5 unusual sinus pain relief treatments you never thought of – Gelpacks

Author: Steve Stretton
March 5, 2022
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Sinusitis is an extremely prevalent problem worldwide. In the US, some 29 million adults were diagnosed with it in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure doesn’t include the majority who prefer to treat their symptoms at home.   

Like any other type of discomfort, sinusitis pain can be disabling, causing disruption in our daily activities, affecting work and school productivity as well as raking up $11 billion in treatment costs in the US alone.  

If you’re part of this statistic, it’s time to stop the misery and understand what causes sinusitis. In this article, we will consider the following unconventional self-care tips that may be more effective than your usual sinus pain remedies.   

What are the sinuses?

Sinuses are cavities in the bones around your face and above your eyes. There are four sets of sinuses located in your forehead cheekbones and on each side of your nose bridge.

The 4 sets of sinuses

The largest sinuses, which span about an inch across your cheekbones, are called the maxillary sinuses. On the lower part of your forehead, close to the brow line, are your frontal sinuses. Your ethmoid sinuses are located between your eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses are situated in the bones behind your nose.  

Inside our nose are ridges called turbinates. These are our body’s natural air filters and humidifiers. Most of the sinuses drain into the nose through a drainage channel called the middle meatus. 

A soft tissue called mucosa lines the sinuses, which should contain no more than a thin layer of mucus. 

What could go wrong with our sinuses?

More than improving voice resonance, our sinuses have several important functions in our body. Its most essential purpose is to produce mucus to hydrate the insides of our nose and to filter the air that passes through them, getting rid of dust, dirt and other pollutants and irritants. 

When our sinuses are blocked, it cannot function properly, leading to headaches, clogged noses, sinus or facial pain, sneezing, congestion and a host of other symptoms. 

What is sinusitis?

Cilia, the tiny hairs in the nasal passages, are constantly on the move to maintain mucus level in the sinuses. When sinusitis develops following the swelling or inflammation of the nasal and sinus pathways, the cilia stop moving and the mucus get stuck. The resulting mucus buildup mixes with air, causing sinusitis pain and, later, infection. 

This infection may be caused by bacteria, virus or, in rare instances, fungi. Virus remains the main perpetrator for most rhinosinusitis cases. 

What’s the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?

Sinusitis, which is also called rhinosinusitis, can bug some people for a few weeks, but some suffer for months. Both conditions have similar symptoms, so it’s hard to pinpoint which one you have.

The glaring difference is the time frame for each attack. Acute sinusitis lasts a maximum of four weeks, while chronic sinusitis persists for more than three months despite treatment. There’s also subacute sinusitis that lasts for over a month but not more than three months. 

You will have several bouts of acute sinusitis before being diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. 

While acute sinusitis is commonly triggered by colds, chronic sinusitis has more serious underlying causes, among them nasal polyps and structural problems in the nasal cavity. Chronic sinusitis is defined as a persistent inflammation rather than a long-term infection. 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Most sinusitis sufferers experience a few or most of the following:

• Increased mucus production that ironically causes nasal congestion 
• Cheek discomfort 
• Headache 
• Facial pain (especially on the forehead or around the eyes and nose) that worsens when you bend over 
• Ear pressure 
• Fatigue
• Dental pain

Conditions associated with sinusitis and their symptoms

Nasal polyps – These pinkish, small, soft and benign growths in the nasal passages or sinuses develop for various reasons, and they start as an inflammation due to chronic sinus infections, nasal allergies, specific immune disorders and asthma.  

Symptoms: Breathing problems, post nasal drip, facial pain, headache, snoring, frequent nosebleeds, persistent clogged nose and decreased smelling sensitivity.

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis – This condition develops when the body’s immune system overreacts and mistakenly identifies something in the environment as an irritant. Allergens can be anything from dust mites, pet dander and pollen. 

Allergic rhinitis can be very limiting to some people as they cannot stay in the outdoors for a long time, nor will they be able to stop and “smell the roses”.  

Symptoms: Nasal congestion, excessive sneezing bouts, itchy nose, eyes, mouth and fatigue, likely due to sleep deprivation.

