses causes pain behind the eyes, on the top of the scalp or along the back of the head.

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain

Now that you know what causes sinus congestion, you can determine how to relieve sinus pain. Here are a few tips and tricks for easing sinus pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Chill Out Your Sinuses

Anything you can do to cool your head can ease sinus pain symptoms. An ice mask, bag of ice or a cold compress can help.

Massage and Relax

Stress often makes your sinus symptoms feel worse. Gently massaging your neck and shoulders, while not linked to your sinuses, can help you relax, giving you relief.

Try SUDAFED® to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain

For a treatment that works to relieve sinus symptoms day and night, try SUDAFED PE® Sinus Congestion Day + Night for powerful congestion relief.

15 Home Remedies for Sinusitis Relief

Sinus pain, pressure and headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). Sinuses are cavities or spaces of air within the bones that help moisten air and secrete mucus. Inflammation and swelling of the mucus membranes lining the sinuses makes it hard for mucus to drain and increases the pressure in the sinuses. Sinus problems often begin with allergies like hay fever, infections or colds. 

Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinusitis affects us in a variety of unpleasant ways:

• Headache 
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Facial pressure or pain
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Bad breath
• Pain in your upper teeth
• Postnasal drainage 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from sinusitis. Help soothe your sinusitis symptoms and relieve sinus pain or pressure with these 15 natural remedies.

Sinus Treatments

1. Hydrate – drink plenty of liquids

Drink plenty of water and fluids such as sports drinks and fruit juices. Dehydration can intensify sinus pain, dry out and irritate sinus passages and increase the sinus pressure you are feeling. Hydration helps break up congestion and keeps your throat moist to avoid a sore throat.

2. Hydrate some more – consume foods with high water content

In addition to hydrating with beverages, focus on foods that hydrate such as broth soups for important nutrients. Chicken noodle soup has been found to be one of the most effective foods for clearing nasal mucus. 

Add plenty of fruits (strawberries, apricots, blueberries, oranges, peaches, pineapples, plums, raspberries, watermelons, grapes, cantaloupes and lemons) containing over 80% water to your diet. And eat vegetables (celery, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, tomato and zucchini) containing over 90% water.  

3. Use a warm compress

A warm compress (heat therapy) is an excellent way to quickly and effectively relieve sinus pressure and pain. Apply a hot compress over the nose and forehead to relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion and soothe a sinus headache. A flexible, microwavable heating pad may be more comforting than a wet, dripping wash rag as a natural remedy for headache. 

The Huggaroo Soothe warm compress wraps comfortably around your head. The velcro patch in the back allows you to secure it snuggly around your scalp and deliver soothing heat to the sinuses, eye lids, and temples. The gentle, snug pressure of the wrap feels wonderful and the heat therapy it provides helps open the nasal and sinus passages. This wrap is an excellent home remedy for sinus pressure and pain relief. It can also be used for migraine relief, tension headache relief, and sinus headache relief. The Huggaroo Soothe microwavable heating pad is available unscented (in grey or black) or with lavender aromatherapy (in blue).  

4. Use steam

Breathe steam from a bowl of hot water heated on the stove or in the microwave. If you would like it to be even more convenient, you could purchase a personal steamer like the Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler VIh300. 

A cost-effective, convenient way to inhale steam is to heat up your shower a little more than usual. Stay a little longer in your morning hot shower and clear your nasal passages while relaxing. This moist air and humidity can loosen up your stuffy nose, moisten inflamed sinus passages and thin out mucus.

5. Use a humidifier

Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom and reduce sinus pressure. Pure Enrichment has a highly rated humidifier with over 23,000 reviews on Amazon. Make sure and consistently clean out your humidifier with vinegar to prevent mold buildup and keep your air clean.

6. Use saline wash

Saline wash can be made at home with baking soda, distilled water (instead of tap water) and iodine free salt or purchased as a Sinus Rinse. Irrigate your sinuses with a salt-water rinse or saline solution as an anti inflammatory remedy. A bulb syringe can be used or you can gently pour the saline rinse in your nose with a cup. 

Using a Neti Pot is another way to wash out your sinuses and relieve facial pain and ease sinus pressure from allergies or a common cold. A saline spray can also help clear out sinuses and reduce swelling. Arm & Hammer makes a wonderful Saline Nasal Spray which moistens the nasal passages and flushes out irritants.

7. Rest

Get plenty of rest and focus on being cozy when suffering with sinus pain. Take time to lie down, cover up with a comfy blanket, take a healing nap. It is also important to get a good night’s sleep to help your body fight off infection. When you are relaxing, your body produces more white blood cells to help attack viruses and bacteria.

8. Drink hot liquids

Drink hot liquids such as herbal teas or a hot toddy (honey and bourbon or whisky) to soothe the irritated lining of your nose and relieve congestion. Herbal teas are made from dried flowers, fruits, herbs and spices and come in a variety of flavors. Healthline explains the benefits of 10 healthy herbal teas you should try.

9. Apply a salve or an ointment

Open up nasal passages with a salve or ointment of menthol, eucalyptus or camphor dabbed under your nose. Our favorite one is the Mentholatum Original Ointment. The soothing aroma helps you relax and the vapors provide soothing comfort to stuffy noses.

10. (Gently) blow your nose

Just remember to be gentle so you do not cause damage to your ear passages and cause an earache. Always press one nostril closed before blowing the other side.

11. Hum daily

The New York Times recently published an article titled Humming Away Sinus Pain, sharing that humming helps increase airflow between the sinus and nasal cavities. Daily humming is recommended to reduce sinus problems.

12. Exercise. Do yoga

Yoga and gentle exercise can reduce sinus pressure by increasing blood circulation and temporarily relieving congestion.  Check out some yoga poses, which can provide sinus pressure relief, recommended by the Yoga Journal. 

