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Sinus infection warm compress. Sinus Infection Relief: Heat vs Cold Therapy – Effective Home Remedies

How does heat therapy help relieve sinus infection symptoms. What are the best warm compress techniques for sinusitis. Why is cold therapy not recommended for sinus infections. Which home remedies provide the most sinus pressure relief.

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Understanding Sinus Infections and Their Symptoms

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, occur when the cavities around your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even allergies. The resulting symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and may include:

  • Facial pain and pressure
  • Nasal congestion
  • Thick, discolored nasal discharge
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Many people wonder about the most effective ways to alleviate these symptoms at home. One common question is whether to use heat or cold therapy for sinus infections. Let’s explore the benefits of each approach and why heat therapy is generally considered more effective for sinusitis relief.

The Benefits of Heat Therapy for Sinus Infections

Heat therapy is widely recommended for sinus infections due to its numerous benefits. How does heat help relieve sinus infection symptoms? Heat acts as a natural decongestant by:

  • Promoting blood circulation to the affected areas
  • Loosening thick mucus secretions
  • Reducing inflammation in the nasal passages
  • Easing facial pain and pressure

These effects make it easier for mucus to drain and provide significant relief from sinus infection discomfort. What are some effective heat therapy methods for sinusitis?

Warm Compresses

Applying a warm compress to your face is a simple yet effective way to alleviate sinus pressure. How should you use a warm compress for maximum benefit?

  1. Soak a clean towel or washcloth in warm water
  2. Wring out excess water
  3. Apply the compress to your cheeks and forehead
  4. Leave it in place for 5-10 minutes
  5. Repeat several times a day as needed

For best results, try using a warm compress before bedtime while lying back on a bed or couch. This position allows gravity to assist in draining your sinuses.

Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam is another excellent way to harness the power of heat for sinus relief. How does steam help clear sinuses? The warm, moist air helps to:

  • Loosen mucus
  • Moisturize dry nasal passages
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Improve breathing

You can benefit from steam inhalation through various methods:

  1. Taking a hot shower
  2. Using a facial steamer
  3. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water (with a towel draped over your head)
  4. Drinking hot beverages like herbal tea

For added benefits, consider adding herbs like chamomile or thyme to your steam inhalation routine. These herbs have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance the sinus-clearing effects.

Why Cold Therapy Is Not Recommended for Sinus Infections

While cold therapy can be beneficial for certain conditions, it’s generally not recommended for sinus infections. Why is cold therapy less effective for sinusitis? Cold temperatures can cause:

  • Thickening of mucus, making it harder to drain
  • Constriction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the affected area
  • Potential worsening of sinus infection symptoms

In some cases, alternating between warm and cold compresses may provide relief for certain types of headaches associated with sinus infections. However, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying this approach.

Additional Home Remedies for Sinus Infection Relief

In addition to heat therapy, there are several other home remedies that can help alleviate sinus infection symptoms. Which home remedies provide the most sinus pressure relief?

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is crucial when dealing with a sinus infection. How does proper hydration help? Adequate fluid intake:

  • Thins mucus secretions, making them easier to expel
  • Prevents dehydration, which can worsen symptoms
  • Supports overall immune function

Opt for water, herbal teas, and clear broths. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation, also known as nasal lavage or a neti pot, can be highly effective in managing sinus infection symptoms. How does nasal irrigation work?

  • Flushes out excess mucus and irritants from the nasal passages
  • Moisturizes dry nasal tissues
  • Reduces inflammation and congestion

To perform nasal irrigation:

  1. Prepare a saline solution using distilled water and salt
  2. Tilt your head to one side over a sink
  3. Pour the solution into one nostril, allowing it to drain out the other
  4. Repeat on the other side
  5. Gently blow your nose to remove any remaining solution and mucus

Always use sterile or distilled water for nasal irrigation to prevent introducing harmful bacteria or parasites into your nasal passages.

Humidification

Using a humidifier can provide significant relief from sinus infection symptoms. How does a humidifier help with sinusitis?

