Sinus pain and pressure relief. 9 Acupressure Points for Sinus Pain Relief: Natural Remedies for Sinus Pressure
How can acupressure help relieve sinus pain and pressure. What are the most effective acupressure points for sinus issues. How to perform acupressure at home for sinus relief.
Understanding Acupressure for Sinus Relief
Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. For those suffering from sinus pain and pressure, this ancient technique may offer a natural and drug-free alternative for relief. But how exactly does acupressure work for sinus issues?
Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture, targeting specific points along energy meridians in the body. Instead of using needles, gentle pressure is applied using fingers, thumbs, or blunt objects. While scientific evidence supporting acupressure for sinus relief is limited, many people find it helpful for managing symptoms.
Benefits of Acupressure for Sinus Problems
- May help relieve sinus pressure and pain
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Can be performed at home
- Low risk of side effects
- May provide relief for associated symptoms like headaches
Key Acupressure Points for Sinus Relief
There are several acupressure points that are particularly beneficial for addressing sinus issues. Here are some of the most effective points to target:
1. LI20 (Large Intestine 20)
Located on either side of the nostrils where the nose meets the cheeks, the LI20 points are excellent for relieving sinus pressure. To stimulate these points, apply gentle pressure with your index fingers for about 3 minutes.
2. BL2 (Bladder 2)
The BL2 points are found in the small depressions between the bridge of the nose and the inner corner of the eyebrows. Applying pressure here can help alleviate sinus pressure and eye discomfort.
3. Yintang (GV24.5)
Often referred to as the “third eye” point, Yintang is located between the eyebrows. This single point is particularly effective for addressing stuffy or runny noses and sinus headaches.
Techniques for Applying Acupressure at Home
Performing acupressure at home is relatively simple, but it’s important to use the correct technique for optimal results. Here are some tips for applying acupressure effectively:
- Use firm but gentle pressure
- Apply pressure for at least 3 minutes on each point
- Use your fingers, thumbs, or a blunt object like a pencil eraser
- Repeat the process several times throughout the day
- Consider using a mirror to help locate the points accurately
Is there a specific pressure technique that works best? While simply pressing on the points can be effective, some people find that gently rubbing or rotating their fingers in a circular motion over the area provides additional relief.
Additional Acupressure Points for Comprehensive Sinus Care
Beyond the primary points mentioned earlier, there are several other acupressure points that can contribute to overall sinus health and relief:
4. SI18 (Small Intestine 18)
Located just below the cheekbones on either side of the nose, the SI18 points are particularly useful for addressing swollen sinuses and runny noses.
5. GB20 (Gallbladder 20)
Found at the base of the skull in the grooves where the neck muscles attach to the head, the GB20 points can help with sinus-related headaches and watery eyes.
6. LI4 (Large Intestine 4)
This point, located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, is connected to the large intestine and may help alleviate facial pain and headaches associated with sinus issues.
Combining Acupressure with Other Sinus Relief Methods
While acupressure can be an effective standalone treatment for sinus relief, combining it with other natural remedies may enhance its effectiveness. Consider incorporating these complementary approaches:
- Steam inhalation with essential oils
- Nasal irrigation with a neti pot
- Staying hydrated
- Using a humidifier
- Applying warm compresses to the face
How can these methods work synergistically with acupressure? By addressing sinus issues from multiple angles, you may experience more comprehensive and lasting relief.
When to Seek Professional Help for Sinus Issues
While acupressure can be a helpful tool for managing sinus discomfort, it’s important to recognize when professional medical attention is necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:
- Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
- You experience severe pain or headaches
- You develop a high fever
- There’s a change in vision or swelling around the eyes
- You notice green or yellow nasal discharge
Can acupressure be used alongside conventional medical treatments? In most cases, acupressure can be safely used in conjunction with other treatments, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider first.
The Science Behind Acupressure for Sinus Relief
While anecdotal evidence supports the use of acupressure for sinus relief, the scientific backing is still emerging. Current research on acupressure’s effectiveness for sinus issues is limited, with many studies having small sample sizes or methodological limitations.
However, some studies have shown promising results for acupressure in managing related conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and hypertension. The low-risk nature of acupressure makes it a viable option for those seeking natural remedies, even if the scientific evidence is not yet conclusive.
Potential Mechanisms of Action
How might acupressure work to alleviate sinus symptoms? While more research is needed, some proposed mechanisms include:
- Stimulation of nerve pathways that influence pain perception
- Promotion of local blood circulation
- Release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving compounds
- Reduction of inflammation in the sinus cavities
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Acupressure
To get the most out of your acupressure practice for sinus relief, consider these helpful tips:
- Consistency is key – practice acupressure regularly for best results
- Create a relaxing environment to enhance the therapeutic effects
- Be patient – it may take time to notice significant improvements
- Listen to your body and adjust pressure as needed
- Consider learning from a trained acupressure practitioner for proper technique
How long should each acupressure session last? While a minimum of 3 minutes per point is recommended, some people find longer sessions of 10-15 minutes more beneficial.