13. Meditate

Meditate and practice mindfulness to relieve pain and help you relax for faster healing and recovery. Researchers at the University of Minnesota suggest that mindfulness can help us decrease repetitive thinking, increase our sense of acceptance for unpleasant sensations, induce relaxation responses and decrease our stress.

14. Elevate your head

Elevation improves sleep when struggling with sinus pain. Prop up with a wedge pillow or multiple pillows at night to help relieve pressure and clear nasal passages for easier breathing and better sleep.

15. Eat Spicy Foods

Taste of Home shares that spicy foods, garlic, and mint can help with stuffy noses. Capsaicin can reduce inflammation, ease sinus pressure and release mucus. Garlic is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and can help reduce congestion. The menthol in mint stimulates nerve receptors in your nasal passage.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

Sometimes sinus problems turn into sinus infections if not treated. Sinus infections affect over 35 million people in the US every year. Sinus infections are caused when germs grow in the fluid buildup of stuffy sinuses. 

These infections can come from viruses or bacteria. If you have fever, chills or achy muscles, greenish-yellow nasal drainage, postnasal drainage, cough yellow sputum, or swollen lymph nodes seek medical care. If symptoms last more than 10 days without improving or if you have a fever longer than 3-4 days it is time to call your doctor.

Are there any preventive steps that I can take?

• Avoid triggers such as smoking, secondhand smoke and pollution in order to prevent sinus pressure issues and pain. 
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get your allergies under control as much as possible.
• Avoid upper respiratory infections by minimizing contact with people who have colds and other upper respiratory illnesses, abide by social distancing, and wash your hands frequently.

90,000 Sharp pain in the nasal passage or ear canal: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

With a sharp pain, the body signals the presence of a pathological process that needs to be eliminated. Quite often, there are complaints of discomfort in the ear or nose, which arose unexpectedly and, it would seem, for no reason. It is important to establish the causes of this phenomenon as soon as possible and begin a full-fledged therapy, which will avoid the appearance of complications.

The appearance of pain, if the cause is unknown, cannot be ignored. Often these very sensations are the very first signal of illness. If you pay attention to them in a timely manner, then it turns out to eliminate the violation in health at the very beginning. Treatment in such a situation turns out to be much simpler and shorter. It is also worth remembering that if you start a disease, then for its therapy you will need to spend much more money.

Causes of sharp pain in the ear

Severe ear pain occurs most often due to damage to the middle ear.In such a situation, inflammatory processes or mechanical tissue damage may occur. Also, the presence of acoustic trauma cannot be ruled out, when, due to a very loud sound, the ear is damaged.

Mechanical injuries include punctures of the tympanic membrane, caustic chemicals entering the ear and the penetration of a foreign body into it. In this case, the pain is especially strong, accompanied by hearing impairment. Other causes of ear pain include:

• violation of intra-ear pressure due to a malfunction of the process of its regulation through the auditory tube – in such a situation, a sharp pain appears at the time of takeoff due to a sharp climb by the plane and a rapid pressure drop, as well as during a rapid dive to depth;

• excessive sensitivity of the ear to cold – in this case, there are no pathological changes, but as soon as a person leaves the heat for the cold, he has a sharp pain in the ear. The exact cause of this phenomenon has not been established. Presumably, it is associated with an excessive number of nerve endings in the tissues of the ear canal;

• otitis media – most often otitis media develops, in which inflammation affects the middle ear. In most cases, the problem is diagnosed in a child, but an adult can also face it. Much less often, otitis externa appears, in which inflammation affects the skin of the ear canal. A common cause of otitis externa is the ingress of water from an open stagnant body of water into the ear, in which there are a large number of pathogenic bacteria;

• mastoiditis – in this disease, inflammation affects the mastoid process of the temporal bone.More often this phenomenon occurs as a complication of untreated acute otitis media;

• neoplasms in the ear;

• inflammatory diseases of the temporomandibular joint – the pain is very strong and appears with the slightest movement of the jaw. It is often mistaken for pain in the ear due to the proximity of nerve endings, since the joint is located behind the front wall of the ear;

• dental diseases and improperly selected dentures – due to the fact that the same third branch of the trigeminal nerve is responsible for the sensitivity of the teeth and ears, it is not uncommon for pain in the ear to appear due to problems in the oral cavity.It can be very harsh and violent;

• the presence of swelling in the throat – quite often it is a sharp pain in the ear when swallowing that is the first symptom of the disease. At the same time, by examination, ear pathologies are not detected, and therefore a mandatory examination is required to identify a hidden tumor process. A person may not feel other manifestations of a tumor;

• sinusitis – due to the rapid increase in pressure in the ear sinuses, it is not uncommon for a sharp pain in the ears to appear when the body position changes. In such a situation, especially strong pain is noted in the ears with frontalitis, when the inflammation affects the frontal sinuses.

Only a doctor can pinpoint the cause of ear pain. It is impossible to diagnose the problem on your own. A sharp pain in the ear, the causes of which have not been established, is an extremely serious signal and requires a complete examination of the body.

Causes of pain in the nose

Pain in the nose appears much less frequently than in the ear, but it can also occur sharply, without clear reasons for the patient.To understand why a sharp pain appeared, without going to a doctor, you can only in case of injury. The moment of getting it is obvious, and tissue damage can sometimes be determined even by eye. Most often, soft tissue or nasal cartilage is injured. To exclude a fracture of the skull bones, an x-ray is required. If the damage has affected the cartilage, mandatory medical attention is required.