  • Adds moisture to the air, preventing nasal passages from drying out
  • Thins mucus, making it easier to expel
  • Reduces inflammation in the nasal and sinus tissues
  • Improves overall breathing comfort

When using a humidifier, be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which could worsen your symptoms.

Dietary Considerations for Sinus Infection Relief

Your diet can play a role in managing sinus infection symptoms. Which foods can help alleviate sinusitis discomfort?

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can provide temporary relief from sinus congestion. How do spicy foods help clear sinuses?

  • Stimulate mucus production and thinning
  • Promote nasal drainage
  • Contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties

Some beneficial spicy foods include:

  • Wasabi
  • Horseradish
  • Jalapeños
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Onions

While the relief from spicy foods may be temporary, it can provide welcome respite from congestion and pressure.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet may help reduce sinus inflammation and support overall immune function. Which foods have anti-inflammatory properties?

  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
  • Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
  • Turmeric
  • Green tea
  • Olive oil

These foods can complement other sinus infection remedies and support your body’s natural healing processes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Sinus Infection

While many sinus infections can be managed at home, there are instances when medical attention is necessary. When should you consult a healthcare professional for sinusitis?

  • Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
  • You develop a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
  • Your symptoms worsen after initially improving
  • You experience severe facial pain or headaches
  • You notice changes in your vision
  • You develop symptoms of a more serious infection, such as neck stiffness or severe swelling around your eyes

A healthcare provider can determine if your sinus infection is viral or bacterial and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics if necessary.

Prevention Strategies for Future Sinus Infections

While it’s not always possible to prevent sinus infections, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. How can you prevent future sinus infections?

  • Practice good hand hygiene to avoid introducing viruses and bacteria to your nasal passages
  • Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep nasal passages moist
  • Avoid known allergens and irritants that can trigger sinus inflammation
  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Manage allergies effectively with appropriate medications or immunotherapy
  • Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and flowing
  • Use saline nasal sprays or rinses regularly to keep nasal passages clear

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections.

In conclusion, heat therapy is generally more effective than cold therapy for managing sinus infection symptoms. Warm compresses, steam inhalation, and other heat-based remedies can provide significant relief from congestion, pressure, and pain associated with sinusitis. Combined with proper hydration, nasal irrigation, and dietary considerations, these home remedies can help you manage sinus infections more comfortably. However, always consult with a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or persistent, as medical intervention may be necessary in some cases.

Should You Use Heat or Cold for a Sinus Infection? – Sniff Relief

Sinuses are cavities in the bones around your face and above your eyes. Colds or allergies can make them swollen and filled with mucus. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is caused by bacteria or a virus. Over-the-counter medications are often enough to clear it up, but the pressure, pain, and other symptoms can be harsh. There is, however, another effective sinusitis treatment—heat.

Believe it or not, heat is a natural nasal decongestant. Cold from an ice pack can cause mucus in your sinuses to thicken, making your symptoms worse. Heat can be used in various forms:

Warm compresses: A heated towel on your face can help relieve pressure, and a washcloth works well, too. Apply it to your cheeks and forehead to help ease the swelling and throbbing sensation. Before bedtime, lie back on a bed or couch and keep the cloth over your face for five to ten minutes for the best results.

Steam it out: The steamier, the better. That’s why a shower or a cup of hot tea works. When you breathe in the steam, the heat loosens up the mucus and the moisture relieves dryness. A hot shower is also great for stuffy sinuses, as the steam easily passes to your lungs and nasal passages.

Steam treatment: Hot water and tea are a great combination for steaming out your sinuses. Boil some water, and add an herb such as chamomile or thyme. Let it cool a bit, and pour the liquid into a bowl. Put a towel over your head, with your face over the bowl, and breathe deeply—the warm steam will eventually start to provide relief.

Humidify: Although it doesn’t contribute heat, a humidifier can clear your sinuses and relieve pressure so you can sleep. Moist air is generally effective at clearing stuffiness. Saline nose sprays work in a similar way, but they contain compounds that help break up mucus and ease swelling.