Deviated septum – When the thin wall between your nasal passages is too far or displaced to one side, it can obstruct the air flowing in and out of the nostrils.  

Symptoms: Noisy breathing or breathing difficulties, nose bleeds and facial pain.  

What are the risk factors for sinusitis?

These can increase your chances of developing sinusitis:

• Smoking
• Colds
• Prolonged use of nasal sprays
• Allergies
• Specific health conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV infection, diabetes
• Air pollution
• Structural problems with the nasal passages
• Pressure changes (scuba diving, travelling to high altitudes)

5 unusual treatments for sinusitis pain 

Congestion, facial pain and pressure are the hallmark symptoms of sinusitis. These disrupting symptoms last for a fews days to a few months, as in the case of chronic rhinosinusitis. 

At home, you can try the following remedies: 

1. Alternate hot and cold compresses 

Most websites advise you to apply warm packs, citing that heat is a natural nasal decongestant. However, we’re talking about easing pain and inflammation here, and cold therapy works better.  

Actually, alternating hot and cold therapies may be best to relieve facial pain and pressure. The cold pack relieves pain while the warm pack relieves nasal congestion.  

How to do it: Start with a warm pack for three to five minutes. Then, place a cold pack on your sinuses and let it stay there for about 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle for at least four times throughout the day. Place a thin cloth between your skin and the pack to avoid an ice burn.   

This form-fitting facial ice pack offers a convenient yet potent hot or cold therapy that heals all types of facial pain and inflammation caused by sinusitis, migraine and other symptoms. 

More than alleviating pain, this facial ice pack is also effective in relieving tired eyes and in giving you a glowing skin. No wonder beauty bloggers voted it as the top skin improvement product.

2. Spice up your plate to ease sinus pressure

Chillies are rich in capsaicin, the compound responsible for making them spicy and hot.  Capsaicin is believed to be effective in managing pain. In fact, many over-the-counter pain relief creams list capsaicin as a main ingredient.

3. Rattle and hum for sinus pain relief 

Now you have a good excuse to annoy your housemates: Go out and hum your favourite song for an hour to ease sinus pain. We’re not even kidding. Researchers in Sweden discovered that humming increases nasal ventilation, meaning it could help clear your clogged sinuses and ameliorate discomfort. 

The same study indicated that humming enhances the production of nitric oxide, a compound known to increase blood flow and lower blood pressure. 

4. Manage pain with your mind 

Yoga, meditation and other relaxation exercises can be effective in easing most forms of body pain. They work by tapping mental power to reduce pain perception and sensitivity. Practicing these may be extremely helpful especially to persons suffering from acute or chronic sinus pain. 

5. Reduce alcohol consumption 

We hope we didn’t need to tell you this, but you shouldn’t chug alcohol while nursing a sinus infection. Alcohol aggravates sinusitis symptoms because it dehydrates the body, causing your nasal cavities to swell and worsening mucus congestion.  

How to prevent sinusitis 

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent rhinosinusitis, but you can reduce your chances of a sinusitis attack, or prevent it from getting worse, by following these tips:

• Drink lots of water to lubricate your throat
• Irrigate and clear your nose by using nasal sprays or washes
• Elevate your head when sleeping to avoid mucus from pooling 
• Use a humidifier if the air is dry to keep your nasal passages from drying out
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Avoid sinus pressure from getting worse by keeping your head upright or leaning it a bit backward 
• Stay away from allergens

Conclusion

When it comes to exploring natural remedies for sinus pain and pressure, leave no stone unturned and explore as many options as you can. Each person responds differently to specific treatments, and unconventional does not mean ineffective. 

How about you? Have you tried any of these five unusual sinus pain relief tips? Share your experience with us here, and don’t forget to check out our cool products.

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Sinusitis: Do Home Remedies Work?