Other reasons for the appearance of sharp pain in the nose may be:

• the beginning of the development of a boil – the pain arises abruptly at the time of the development of the infiltrate and grows rapidly. This can lead to swelling and redness of the nose. The general condition of the patient suffers quite often due to the appearance of intoxication;

• acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or exacerbation of sinusitis in a chronic form – a sharp pain in the nose is most often the first symptom of a disorder, to which other symptoms of the disease are quickly added;

• nasal nerve neuralgia – the problem in most cases appears before the age of 40.The pain is intense, paroxysmal, appearing very sharply. More often the attack develops at night and lasts from half an hour to several hours;

• ganglionitis of the pterygoid ganglion – sharp unexpected pains appear in the nasal region and radiate to the orbit and directly to the eye. Much less often, in a number of cases, the occurrence of pain syndrome in the gums is also possible. The attack often begins at night and lasts from several minutes to 2 days.OTC analgesics are of little help.

They can cause the appearance of sharp pain in the nose and neoplasms that disrupt the position of the nerve endings. In most cases, they are benign and can be removed easily. Malignant tumors of the nose require much more serious treatment, and with their advanced form, the prognosis for the patient is not favorable.

Which doctor to contact

Primarily, when a sharp pain in the nose or ear appears, you can consult a therapist or otolaryngologist.In the presence of inflammation of the nerve, the patient may be referred for an appointment with a neurologist. Also, in case of injury, the help of a surgeon or traumatologist may be required.

When the presence of neoplasms in the nasal cavity or in the ear canal is detected, the person is sent to an appointment with an oncologist. After examination, in some cases, he can confirm the benign quality of the tumor, and, if necessary, send the patient for tests, including biopsy of the neoplasm tissues.

When there is a sharp pain in the ear, what can only be determined by a specialist.The same applies to problems in the nose. Self-medication will easily lead only to an aggravation of the condition.

How to treat ear pain caused by a cold

• Ear pain caused by a cold
• Home remedies
• Medical treatment
• Precautions
• Seeking medical attention
• Diagnosis
• Summary

Cold occurs when the virus infects your nose and throat.It can cause a variety of symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, and nasal congestion. You may also have mild body aches or headaches.

Sometimes a cold can cause pain in or around the ear. It usually looks like a dull pain.

Ear pain may occur during or after a cold. Either way, you can ease the pain and feel better.

Read on to find out why ear pain occurs during a cold, what remedies to try, and when to see a doctor.

Why colds can cause ear pain

When you have a cold, ear pain can be caused by one of the following reasons.

Congestion

The Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the top of your throat and the back of your nose. It usually prevents excess air and fluid pressure from accumulating in the ear.

However, if you have a cold, mucus and nasal fluid may build up in the Eustachian tube. This can block the tube, causing ear pain and discomfort.Your ear may also feel “clogged” or full.

As a rule, ear congestion goes away as the cold goes away. But sometimes this can lead to secondary infections.

Middle ear infection

A middle ear infection called infectious otitis media is a common complication of the common cold. This happens when viruses from the nose and throat enter the ear through the Eustachian tube.

Viruses cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear. Bacteria can grow in this fluid, causing a middle ear infection.

It can cause ear pain and:

• swelling
• redness
• hearing problems
• green or yellow nasal discharge
• fever

Sinus infection

An unresolved cold can lead to infection sinus infections, also called infectious sinusitis. It causes inflammation in the sinuses of the nose and forehead.

If you have sinusitis, you may have pressure in the ear. This can cause ear pain.

Other possible symptoms include:

• yellow or green post-nasal drainage.
• congestion
• difficulty breathing through the nose
• face pain or pressure
• headache
• toothache
• cough
• bad breath
• bad smell
• fatigue
• fever

Home remedies for pain in cold ears

Most causes of ear pain caused by a cold go away on their own.But you can use home remedies to relieve pain.

Hot or cold compress

Apply a warm or ice compress to the affected ear to relieve pain or swelling.

Always wrap the package with a clean towel. This will protect your skin from heat or ice.

Sleeping position

If only one ear is affected, sleep on your side with the ear unaffected. For example, if your right ear hurts, sleep on your left side. This will relieve pressure on the right ear.

You can also try sleeping with your head resting on two or more pillows, which are believed to relieve pressure. However, this can stretch the neck, so be careful.

Rinse your nose

If your ear pain is caused by a sinus infection, try rinsing your nose. This will help drain and clear the sinuses.

Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids, whatever is causing your ear pain. Drinking water loosens mucus and speeds up recovery.

Rest

Relax. Rest supports your body’s ability to fight off colds or secondary infections.

Medication for ear pain caused by the common cold

In addition to home remedies, your doctor may suggest these treatments for ear pain.

Pain relief without a prescription. pain relievers

OTC pain relievers can help relieve pain and fever.

For ear pain, ibuprofen or paracetamol is recommended.For ear pain in children younger than 6 months, consult your doctor about the type and dosage of medication.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Ask your doctor about the right dose.

Decongestants

Over-the-counter decongestants may help reduce swelling in the nose and ears. Decongestants can make you feel better, but they will not correct the cause of an ear or sinus infection.

Decongestants are available in several forms, including:

• nasal drops
• nasal sprays
• oral capsules or liquid

Again, follow package directions.This is especially important if you are giving your child decongestants.

Ear drops

You can also use over-the-counter ear drops that are designed to relieve ear pain. Read the instructions carefully.

If you have a ruptured eardrum, ear drops can cause problems. Talk to your doctor first.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are usually not needed to treat ear infections or sinusitis. But if you have chronic or severe symptoms and fear that it is a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe them.

Precautions for treating ear pain caused by colds

For colds, taking cold medicine can help manage symptoms. However, they will not necessarily make you go away from ear pain.

In addition, taking cold medications with over-the-counter pain relievers can do more harm than good. This is because they often have the same ingredients.

For example, Nyquil contains acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol.If you are taking Nikvil and Tylenol at the same time, you may be consuming too much acetaminophen. It is not safe for your liver.

Likewise, prescription drugs can interact with over-the-counter drugs. If you are taking any prescription medications, check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter cold medications or pain relievers.