Spice it up: The heat doesn’t always have come from the temperature. Spicy food is known for clearing up congestion. The relief may be temporary, but wasabi or horseradish, jalapeno, spicy ginger, onion, or garlic work for even severe congestions, if you want to know how to drain your sinuses naturally.

Care for your cilia: The tiny hairs in your nasal passages move bacteria and toxins toward the throat so they can be swallowed and digested. Thick mucus can impair movement. Hot compresses increase blood flow, loosen mucus, and help improve cilia movement. Hydration is helpful, with tea and saline solutions useful in stimulating cilia.

Get a mask: Applying the natural benefits of heat for sinus pressure and congestion, the Sniff Relief face mask offers a comfortable fit and eight temperature settings. You can even use it before bed—an automatic shut-off is included so the heat won’t stay on long. The mask molds around the shape of the nose for maximum comfort.

Order a Sniff Relief from our website today, or contact us online for more information.

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Sinusitis Dos and Don’ts

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on March 06, 2022

If you’re worried that you may spread sinusitis to classmates or co-workers, breathe easy. It isn’t contagious. Go back to your normal activities if you feel well enough.

If you do it when you’ve got sinusitis, you raise your chances of ear pain and other complications. But if you really need to take a flight, yawn and swallow when the plane is on the way up after takeoff or heads back down before landing. That will help keep the tubes from your throat to your ears clear. You can also try this: pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, and gently blow your nose.

Do your head and face hurt? Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can make it better. Decongestant nasal sprays can open up your stuffy nose, but don’t use them for more than a few days. Over time they could make your symptoms worse.

Drink plenty of fluids during a bout of sinusitis. Something warm like herbal tea can hit the spot. Studies show a steaming mug isn’t just a psychological comfort. Hot liquids can help break up that stuffiness in your nose.

You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer. Even though booze is a liquid, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.

Moist heat can relieve your sinus pressure, open up those blocked passages in your nose, and ease pain. Hold a wet towel against your face or breathe in steam through a cloth. A hot shower will help loosen mucus.

Cool mist can make you less stuffy, but make sure you keep the water clean. Empty the tank every day and wash it out before you refill it. Once a week you’ll need to clean it with diluted bleach or vinegar to keep mold and bacteria away.

Study results are mixed, but it does appear that chlorine in pools can irritate the passageways of your nose. If you feel well enough to exercise and want to swim, use nose clips.

The fancy name for this is “nasal lavage.” You clean the inside of your nose with a sterile solution. You can find squeeze bottles specially sold for this purpose or use a neti pot. Make sure you use distilled or sterile water or boiled water after it’s cooled down.

Your goal is to soothe your sinuses, not inflame them. So avoid places that have cigarette smoke, and stay indoors when air pollution levels are high. If you’re a smoker, quit. Your tobacco habit makes it more likely you’ll get another round of sinusitis.

It’s OK to exercise if you feel up to it, but take extra precautions. Sinusitis can cause dizziness and problems with coordination, so don’t lift weights until your symptoms improve. If you feel pressure in your chest, sit out until you feel better. When you have trouble breathing, it can overtax your heart.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) Thinkstock

2) Getty

3) Thinkstock

4) Thinkstock

5) Getty

6) WebMD

7) Thinkstock

8) Getty

9) WebMD

10) Thinkstock

11) Getty

 

SOURCES:

Kidshealth. org: “When Sinuses Attack,” ” Sinusitis.”

Familydoctor.org: “Sinusitis.”

CDC: “Sinus Infection,” ” Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work.”

National Jewish Health: “Mold Allergy: Proper Humidifier Care.”

Saketkhoo, K., Chest, October 1978.

Deitmer, T. Laryngorhinootologie, April 1990.

Ondolo, C. Acta Otorhinolarnygologica Italica, June 2009.

Mayo Clinic: “Chronic Sinusitis,” ” Airplane Ear.”

Harvard Medical School Patient Education Center: “Sinusitis.”

Marshfield Clinic Health System: “Exercising with a Sinus Infection.”