Exploring Other Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches for Sinus Health
Acupressure is just one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that may benefit sinus health. Other TCM practices that could complement acupressure include:
- Herbal medicine
- Dietary therapy
- Qigong exercises
- Cupping therapy
How do these practices work together in TCM? Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health, viewing these various practices as interconnected ways to balance the body’s energy and promote overall wellness.
Acupressure for Prevention: Maintaining Sinus Health
While acupressure is often used for symptom relief, it may also play a role in preventing sinus issues. Regular practice of acupressure, even when not experiencing symptoms, might help maintain sinus health and reduce the frequency of sinus problems.
Preventative Acupressure Routine
Consider incorporating these points into a daily preventative routine:
- LI20 for general sinus maintenance
- Yintang for stress relief and sinus health
- GB20 for headache prevention and overall well-being
How often should preventative acupressure be performed? A daily routine of 5-10 minutes, focusing on these key points, may help support ongoing sinus health.
Addressing Common Concerns About Acupressure
As with any health practice, people often have questions and concerns about acupressure. Let’s address some common queries:
Is acupressure safe for everyone?
While generally safe, acupressure may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, such as pregnancy complications or bleeding disorders. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new health practice.
Can acupressure cause side effects?
Side effects are rare but may include temporary soreness at pressure points or mild dizziness. If you experience any discomfort, reduce pressure or discontinue use.
How long does it take to see results?
Results can vary widely between individuals. Some people report immediate relief, while others may need several days or weeks of consistent practice to notice significant improvements.
Integrating Acupressure into Your Daily Routine
Making acupressure a regular part of your self-care routine can help maximize its benefits for sinus health. Here are some ways to incorporate acupressure into your daily life:
- Practice acupressure during your morning or evening skincare routine
- Use acupressure techniques while taking breaks at work
- Combine acupressure with deep breathing exercises for stress relief
- Teach family members so you can practice together
How can you remember to practice regularly? Setting reminders on your phone or associating acupressure with specific daily activities can help establish a consistent routine.
The Future of Acupressure Research for Sinus Relief
As interest in complementary and alternative medicine grows, so does the potential for more robust research into acupressure’s effects on sinus health. Future studies may focus on:
- Larger, randomized controlled trials
- Comparison of acupressure to standard treatments
- Long-term effects of regular acupressure practice
- Combination of acupressure with other therapies
What might these studies reveal about acupressure’s efficacy? While it’s impossible to predict with certainty, further research could provide more concrete evidence for acupressure’s role in managing sinus issues and potentially uncover new applications or techniques.
Conclusion: Embracing Acupressure as Part of a Holistic Approach to Sinus Health
Acupressure offers a natural, accessible, and potentially effective way to address sinus pain and pressure. While scientific evidence is still emerging, the low-risk nature of this practice makes it a viable option for those seeking alternative or complementary approaches to sinus relief.
By understanding and regularly practicing acupressure techniques, you may find significant relief from sinus discomfort and potentially improve your overall sinus health. Remember to approach acupressure as part of a holistic health strategy, combining it with other beneficial practices and seeking professional medical advice when necessary.
As you explore the world of acupressure for sinus relief, remain open to its potential benefits while maintaining a balanced perspective on its role in your overall health care routine. With patience, consistency, and a willingness to listen to your body, you may discover that acupressure becomes an invaluable tool in your quest for sinus comfort and well-being.
9 Pressure Points for Sinus Issues
Some people use acupressure to provide sinus pain relief. A person can visit a licensed therapist or try it at home by applying gentle pressure to specific points on the face and other areas.
Acupressure is one way to help relieve sinus pressure and other symptoms. This traditional treatment is similar to acupuncture and even uses the same points.
But instead of needles, pressure is placed at specific points on your face and body using your hands and fingers.
This article covers the application of acupressure for sinus relief and how to perform it at home.
Some people believe acupressure and acupuncture can help treat acute and chronic pains.
Limited research suggests that in addition to treating chronic pain, acupressure may also help manage other conditions such as anxiety, hypertension, and insomnia. However, studies are often of low quality or small sample sizes.
While some people use acupressure to treat sinus pain and other conditions, support for the practice remains largely anecdotal. However, acupressure as a practice is of low risk, so it may be worth trying even though evidence of efficacy is minimal.