Also important to remember:

• cold medicine for young children. If your child is under 4 years old, do not give these medicines unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents. Aspirin is considered unsafe for this age group due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Oils. Some people claim that garlic, tea tree, or olive oil can help get rid of an ear infection. But there is not enough scientific evidence to support these remedies, so be careful.
• Cotton buds. Do not put cotton swabs or other objects in your ear.

When to see a doctor

Ear pain caused by cold often goes away on its own.

But if you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

• symptoms that persist for several days;
• worsening of symptoms;
• severe ear pain
• fever
• hearing loss
• hearing change
• ear pain in both ears

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

Diagnosing ear pain

Your doctor will use several methods to determine what is causing your ear pain.These may include:

• Medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and history of ear pain.
• Physical examination. They will also look inside your ear with an otoscope. They will check for swelling, redness, and pus, and look inside the nose and throat.

If you have chronic ear pain, your doctor may refer you to a doctor for ear, nose, and throat treatments.

Takeaway

Ear pain usually occurs during or after a cold.Most cases are not serious and usually go away on their own. Rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and home remedies like ice packs can help you feel better.

Do not take cold medications and pain relievers at the same time, as they can interact with each other and cause problems.

If ear pain is severe or persists for a long time, consult a doctor.

Choice of non-surgical medication types for sinusitis – Health

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis is considered by many to be a minor health problem. But in fact, if this condition is not properly treated, the infection can spread to

Contents

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis is considered by many to be a minor health problem. But in fact, if this condition is not properly treated, the infection can spread to the eyes and even the brain. Fortunately, you can treat sinusitis with simple medical, natural, and home remedies.

Natural remedies for sinusitis that are easy to find at home

Sinuses are cavities located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes. These cavities can become inflamed, often caused by bacterial and viral infections.

This inflammation is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis causes several symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, coughing, and decreased sense of smell (anosmia).

However, you can actually reduce these symptoms by using drugs and supplies that are readily available, and perhaps even available in your home.

The following are various natural or herbal ingredients that can be used as medicines to treat sinusitis symptoms:

1. Ginger

Ginger is often processed into a healthy drink that has a warming effect on your body.

It turns out that ginger is also beneficial for relieving sinusitis with a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce inflammation in the sinuses.

Study from International Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that ginger contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances and is believed to be able to strengthen the immune system.

If you are looking to try ginger-based natural remedies for sinusitis, processed ginger tea may be one of the best options.

This is because the steam produced by ginger tea can clear mucus from the airways.

2. Garlic.

Garlic is a traditional spice widely used in cooking.

In fact, garlic is rarely used as a main spice in Indonesian dishes.

It turns out that this ingredient is also beneficial to your health as a natural remedy for sinusitis.

Garlic not only naturally helps to get rid of sinus infections, but it can also be used as a preventive measure from the outset.

Study from Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews states that garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that are believed to be able to prevent the common cold.

The common cold is known to be one of the risk factors for sinusitis.Garlic is known for its pungent flavor and pungent aroma.

You can use garlic with a mixture of tomato and lemon juice, which is heated in a saucepan for a few minutes. Drink this drink twice a day.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acid intake is also recommended for those of you looking to treat sinusitis without medication.

What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for sinusitis sufferers?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats with anti-inflammatory properties, so they are beneficial for the body to fight inflammation.

In addition, consumption of this type of fat can help strengthen the body’s immune system and prevent allergies that cause sinusitis.

Some foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are:

• fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines,
• nuts and seeds such as almonds, beans, green beans and flaxseed , also
• avocados.

4. Essential oil.

Certain essential oils can be a natural remedy for sinusitis to relieve and eliminate infection.

Several studies have shown that there are certain essential oils that can relieve sinusitis symptoms.

Eucalyptus essential oil, believed to reduce the inflammatory effects of sinusitis, is a type of essential oil.

Based on article from Review of Alternative Medicine , eucalyptus oil is rich in cineole, which effectively protects against various types of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

In addition, eucalyptus is believed to strengthen the immune system and reduce the effects of inflammation on the body.

Not only eucalyptus oil, but other types of essential oils such as oregano also contain the active ingredients carvacrol and isoeugenol, which are believed to be effective against inflammation.

5. Honey

Do you also experience cough and sore throat with sinusitis? This condition is usually caused by mucus from the sinuses running down the back of the throat.

The result is an uncomfortable sensation in your throat, sometimes accompanied by coughing and hoarseness.

Apparently, you can use honey as a remedy for this one symptom of a sinus infection. Yes, honey is considered a natural cough suppressant.

This is stated in article from Cochrane . Consuming honey can help reduce coughs and improve sleep quality, according to research.

However, further research is needed regarding the effectiveness of honey for coughs in sinusitis.

Other natural treatments for sinusitis at home

In addition to using natural ingredients or herbs, you can also try simpler home treatments for sinusitis.

Here are some natural or home remedies for sinusitis:

1. Drink plenty of water.

The key to sinus management beyond medication is to meet your daily fluid needs.

Drinking plenty of water can help thin the mucus or mucus that has accumulated in your sinuses so that you can drain it away easily.

In addition to water, you can get liquid from fruit or vegetable juices that contain a lot of water.

Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine as this can lead to dehydration.

2. Squeeze warm water.

You can also try a warm water compress to treat sinus infection symptoms without medication.

Use a towel or cloth dampened with warm water. Then place a towel over your nose and forehead.

Warm compress designed to relieve sinus pressure and head pain.

On the other hand, compresses can moisturize the sinus cavity.This will help thin the mucus and make it easier for it to pass.

3. Keep your sinuses moist.

Sinusitis can also sometimes be caused by imbalanced humidity, such as being too dry or too wet.

So you can try wearing the humidifier to keep your home moist.

Applications Humidifier The right option can also help relieve nasal congestion caused by sinusitis without the need for medication.

When using the humidifier at home this is not possible, you can also use a basin filled with hot water.