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Rhinosinusitis (sinusitis) | Dikul Center

Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. Sinus infections most often develop after a cold or after an allergy flare-up.

There are 4 types of sinusitis:

  • Acute. Symptoms last no more than 4 weeks and resolve with proper care.
  • Subacute. Symptoms do not go away immediately after treatment and last for 4 to 8 weeks.
  • Chronic. Chronic sinusitis develops after repeated or poorly treated acute infections. Symptoms may last for more than 8 weeks.
  • Recurrent. If a patient has 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis per year within a year, then this sinusitis is called recurrent.

Sinuses are cavities or air-filled pockets that are located near the nasal passage. The sinuses secrete mucus, which cleans the inhaled air of bacteria and particles. Most often with sinusitis, the maxillary sinuses become inflamed and sinusitis develops.

A sinus infection may develop after a cold. Cold leads to inflammation of the nasal passages. Swelling of the sinus mucosa can block the opening of the sinuses and lead to infection. Allergies also lead to swelling of the tissues of the nose, the formation of more mucus and cause sinusitis.

Other possible causes that can lead to sinusitis include:

  • Abnormalities of the nose
  • Enlarged adenoids
  • Diving and swimming
  • Infections of the teeth
  • Injury to the nose
  • Foreign objects lodged in the nose
  • Passive smoking

If the flow of mucus is blocked, this can lead to bacterial growth and thus a sinus infection or sinusitis. The most common viruses and bacteria that cause sinusitis can also cause the flu or certain types of pneumonia.

Chronic sinusitis develops when inflammation persists for more than 3 months and there is resistance to conservative treatment.

Persistent swelling of the mucosa prevents normal drainage of the sinuses, mucus discharge is disturbed and nasal congestion becomes permanent. There is also difficulty breathing through the nose, and the area around the eye sockets may feel swollen or painful.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by conditions such as nasal polyps, mucosal edema, infections. Chronic rhinosinusitis can develop in both adults and children.

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:

  • Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
  • Deviated septum – can cause narrowing or blockage of the sinus passages, exacerbating the symptoms of sinusitis.
  • Complications of other medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other diseases associated with the immune system can lead to nasal congestion.
  • Respiratory tract infections. Respiratory tract infections — most commonly the common cold — can cause inflammation and thickening of the sinus membranes and block the flow of mucus. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
  • Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block the sinuses.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are:

  • Inflammation of the nose
  • Thick, colorless nasal discharge (runny nose)
  • Posterior throat drainage (postnasal drainage)
  • Nasal obstruction resulting in difficulty in breathing through the nose
  • Pain, soreness and possibly swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
  • Decreased sense of smell and taste

Other symptoms may include:

  • Ear pain
  • Headache
  • Pain in the upper jaw and teeth
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath
  • Fatigue

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar symptoms. But acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection often associated with a cold. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis last for at least 12 weeks, and a person may have several episodes of acute sinusitis before chronic sinusitis develops. An increase in temperature may be associated with acute sinusitis and is not characteristic of chronic sinusitis.

When should I see a doctor?

You need to make an appointment with a doctor if:

  • The patient has had sinusitis several times and this condition is not curable.
  • The patient has symptoms of sinusitis that last more than 10 days.
  • Symptoms do not improve after medical treatment.

Seek immediate medical attention if the patient has the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious infection:

  • Severe fever (fever)
  • Swelling or redness around the eyes
  • Severe headache
  • Forehead edema
  • Confusion
  • Double vision or other visual disturbances
  • Neck stiffness

Complications

Serious complications of sinusitis may include:

  • Vision problems. If a sinus infection spreads to the eye socket, it can lead to visual impairment or possibly blindness, which may be permanent.
  • Infections. Rarely, people with sinusitis may develop inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis), bone infections, or serious skin infections.

Prevention

The following steps should be taken to reduce the risk of sinusitis:

  • Avoid upper respiratory tract infections. Avoid contact with people with acute respiratory infections or other infections. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
  • Control symptoms if allergic. If possible, avoid contact with substances to which you are allergic.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air pollutants can irritate and inflame the lungs and nasal passages.
  • Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as if you have forced-air heating, humidifying the air can help prevent sinusitis.