Sinusitis is a condition that impacts the daily lives of 1 in 10 of our family, friends, and neighbors in Hagerstown, Washington County, and surrounding areas. If you are one of the thousands in our community that suffer from severe sinus pain, then you understand how the symptoms of sinusitis make daily life difficult. These symptoms result in countless hours of missed work/school, a loss of productivity, and impaired ability to fully enjoy all that life has to offer. Sinus sufferers struggle with symptoms such as:

• Sleep disruption (loss of sleep and fatigue)
• Nasal congestion or post-nasal drip
• Breathing problems
• Headache and facial pain
• Coughing, sneezing, runny nose

Sinusitis and Sinus Infections

The human body has four main sinus cavities that are located in the areas surrounding the nose and eyes. These cavities play a critical role in breathing by controlling humidity and keeping foreign substances out of the body. The lining of these cavities can become inflamed as a result of a virus or bacteria that enters the body, this inflammation is known as sinusitis (sinus infection).

Inflammation prevents the body from naturally draining mucus from the sinus cavities which may lead to further infection and additional symptoms. Sinusitis sufferers often seek relief from these symptoms using over-the-counter medications or prescription antibiotics. Patients may find temporary symptom relief through pharmaceuticals; however, these medications often carry a number of undesirable side effects including:

• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Elevated blood pressure or cardiac complications
• Dizziness and impaired balance
• Individual complications

Heal Sinus Infection Naturally

Sinus sufferers who want real relief without pharmaceutical side effects have discovered that natural home remedies for sinus infections are safe and highly effective. These solutions target the underlying inflammation, promote natural sinus drainage, and help prevent additional infections.

The safest and most effective natural solutions involve the use of water in the form of liquid, vapor, or mist. Water penetrates the blockage allowing mucus to drain naturally so that the sinuses can begin the healing process. These solutions have the added benefit of helping to reduce the intensity and duration of sinus symptoms and improving quality of life.

h3O: A natural solvent

One of the most powerful solvents on earth is nothing more than pure water. Water is used in many applications as a thinner, cleaner, and diluter. When it comes to a sinus infection, water can be used in much the same way to thin mucus, clean the sinuses, and dilute a blockage. Natural sinus treatments may involve the use of liquid, mist, or vaporized water.

Vapor (Steam)

One of the most effective ways for water to treat a sinus infection is in the form of steam (vapor). Warm water vapor naturally rises and can easily break through a blocked nasal passage to enter the sinus cavity. As steam continues to pass through a nasal blockage, mucus is thinned and the sinus cavities can begin the process of natural drainage. Vaporized water may also soothe the pain that results from sinus inflammation. Water vapor therapy is a simple and inexpensive home remedy that can be accomplished in a number of ways:

• Warm shower or bath: Spending a few extra minutes breathing deeply through the nose in a warm shower or bath may aid the natural healing process and help alleviate symptoms.
• Steam Pot: A pot or bowl of warm liquid can be carefully placed on a solid surface (table or countertop). Placing a towel or sheet over the head will help to trap the steam. Keeping a safe distance from the bowl, breathe deeply through the nose and allow the steam to penetrate the sinus blockage. Special care should be taken when handling hot liquids as water and steam can both cause burns to the face and body.
• Steam Machine (Warm Mist Humidifier):  These electronic devices warm water in order to produce steam that can be breathed into the nasal passages. They may provide a safe alternative to a steam pot as they do not involve transporting hot liquids.

Liquid Water (Sinus Rinse)

Another effective treatment involves introducing a saline (salt) water solution directly into the nasal passages. Nasal rinses come in many forms and involve various mixtures of sterile water and sodium solutions. Some sinus rinses are sprayed into the nose while others are pumped or poured through the nasal passage. Sinus rinses are safe and effective but are not without risk. Special attention should be given to the instructions from the manufacturer. These instructions are designed to prevent injury or further infections from improper use. Some of these instructions may include, but are not limited to:

• Water type: Use only distilled or sterile water. Tap water, bottled water, filtered water, and spring water may be safe to drink, but they are not safe to introduce to the sinus cavities. They may contain trace amounts of bacteria or other organic matter that could result in further inflammation and infection.
• Water temperature: Be careful not to introduce hot water into the sensitive areas of your nasal passage or sinuses as they can easily cause internal burns.
• Water purity: If you are using a reusable sinus rinse container such as a neti pot, be very careful to clean and store it as instructed in order to prevent bacteria growth inside the container.