Well, the steam that comes out of the hot water is what you can use as a moisturizer for your sinus cavities.

It is also recommended to add essential oils to a bowl of hot water.

Dissolve 2-3 drops of essential oil in water, then bring your face to the steam from the basin.

Cover your face with a towel and inhale through your nose.Make sure you close your eyes when doing this method.

Medicine for sinusitis, which can be bought in the pharmacy

Natural treatment of sinusitis will certainly not work if it is not accompanied by medications.

Well, below are the different types of medicines you can buy with and without a doctor’s prescription:

1. Water

saline

The use of salt water or saline has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various nasal conditions, including sinusitis.

The function of water Saline is to maintain nasal hygiene, reduce germs and flush away other irritants that accumulate in the nose.

Water Saline Comes in spray form and you can get it from your pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.

However, you can also make water yourself. Saline at home with a mixture of 400 milliliters (ml) boiled water, 1 teaspoon baking soda , and 1 teaspoon salt.

2. Corticosteroids.

Sinusitis can also be treated with corticosteroid medications. These drugs can usually be used in the form of nasal sprays, oral medications, and injections.

Corticosteroids are effective in reducing sinus inflammation and swelling. In addition, corticosteroids can shrink polyps in the nose, which are often the cause of sinusitis.

However, it is important to know that corticosteroid medications can only be used with a doctor’s prescription.

This drug is usually prescribed only for chronic and severe sinus infections.

3. Decongestants.

Decongestants are the right choice if you want to reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion due to sinusitis.

This medicine helps to thin mucus or mucus so that air can pass through your nose more easily and you can breathe more easily.

As with corticosteroids, you can only use prescription decongestants.Misusing decongestants can cause side effects that you definitely don’t need.

4. Pain relievers.

You can treat headaches or pain caused by sinusitis with over-the-counter pain relievers.

You can choose from drugs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin.

5. Antibiotics

If sinusitis is chronic, antibiotics are recommended.

Remember, this drug can only be used with a doctor’s prescription .Using inappropriate antibiotics can cause recurrence of sinusitis symptoms.

Sometimes natural home remedies are sufficient to treat the symptoms of sinusitis, both mild and severe. However, sinusitis symptoms sometimes last longer than usual and get worse.

If you have tried the above methods and your sinus symptoms persist, see your doctor immediately for further testing.

Source

Arin, AM., Chan, MM. (2011).Acute rhinosinusitis in adults – American Academy of Family Physicians. Retrieved on October 9, 2020, from http://med-docs.creighton.edu/Departments/Family_Medicine/StudentPDFs/p1057.pdf.

A Guide to Natural Treatments for Allergy and Sinusitis Symptoms – UCLA Center for Eastern Western Medicine. (there is no data). Retrieved on October 9, 2020, from https://exploreim.ucla.edu/wellness/a-guide-to-natural-ways-to-alleviate-allergy-and-sinusitis-symptoms/.

Dehler, J. (2018). Ten home remedies for sinus pain and pressure – Allina Health. Retrieved October 9, 2020, from https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/heal/ten-home-remedies-to-relieve-sinus-pain-and-pressure.

Directions for Use – National Holistic Aromatherapy Association. (there is no data). Retrieved on October 9, 2020, from https://naha.org/index.php/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application/.

Tosh, PC. (2020). Is it true that honey is better at soothing coughs than cough medicine? – Mayo Clinic.Retrieved on October 9, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/expert-answers/honey/faq-20058031.

Humidifiers: Air humidity relieves skin and breathing symptoms – Mayo Clinic. (2019). Retrieved on October 9, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021.

Dosage of oregano oil for sinus infection, benefits and risks – Fungal sinusitis. (but.). Retrieved October 9, 2020, from https: // fungalsinusitis.org / oregano-oil-for-sinus-infection-dosage-benefits-and-risks /.

Mashhadi, N.S., Giaswand, R., Askari, G., Hariri, M., Darvishi, L., & Mofid, M.R. (2013). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger on health and physical activity: a review of current evidence. International Journal of Preventive Medicine , 4 (Appendix 1), S36 – S42.

Lissiman, E., Bhasale, A.L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Garlic for a cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , 2014 (11), CD006206.https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006206.pub4

Oduvole, O., Udoh, E., Oyo-Ita, A., and Meremikwu, M. (2018). Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd007094.pub5

Sadlon, AE., Lamson, DW. (2010). Immunomodifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Review of Alternative Medicine .

Perez G., S., Zavala S., M., Arias G., L., and Ramos, L., M. (2011). Anti-inflammatory activity of some essential oils. Journal of Essential Oils Research , 23 (5), 38-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2011.9700480

90,000 WHAT SHOULD YOU USE IF NASA INFECTION: WARM OR COLD? – MEDICAL

Contents:

A sinus infection occurs when the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen, and mucus builds up in the sinus cavities. According to the Mayo Clinic, a leading nonprofit medical and research center 1, the result is often severe facial pain, headache, and nasal congestion that does not go away after a few days.

Is this an emergency?

Seek emergency help immediately if you experience severe medical symptoms.

Home Remedies

The Mayo Clinic reports that most acute sinus infections resolve without the use of antibiotics as long as patients maintain proper sleep and thermal procedures.1. Applying a warm compress to your face will help reduce pain and swelling. Holding your head over a saucepan or cup of water will drain the mucus.

Use a heating compress, not an ice pack.

If a sinus infection is accompanied by a fever, you may be tempted to place an ice pack on your face or head to relieve this symptom. It is best to treat the fever with Tylenol, as the ice pack can make the mucus thicker in the cavities. Apply a warm compress to your face to loosen mucus in your cavities and give you more freedom to breathe.

• If a sinus infection is accompanied by a fever, you may be tempted to place an ice pack on your face or head to relieve this symptom.
• It is best to treat fever with Tylenol as the ice pack can make the mucus thicker in the cavities.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

It is very important to heal the sinus infection as soon as possible to avoid future complications. Untreated sinus infections are known to lead to meningitis, vision problems, aneurysms, or blood clots.If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see your doctor. After all, an antibiotic may be required to clear the infection from the body.