Diagnosis

The physician may first determine the patient’s symptoms and then examine and palpate the nose and face for swelling or tenderness. Your doctor may also examine your nose and throat.

Methods for diagnosing sinusitis include:

  • Medical imaging methods. Diagnostic methods such as CT or MRI can show a detailed picture of the nose and sinuses and reveal the presence of morphological signs of inflammation, tumors, fungal infections, which is difficult to see with an endoscope.
  • Endoscopy. A thin, flexible tube with fiber optic light inserted through the nose allows the doctor to see the inside of the sinuses. Endoscopy allows the doctor to see a deviated septum, polyps, or tumors.
  • Allergy testing. If allergies are suspected as the cause of chronic sinusitis, a doctor may recommend an allergy test. A skin test is safe and quick to perform and can help determine which allergen is causing the patient’s runny nose.
  • Analysis of nasal and sinus secretions (cultures). Analysis is necessary if treatment is not effective. The analysis will identify the bacterial agent and determine the sensitivity to antibiotics.
  • Blood tests and additional investigations are needed when complications are suspected.

Treatment

Treatment of sinusitis includes:

  • Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat chronic inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone. If the sprays are not effective enough, your doctor may recommend rinsing with a saline solution mixed with budesonide drops or using a nasal spray from the solution.
  • Nasal rinsing with nasal sprays or saline solutions can reduce secretions and wash away irritants and allergic components.
  • Oral or injectable corticosteroids. These medicines are used to relieve inflammation in severe sinusitis, especially if the patient has nasal polyps.
  • Allergy medicines. If your sinusitis is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy medications.
  • Antifungal treatment – needed if sinusitis is caused by fungi.
  • Medicines for nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. If a patient has nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis, a doctor may prescribe an injection of dupilumab or omalizumab to treat the condition. These medications help reduce the size of nasal polyps and reduce nasal congestion.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are needed for sinusitis caused by bacteria. If a doctor cannot rule out an underlying infection, an antibiotic may be recommended, sometimes along with other medications.

Immunotherapy

If allergies contribute to sinusitis, then immunotherapy can reduce the body’s response to certain allergens and improve the condition.

Surgery

In cases where conservative treatment fails and there is a high risk of complications, surgical methods of treatment may be used. As a rule, endoscopic methods of treatment are used. Surgery allows you to restore the patency of the nasal passages – correct the septum, remove polyps, expand the narrow opening of the sinus, which ultimately significantly improves the drainage of the sinuses and eliminates congestion.

Lifestyle and home remedies

At home, the following methods can be used to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis:

  • Rest. This can help the body fight inflammation and speed up recovery.
  • Moisturize the sinuses.
  • Warm compress. A warm compress on the nose and forehead can help relieve sinus pressure.
  • Flush nasal passages. To do this, you must use a special vial with saline. This washing will clear the sinuses.

Mucus in throat and nose with bad smell!

Foul-smelling mucus in the nose and throat is most often caused by a sinus infection (sinusitis) or post-nasal syndrome (mucus dripping down the nasopharynx into the throat). Since under these conditions a favorable environment is created for the reproduction of bacteria in the mucus, which leads to the addition of a fetid odor or an unpleasant aftertaste.

The chronic form of sinusitis manifests itself in thick discharge that has an unpleasant odor and taste. Congestion or inflammation inside the nose is a symptom of rhinitis, which is most often the cause of post-nasal syndrome, when mucus drains from the nasopharynx into the throat.

The thick mucus is an ideal breeding ground for the anaerobic bacteria responsible for bad breath (known as halitosis). Dentists claim that brushing your teeth does not eliminate bad breath caused by mucus dripping from your nose.

Foul-smelling mucus associated with a temporary cold or allergic reaction can be effectively treated with a variety of home remedies that focus on loosening, thinning, and drying up secretions. A well-known method of correcting the problem is to drink plenty of warm drinks, such as soups and herbal teas.