Mist (Cool Mist Humidifier)

Cool mist humidifiers use forms of technology other than heat to produce a mist from cool water. This mist can be breathed into the nasal passages much like steam in order to reduce blockage and inflammation. It is a safe alternative especially when used for children or the elderly as there is no risk of burns from hot water.  

Other Solutions:

In addition to the use of water, vapor, and mist for relief from sinus infections, the following methods are highly effective in helping the body to heal and reduce the severity of sinus symptoms:

• Elevated sleep positioning: Keeping an elevated head at night allows gravity to naturally promote mucus drainage through the nasal passage.
• Proper hydration: More than 50% of your body is made up of water and the body must be properly hydrated for its natural processes to work toward healing infection and inflammation.  Be sure to drink plenty of water, even when the symptoms of a sinus infection make it difficult.
• Warm and Cool Compresses: Using a rotation of warm and cool compresses on the face and around the sinus areas will help to reduce inflammation and promote natural drainage. They can also provide natural relief of symptoms such as headaches and sinus pressure. Be very careful when placing hot and cold items on the face as they can result in burns or damage to the skin and eyes. Do not place hot or cold items directly on the skin and limit the amount of time for each compress to 15 – 20 minutes.

Natural Remedies Work

Natural home remedies are a safe and effective solution in the prevention and treatment of sinusitis. These simple and inexpensive solutions offer an alternative to the expense and side effects that often accompany over-the-counter medications. For some sinus sufferers, home remedies may fall short in providing long-term results. For those who suffer frequent or extended sinus infections, it is important to see a medical professional. If left untreated, these sinus infections may impact overall health and could lead to further medical complications in addition to the daily symptoms of sinusitis.

For these patients, our team of skilled sinus care specialists can diagnose and treat the source of chronic sinus pain and provide convenient modern treatment options such as balloon sinuplasty.

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Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive solution for long-lasting sinusitis relief.

It is a simple in-office procedure that gently inflates the sinus cavity to clear the blockage and restore the natural flow from the body. If you would like to know more about balloon sinuplasty and other treatment options, schedule an appointment today.

Cardiologist’s advice on how not to treat high blood pressure and how to survive weather fluctuations

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our body often reacts to changing weather.

October 7, 2021

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Cardiology advice for hypertensive patients Photo from open sources

• How do hypertensive and hypotensive patients react to weather changes?
• How not (and should) treat hypertension?
• How long should I keep a blood pressure diary?
• Why do some people get cold and others don’t?
• How to eat with pressure drops and how to keep warm in the cold

The autumn-winter period becomes a real test for many, because blood vessels are very dependent on weather conditions (and, accordingly, pressure). Therefore, each person should know what to do when the weather changes in order to avoid sudden pressure surges.

Our body is actually very smart and has strong adaptive capabilities – it adapts itself to changes in atmospheric pressure. But we must help him so that there are no problems.

“When the weather worsens, blood pressure decreases so that our vessels do not tear apart. If a front with increased pressure comes, ours rises. In healthy people, without cardiovascular diseases, such fluctuations go unnoticed. And patients with cardiovascular diseases have a hard time enduring such jumps, ”explains a cardiologist Anna Soloshchenko.

1. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a serious pathology that should not be ignored. Such people are very sensitive to any weather fluctuations. As soon as temperature drops occur, hypertensive patients have increased pressure (often to a hypertensive crisis, when urgent medical care is needed). Moreover, the hypertensive crisis in each person occurs individually, that is, there are no specific figures for blood pressure for him – it all depends on the specific case.
2. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not a pathological condition in which the pressure, on the contrary, is low. Hypotension does not pose a health hazard, but gives a person a lot of discomfort. Low blood pressure is not treated with drugs, it needs an integrated approach to lifestyle changes. If a person has low blood pressure, it decreases even more, when atmospheric pressure drops, the state of health worsens.