• It is very important to heal the sinus infection as soon as possible to avoid future complications.
• Eventually, an antibiotic may be needed to clear the infection from the body.

90,000 Cold VS warmth for pain relief: which is better?

For headaches, using a cold compress can relieve the condition and relieve pain, but when it comes to back pain, a heating pad will help.Thus, both cold and heat are used to relieve pain, but which is best for different conditions?

Improper use of heat or cold can be harmful, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. In particular, experts note that with the help of such passive therapies, instead of helping patients cope with pain, harm can be done.

An ice pack can help reduce inflammation and swelling after sports injuries, as well as relieve headaches.In turn, for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, warming up the joints will allow them to move more easily. In order to help in choosing a pain management method, scientists from the Cleveland Clinic, USA, have developed tips that help determine whether to use cold or warm to treat pain:

• rheumatoid arthritis. The problem is stiffness in the knee, shoulder, elbow joint, fingers, etc. Solution – moist heat will relieve chronic stiffness of the joints, relax tight muscles;
• exacerbation of gout.The problem is chronic inflammation of the joints of the big toe, instep of the foot, ankle, knee, etc. Solution – cold reduces the severity of exacerbation of gout, pain;
• headache. The problem is vascular pain, muscle pain in the neck. Solution – cold will help eliminate throbbing pain, reduce the severity of neck muscle spasm;
• stretching. The problem is muscle strain or injury to tendons in the thigh, knee, lower leg. Solution – cold will reduce the severity of inflammation, redness, swelling, warmth – reduce stiffness after the inflammation has passed;
• dislocation.The problem is a sprain or rupture of ligaments in the joint of the knee, foot, lower leg, etc. Solution – cold will eliminate inflammation, heat will reduce stiffness after the inflammation has passed;
• tendonitis – inflammation and degeneration of tendon tissue. The problem is acute tension in the tissues of the tendons attached to the joints of the thigh, elbow, wrist, foot, etc. Solution – cold will help relieve inflammation;
• tendinosis is a dystrophic lesion in the area of ​​the tendons of large muscles. The problem is the chronic tension and stiffness of the tendon tissues attached to the joints.The solution is heat will help relieve the stiffness after the inflammation has subsided.

The main thing to remember is to use ice to reduce the severity of the inflammatory response. In addition, it is also suitable for relieving swelling in injuries that swell and for acute pain relief. In such cases, heat can exacerbate the inflammatory response and is considered harmful. In this case, the use of heat is suitable for long-term chronic pain, for example, for joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis.Therefore, scientists note that such patients may feel better in hot weather.

Heat is relaxing and can help relieve stiffness and stiffness in joints and muscles. It is also used after injuries on those days when the severity of inflammation has already decreased, but stiffness remains.

According to scientists, in some cases, the use of methods such as heat and cold can help relieve pain, at the same time, you should consult your doctor about the benefits of such exposure to eliminate acute or chronic pain in specific cases.

Based on materials from www.medicaldaily.com

90,000 reasons, what is dangerous and how to treat

A person is not usually inclined to admire his nose, although he deserves it in the first place. More often people overly criticize this part of the face and dream of changing it. Did you know that the nose is a real decoration of a person and an irreplaceable organ. Doctors have already conducted successful experiments on transplants of many organs, but the nose has not yet entered the list.

Anatomical structure

The nose is made up of cartilage.But this is only the tip, the third part. More than 2/3 of the noses are hidden inside and have a very complex structure. It consists of 14 bones:

• 5 paired (maxillary, palatine, lacrimal and nasal, 2 turbinates).
• 4 unpaired (vomer and sphenoid bones, frontal and ethmoid).

The outer cartilaginous part is adjacent to the bone. The nose is divided by a septum, which by nature has a natural curvature. The left half of our olfactory organ is more sensitive to odors.

The nasal cavity has the shape of an elongated canal in the front of the skull. Its beginning is the nostrils, and the ending is the choanae. These are the openings that connect the nose to the nasopharynx.

Most of the organ is occupied by the nasal passages – there are 3 floors. They communicate with cavities in the walls of the skull – sinuses. There are four pairs of them:

• Haimorovs.
• Frontal.
• Wedge-shaped.
• Lattice maze cells.

They are normally filled with air. When inflammation occurs, edema develops in them, mucus accumulates, which can provoke a purulent process.

Structure of the mucosa

The inner surface of the nose is covered with a very sensitive mucous membrane. Therefore, any blows to this area of ​​the face are so painful. The mucous membrane is always moist and warm, there are a lot of blood vessels in it.

Inside, the nostrils are covered with short stiff hairs (vibrises), which sometimes look outward in the elderly. The hairs have a protective function – they trap large particles that enter the nose.

If they miss something, another obstacle will be sticky mucus, to which foreign particles stick.

The mucous membrane has 2 zones – respiratory and olfactory. The latter is located in the upper part of the nasal cavity. It contains 12 million olfactory receptor cells, the number of which decreases with age.

In general, a person is able to catch 10,000 odors. What the nose is unable to catch can become fatal to humans, such as natural gas or carbon monoxide.

You need to know that the sense of smell is directly related to the memory center of the brain. Newborn babies smell much more strongly than adults.But already in the first year of life, this ability is halved.

The respiratory part of the mucosa is covered with ciliated epithelium with many cilia, which make specific movements that prevent the penetration of pathogenic particles. The nose is a real protective biological filter. There are many lymph nodes in its mucous membrane, which supply white blood cells that destroy bacteria. The nasal mucosa should always remain moist. With its dryness, a person gets sick.