Treating the sources of excess mucus production and eliminating the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria that thrive in this kind of environment is the best way to prevent and get rid of mucus or bad breath associated with nasopharyngeal drainage.

Although rare, some may develop green or black crusts inside the nose that bleed and produce a foul odor. This is a sign of a disease such as chronic atrophic rhinitis (ozena).

Sinusitis is a common cause of an inflamed and blocked nasal passage, and can cause foul-smelling mucus. This is a condition in which the lining of the paranasal sinuses becomes inflamed. The inflammation and swelling is usually caused by a viral infection and often improves within two or three weeks.

This is a very common disease. In temperate countries, it affects about 5-15% of the adult population each year.

Sinuses (nasal sinuses) are small air pockets that are located in the forehead, cheekbones and eyes.

They protect the body by capturing microbes. Bacteria or allergens can cause too much mucus to be secreted, which can block the opening of the sinuses. So most people will experience a runny nose with a cold or allergies.

A buildup of mucus can promote the growth of microbes in the sinus cavity, leading to bacterial or viral infections. Most of them are viral and can go away in a week or two without treatment. The accumulation of secretions in the nasal passage and throat can cause bad breath and foul-smelling mucus.

Corticosteroid drops or spray may be used to treat these inflammations. Corticosteroids, also known simply as steroids, are a group of medications that can help reduce inflammation. If swelling or inflammation persists, the doctor may prescribe another treatment option.

Other symptoms, such as stuffy nose, can be treated with a warm compress, and pain can be relieved with pain relievers. Sometimes antibiotics may be used to treat a mild bacterial infection that accompanies sinus inflammation.

Signs and symptoms:

  • Thick and greenish nasal discharge
  • Nasal congestion that causes difficulty in breathing
  • Pain, swelling, tenderness and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
  • Severe headache
  • Ear pressure
  • Fever and fatigue.

Tonsillitis

Another possible cause is tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, the oval pads of tissue at the back of the throat. Symptoms of the disease include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

Tonsillitis is often caused by a virus, and a bacterial infection can sometimes cause swelling. The correct treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease. Therefore, in order to receive proper treatment, it is necessary to establish a diagnosis quickly and accurately. A doctor may recommend surgery when bacterial tonsillitis occurs too often, does not respond to other treatment options, or has other serious complications.

Inflammation can affect other areas of the throat, such as the adenoids and lingual tonsils. There are various variations of the disease: acute, recurrent and chronic course. In all three variants, sore throats and problems with swallowing are observed.

Postnasal syndrome

Nasopharyngeal runoff, also known as postnasal drip, occurs when there is excessive secretion of the nasal mucosa. Excess mucus builds up in the throat or back of the nose. It is responsible for hydration and also helps to trap and destroy foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses before they can cause an infection.

In normal secretion, the mucus is invisible, it mixes with saliva and flows harmlessly behind the throat, and the person swallows it. When the body produces more of it, and it becomes thicker than usual, it becomes more noticeable. This usually occurs with inflammation, most often during rhinitis.

The accumulated mucus also provides a good breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad breath. When the excess secretion comes out of the nostrils, it causes a runny nose when it runs down the back of the throat – this is called post-nasal syndrome.

The problem can be caused by colds, the flu, allergies, sinus infections, pregnancy, or a change in the weather.

Depending on the diagnosis, possible treatments include:

  • Antibiotic to treat bacterial infection
  • Surgery for chronic sinusitis
  • Medicines and spray against allergies
  • Antacid when the problem is gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, uneven growths on the nasal mucosa. They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurrent infection, allergic reactions, and drug sensitivities or immune disorders.

Small polyps are asymptomatic, but large lesions or a group of polyps can lead to breathing difficulties due to blockage of the nasal passage, and in some cases loss of the sense of smell and frequent infections. Although they are more common in adults, they can affect a person at any age.

A doctor may prescribe medication to shrink or eliminate nasal polyps, but sometimes surgery is required to remove them. They may often return even after consistent treatment. Unlike polyps, which form in the colon or bladder, nasal polyps are rarely cancerous. They are also not painful to the touch.