Both hypertensive and hypotensive patients need to measure their blood pressure regularly, especially if they feel unwell due to weather changes.

In case of problems, you should definitely visit a cardiologist, keep a diary of pressure and pulse (this way you can understand if a person has constant problems with pressure or only when the weather changes).

What medicines should a hypertensive patient have at home?

The most important thing for a hypertensive patient is the daily preventive intake of drugs that reduce blood pressure. Then on “dangerous” days in the blood there will be the necessary concentration of the active substance, which will not allow the body to feel the crisis.

Symptomatic use of blood pressure medication is unacceptable (for example, when the weather causes a headache, nausea or general weakness). Pressure pills as emergency help will not help – you will have to drink high doses of potent drugs.

If a hypertensive patient has a hypertensive crisis, you need to take under the tongue any drug that will quickly reduce pressure (Anaprilin, Captopres).

How long should I keep a blood pressure diary?

The cardiologist says that the pressure diary should be kept for about 7-10 days. In the warm period, the pressure in hypertensive patients rises 5-7 days before a sharp cold snap. Pills prescribed by a doctor for pressure have a cumulative effect – in order for the substance to begin to work fully, a month of taking the pills is needed. Only then will any temperature fluctuations and weather whims not affect the pressure of a person with hypertension.

My head hurts because of the weather: what to do

Why do some people get cold and others don’t?

This problem comes from childhood. Parents often dress their child too warmly, focusing on their own temperature sensations (and the baby cannot tell if he is hot or cold). Mothers try to wrap their child warmer for reinsurance. If you do this, your child will be cold in the future. Therefore, if you are cold, this does not mean at all that the child needs an extra jacket. Let the baby’s thermoregulation form correctly – then he will have strong immunity, he will not be afraid of drafts and air conditioners in the future.

People with hypertension do not tolerate heat well, but this is not treated with pills, but with a proper lifestyle (healthy diet, hardening, physical activity).

How to understand that you have hypertension

The best way to warm up on the street is physical activity Photo from open sources fast carbohydrates (fast food, pastries), an abundance of fried and meat. The diet must include plant foods (vegetables and fruits), fish and dairy products.

People over 25-35 years of age should have the correct ratio of plant food and animal products: 1:3, that is, 100 g of meat and 300 g of salad.

Tea alone is not enough to keep you warm in cold weather. Yes, a hot drink will expand the blood vessels and for a short time it will help to warm up, but not in the very cold on the street, but already at home, after a walk. If you need to warm up in the fresh air, the ideal way is to move: the working muscles generate heat.

So take into account all the doctor’s recommendations to get ready for temperature drops right now!

CardiologistHypertensionHypotensionMeteorological dependenceMeteorological sensitivityPressure dropsHypertensive crisisAtmospheric pressurePressure surgesMeteorological dependence prevention

The better a person can control their blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs, the easier it will be for drops in blood pressure to be tolerated. Your goal is below 130/80 mmHg. Art. If the pressure “jumps” above these numbers, a correction of the treatment is needed. If you do not tolerate new pressure figures at first, it is better to reduce it gradually, in stages – so that the vessels get used to it.

Cardiologist Pressure surges Pressure Low pressure High pressure Hypertension Cardiologist’s advice Anna Soloshchenko Pills for pressure Atmospheric pressure Blood pressure

How to choose the right pills for pressure

Pills for pressure are prescribed not for a certain time of admission, but on an ongoing basis. That is, they must be taken throughout life. Hypertension, like diabetes, is a chronic disease, most often hereditary. Hypertension cannot be cured, it can only be controlled with drugs that protect blood vessels and organs, maintaining pressure at a normal level.

High blood pressure Hypertension High blood pressure Cardiologist Anna Soloshchenko Pressure pills Heart attack Stroke Reduce blood pressure Selection of blood pressure pills Cardiologist’s recommendations Normalization of pressure Cardiovascular system Heart and vascular diseases

5 questions to ask a cardiologist

To minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases, you need to visit a cardiologist and ask him the 5 most important questions.