Nose growth

It is believed that the nose grows and takes its shape by the age of 10.Then it grows already slowly: in women up to 17 years, in men – up to 19. Under the influence of gravity, with age, this organ begins to sag a little, lengthen. This is due to the destruction of elastin and collagen in the skin, which indicates the onset of old age.

However, Swiss scientists prove that this organ grows throughout life, although this is not so noticeable. For this, 2500 different noses were examined and it was found that, for example, at 97 years old it was 8 mm longer than at 30 years old.

Functions

The nose is primarily a ventilation instrument.It is he who provides rhythmic deep breathing, on which even the state of the psyche depends. With excitement, breathing becomes uneven, shallow, and becomes more frequent. To calm down, it is always recommended to breathe deeply and rhythmically. Then the normal rhythm of the body’s cells is restored.

Calm breathing alkalizes the body. This is useful. Intensive and frequent inhalation and exhalation cause hyperventilation of the lungs. It is unhealthy because the blood becomes acidic. Acidosis destroys cell membranes and vascular walls, and can lead to stroke.Holding your breath also works. Thus, the nose is not only a thermoregulator in maintaining a stable temperature regime, but also a participant in the bioenergetic regime of the body.

This is well known to yogis. In their treatises, the breath of one right nostril is called “solar”, and the breath of one left nostril is called “lunar.”

Through the right nostril, the body is warmed, but with the duration of such breathing, acidosis may occur. When breathing only through the left, the body is cooled and the alkaline resource of the blood increases.Alternating breathing of this kind can regulate the acid-base balance.

A person cannot live without oxygen, but the lungs are not able to take it directly. First, the air should be optimally warmed up, cleaned of dust and harmful impurities, and humidified.

All these tasks are performed by the nose. Why doesn’t mouth breathing provide oxygen saturation even if the mouth is wide open? Because it is only when air passes through the nose that the alveoli open completely and oxygen enters the bloodstream.

During inhalation, in the short period of time that air passes through the nose, it is warmed and humidified. The delicate tissue of the lungs can be protected in this way.

In some cases, the timbre of the voice also depends on the nose – it is predetermined by the structure of the nasal sinuses. When they are inflamed and edematous, the person has gundositis.

What gives the connection of the nose with memory

If some perfume is associated with pleasant emotions, the signal goes to the limbic system, which connects emotions with events.At the same time, memory is sharpened.

Have you ever noticed how animals, when they meet, sniff each other’s noses? The fact is that pheromones are accumulated in the sinuses of the nose in humans and animals, which cause sexual attraction.

Symptom of a cold nose

Sometimes people complain of a constantly cold nose – both in heat and cold, even indoors. When freezing or being outside in frost, this is a common occurrence. In other cases, this condition may indicate some pathologies or conditions of the body.

Do not leave this without attention. A cold nose is a sign of healthy cats and dogs, but not humans. His organ of smell and the bridge of his nose should be warm. Disturbance of heat regulation, namely peripheral circulation, is the most common cause of a cold nose in humans.

Cold nose pathologies

The process of thermoregulation is controlled by the hypothalamus, which is often compared to an on-board computer. Throughout the body, there are very sensitive thermoreceptors that pick up even the smallest fluctuations in the temperature of the external environment and transmit a signal to the hypothalamus.This organ controls the increase or decrease in heat transfer, therefore, the temperature in the body is constant and normally ranges from 36.4 to 37 ° C. If this chain is violated, a decrease in temperature occurs. A person’s nose, hands, ears, cheeks begin to freeze first.

Impaired hypothalamic function can make heat loss critical, catabolism can slow down to a fatal level. Failures are noted in the cardiac and endocrine systems, with blood diseases and other pathologies.

Another reason for a cold nose in humans is laziness and lack of exercise in modern residents of megacities, as well as low stress resistance.The combination of impaired circulation and stress disrupts thermoregulation.

Cardiovascular diseases

A complaint about a cold nose seems funny to many or not worthy of attention. However, the causes of a cold nose in an adult will not at all cause laughter upon closer examination. If the nose freezes, it means that the body gives off heat, but it cannot produce it in sufficient quantities.

Why does a person have a cold nose? The reasons can be in heart diseases, pulmonary, kidney, as these pathologies lead to high blood pressure.Then blood circulation in the organ of smell, brain, vessels and limbs is disturbed.

Cold nose in 82% of cases is a malfunction of the cardiovascular system and a sign of myocardial hypoxia. It usually occurs in the elderly, smokers, neurasthenics. Hypotension is no less harmful.

Arterial hypotension

Acute hypotension and myocardial dysfunction are always combined. Hypoxia disrupts gas exchange in tissues. It prevents normal redox reactions from taking place, which would maintain normal temperatures.The result is hypoxia. If there is little oxygen, there is no heat generation.

Raynaud’s disease

Why is there always a cold nose in a person diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease? Because this affects the surface capillaries. A cold nose can be a harbinger of this. Constant hypothermia, rheumatism, stress, endocrinopathy can provoke Raynaud’s disease.

Vegetovascular dystonia

The cause of a cold nose in humans can be a violation in the autonomic system.Vegetation is always secondary and results from:

• Depression.
• Hypertension.
• IBS.
• Endocrine Disorders.

Due to stress, peripheral vasoconstriction occurs with impaired blood supply, the nose becomes cold. The cause of a cold nose tip in humans is a lack of blood circulation. Respiratory disorders are also added to this, since less oxygen is supplied, so the body temperature becomes lower.

Diabetes mellitus

With diabetes mellitus, thermoregulation is always impaired, which also causes a cold nose in humans.Fluctuations in blood sugar adversely affect the work of the hypothalamus, thermal equilibrium with the external environment suffers. This can also cause a cold nose in humans. In addition, diabetes reduces vascular elasticity, so peripheral circulation is impaired.

The patient has not only thirst, but also a constant feeling of cold. Biochemical processes in the body with diabetes with the release of heat slow down, cold limbs and nose are frequent companions of this pathology.