Symptoms:

  • Runny nose
  • Annoying snoring
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Severe headaches and facial pain
  • Pain in upper teeth
  • postnatal syndrome.

Inflammatory nasal discharge in adults with odor

In adults, a common cause of foul-smelling mucus is rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal passage. This condition is known to cause runny nose and nasal discharge.

Rhinitis can be temporary, when caused by an allergic reaction, or chronic, when symptoms continue for more than six weeks. In moderate cases of congestion, the condition may improve on its own, in chronic or severe cases, it is necessary that the doctor diagnose the condition and prescribe treatment.

In an adult, another common cause of the problem can be sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind the forehead, eyes, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose. They filter the air they breathe, using mucus to trap dirt, bacteria, and other potentially harmful particles.

The sinuses become inflamed or swollen during infections or allergic reactions. The accumulation of mucus creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to a foul-smelling bacterial infection.

Infection of the sinuses of the nose is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Bad breath
  • Sore throat
  • Thick yellow or green mucus appearing in the nose or throat
  • Cough, especially at night
  • Dullness of taste and smell.

Mild cases of the problem in adults may improve on their own. In severe cases caused by allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or postnasal syndrome, immediate medical attention is recommended. People with allergies or weak immune systems are most likely to develop a sinus infection.

Treatment includes not only control and management of symptoms, but also getting rid of the underlying cause of the disease. For allergic rhinitis or sinus inflammation, it is important that a doctor diagnoses the problem and prescribes the necessary medications. Thus, the risk of complications can be minimized.

After a medical examination, treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the disease or the severity of the symptoms.

Antibiotics

Sinusitis caused by a viral infection does not require antibiotic treatment. For a bacterial infection, an oral antibiotic may be used. It can be suspected in facial pain, pus-like nasal discharge, and other symptoms that persist for more than a week. An infection may also be suspected when the condition does not respond to other medications.

Acute bacterial infection is treated with antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics work by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause a sinus infection. When they are used for treatment, it must be remembered that:

  • Number of days of antibiotic use depends on general health
  • The choice of drug depends on the reaction of the body to it
  • You can use the medicine with another drug, such as decongestant

Decongestant

A nasal spray can quickly help relieve congestion and swelling. There are many such tools on the market.

But they also have their drawbacks, through which they cannot be used for more than a few days. Most decongestant sprays contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which causes toxic reactions in the nose, eyes, ears, and lungs and can aggravate allergic rhinitis symptoms. Thus, immediately the drug with this substance in the composition will be effective, but when the symptoms return within a day or two, they will be worse than before the application.

Nasal steroid spray

Nasal steroid sprays are commonly used drugs that are used to relieve swelling in the nose. The medicine can also be used for allergies such as hay fever. Steroid sprays are also good for relieving symptoms of inflammation caused by other conditions.

A nasal corticosteroid spray reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passage. It may also be effective in relieving associated symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itching or swelling of the nasal passage.

Analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs

Paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs can be used to help control fever and headaches that may accompany swelling and inflammation. Various brands of pain relievers can be found in pharmacies.

Surgery for chronic sinusitis

Sometimes surgery may be performed due to a complication of sinusitis, which may include pus formation in and outside of the sinus. The purpose of the operation is to drain the sinuses:

Surgery does not always completely fix the problem, some people will need a second operation. When treating a swollen, infected nasal passage, surgery is more effective when used with another medicine.

Folk remedies

Peppermint oil.

It is suitable for oral and topical use and has antimicrobial properties. Along with lavender, peppermint oil may be one of the most versatile essential oils in the world.

Drinking warm liquids can also help keep your body temperature normal.

and relieve some cold symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.

Salt.

You can also try rinsing, or even better, washing the nasopharynx with salt. It has strong antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that help fight bacterial infections in the mouth.

Ginger.

Although the root of this plant does not help to stop the excretion process itself, it can help get rid of the mucus that remains after the disease is cured. It is an ancient remedy that has been used in many cold and cough medicines.