Hypothyroidism

Why is a person’s nose cold with thyroid dysfunction? The point is a violation of lipid metabolism, because of which the muscles begin to be replaced by adipose tissue.The normal contraction of muscle fibers usually produces heat – this is contractile thermogenesis. Remember, to keep warm in the cold, you have to jump or run a little. It is impossible to warm the nose like that. If heat is not generated in the required volume, the surface capillaries narrow.

Circulatory disorders – causes of a persistently cold nose in humans. That is why, even entering a warm room, a person cannot warm up for a long time.

It is also important that in hypothyroidism thyroid hormones are produced less than normal, and they are regulators and controllers of energy production in the body.Therefore, chills, a feeling of constant fatigue, dry skin, brittle hair and nails appear.

Muscles weaken, weight increases, general lethargy is observed. Therefore, a person is freezing all the time. Why is a person’s nose constantly cold? The reason may be hormonal disruption.

Not only hypofunction of the gland, but also AIT disease (autoimmune thyroiditis) can lead to hormone deficiency. Less commonly, the cause may be complete removal of the thyroid gland.

Reaction to cold

Why is a person’s nose cold? When ears, nose, arms and legs freeze in the cold – this is the norm, but only up to a certain limit.If the blood vessels are narrowed more than the permissible limits from the cold, blood circulation is sharply impaired. In this case, the frostbitten skin turns white, there is a feeling of numbness. No movement, such as rubbing, has an effect.

If at the same time you were able to restore normal blood flow, the blood rushes sharply, there is pain, pulsation, tingling in the affected areas. Why does the nose get cold in the cold? At a low temperature of the external environment, the body drives blood to the vital organs in order to work fully – this is an acquisition of evolution.Bulging parts of the body in the cold are supplied with blood worse than all others.

We must not forget that the cartilaginous tissue of the nose is devoid of fatty layer, therefore nothing protects it from the cold. You need to be able to distinguish when the nose temporarily becomes cold, and when it is already a pathology. If you tremble strongly, feel very tired, lose coordination in space, this suggests that you urgently need to look for a warm place.

Cold viruses like cold noses

This was proved by scientists from Yale University in the USA, who conducted the following experiment.Observations of rhinoviruses, which are the causative agents of ARVI, have shown that at body temperature (36-37 ° C) they are less active. And the temperature in the cold nose of 33 ° C causes their noticeable liveliness. Therefore, people are more likely to get sick in cold weather. Due to the “love” of viruses for relatively cool temperatures, they do not penetrate beyond the nose, for example, into the lungs. The temperature there is too high for them.

Stress

A person’s cold nose is a sign of severe stress. Problems at home or at work can cause this condition.Studies have shown that the more stressful, the colder a person’s nose. Its temperature drops by a whole degree (when compared with other parts of the body).

The mechanism of this phenomenon is the same as in frost. Stress disrupts many body systems. In this case, the function of keeping the organ of smell warm, one might say, fades into the background. Therefore, the tip of the nose gets cold.

Fatigue indicator

Many people know what an indicator is. What does it have to do with the organ of smell? Research by scientists has shown that a person’s cold nose can occur with excessive intellectual exertion.In this case, the blood flows to the cerebral cortex. Again, it is not enough to heat the nose.

This indicates the need for rest after overloading the body. Scientists even recommend using a cold nose in an adult as a marker for assessing the degree of fatigue in some professions – air traffic controllers, pilots, doctors of intensive care units. Representatives of these professions are under enormous pressure. For relaxation, it is useful for them to do massage and rhythmic deep breaths in and out.

Treatment

How to improve blood circulation and warm the nose? First you need to get rid of hypodynamia. Pills alone, combined with lying on the couch, will not work. It is necessary to regularly do health-improving exercises, if possible, visit the pool, take a contrast shower.

Massage, rubbing, warm baths give good results. Before going to bed, it is recommended to take a walk in the fresh air (about an hour), regardless of the weather conditions.

Of course, if there is a hurricane or rainstorm on the street, you need to stay at home.If you are generally healthy, but just frozen, then in a short time you will definitely get warm without problems. You just need to enter a warm room. The predominance of the tone of the sympathetic nervous system over the parasympathetic is also not very scary. This condition does not threaten the patient’s life.

Heart and frost

Swedish scientists have long proved that subzero temperatures increase the risk of heart attacks and heart attacks by 10%. This is now being confirmed by scientists in the United States, Germany, Japan, Norway and Korea.

The fact is that in winter in rooms during heating, the oxygen content is often reduced, so the heart suffers from oxygen deficiency. When a person with heart failure goes outside and breathes in cold air, there is a sudden release of norepinephrine. This speeds up the pulse, increases the pressure, and the vessels are constrained by the spasm. Clotting factors are also activated, which can cause a blood clot to break or form.

Influenza increases the risk of complications from the cardiovascular system.Therefore, in winter, sitting in a warm place, do not forget about airing in order to prevent a state of hypoxia for the body.

If you go out into the cold, do not breathe through your mouth. Only even nasal breathing is allowed. In severe frosts, cover your nose with a scarf or balaclava (ski mask).

In the presence of chronic pathologies in the cold, it is better to avoid physical activity, such as running, cleaning snow, and so on. Only slow walks are possible. Cores taking nitrates should always carry nitrospray on the street in order to provide themselves with first aid for a heart attack.

Warming from the cold

Some people consider alcohol to be their # 1 helper. However, this “medicine” in the overwhelming majority of cases worsens the situation.

Experts recommend making a warm compress for warming. Dampen a rag with hot water and apply it to your nose until it warms up. Drinking hot tea is good for keeping you warm.

Prevention

If the tests showed no health problems, why does the nose freeze? One of the reasons is the so-called lack of training of blood vessels.To change this, tempering and gymnastics are needed.

Cold rub-downs, contrast shower are useful.