Using the following steps, people can try acupressure for sinus pain relief at home.
- Use a mirror to help you find the points on your face.
- Apply firm but gentle pressure on the points for at least 3 minutes each. You can use your fingers, thumbs, or a thin, blunt object, like the eraser tip of a pencil.
- Repeat throughout the day for several days.
People can press on the acupressure points or gently rub or rotate their fingers in a circular motion over the area.
Here are the main acupressure points for sinus relief and how to find them:
LI20
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The large intestine 20 (LI20) acupressure points are found on the face, on both sides of the base of your nose. To relieve sinus pressure:
- Find the area where your nose joins your cheeks.
- Press one finger on your face at either side of your nostrils.
BL2
Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The bladder 2 (BL2) pressure points are located between the bridge of your nose and the inner side of your upper eyelid. To relieve pressure in your sinuses and around your eyes, try this:
- Using both hands, place your index fingers above the bridge of your nose.
- Slide your fingers into the tiny hollows between your eyebrows and nose.
- Rest your fingers here. You should be able to feel the firmness of your brow bone.
Yintang
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Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The acupressure point GV24.5 is better known as Yintang. It’s often called the third eye point because it’s located between the eyebrows. This single acupressure point helps to relieve a stuffy or runny nose and sinus headache pain. To find it:
- Place one or two fingers between your eyebrows.
- Find the area just above the bridge of your nose, where your forehead connects to the nose.
- Apply pressure or rub the area for a few minutes.
SI18
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Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The small intestine 18 (SI18) points are on both sides of your nose, just below the cheekbones. These points are used to help soothe swollen sinuses and a runny nose. To locate them:
- Place your index finger from both hands at the outer edge of each eye.
- Slide your fingers down until you can feel the bottom of your cheekbones.
- This area should be about level with the lower edge of your nose.
- Press on these points at the same time or one at a time.
GB20
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Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The gallbladder 20 (GB20) points are on the back of your head. They’re located in the grooves at the back of your head, where your neck muscles attach to your head.
These acupressure points are used for sinus pressure symptoms, like headache and watery eyes, and cold and flu symptoms. Here’s how to find them:
- Clasp your hands together behind your head.
- Slide your thumbs up and down to find the grooves behind your ears at the base of your skull.
- Apply pressure here using both of your thumbs.
LI4
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Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The He Gu or large intestine 4 (LI4) points are on the back of your hands. They’re connected to the large intestine and may help to soothe headaches and facial pain from sinus problems. Apply pressure to the LI4 points on your hands, one at a time.
The points are about a half inch from the crease between your thumb and hand. Here’s how to find them:
- Hold your hand up so that the thumb side is facing you.
- Find the area where your thumb connects to your hand.
- Keep your thumb close to your hand. Look for where the muscle between your thumb and index finger bulges out. One way to find it is to bring your thumb up against your index finger, which will cause a mound to form on the back of your hand. Place the opposite thumb or another finger on this mound.
- Relax your hand again, and apply pressure to this area using the finger of your opposite hand.
LU5
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Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The lung meridian 5 (LU5) points are located inside each elbow. These points help to relieve sinus congestion and pressure, which may help relieve pain and a runny nose. The LU5 points are also linked to your lungs and breathing. To find them:
- Hold your arm stretched out in front of you so that your palm is facing up.
- Find the crease on the thumb side of your inner elbow.
- This is where your forearm muscle dips slightly as it connects to your elbow.
- Press on the area.
- Repeat and switch arms.
LU9
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Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The lung meridian 9 (LU9) points can be found inside each wrist. They’re used to relieve throat symptoms from a sinus infection. Here’s how to find them:
- Hold your hand up in front of you so that your palm is facing you.
- Find the crease where your hand connects to the wrist.
- Place your finger on the crease just below your thumb.
- Repeat and switch hands.
Liv3
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The liver 3 (Liv3) or Tai Chong pressure points are on your feet, just back from your big toes. People believe these points have links to the liver and can help to relieve headaches and pain around your eyes. To find them:
- Sit down with your knees bent and your feet in front of you.
- Place your finger in the area between your big toe and the next toe.
- Slide your finger up your foot about two finger widths. This is where the pressure point is located.
- Press at this spot. Apply pressure on both feet simultaneously or one at a time.
Using acupressure can sometimes help ease pain and other symptoms right away. You may feel the pressure lifting slightly as you apply pressure on the specific points.
You may need to continue the acupressure treatment for several days before you feel anything. Pressure shouldn’t be painful or bruise the area.
Learn more about inducing labor via acupressure here.
If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, talk with your doctor before trying acupressure points. Limited research suggests that acupressure can cause cervical changes pre-labor.
The sinuses are hollow spaces or cavities in the bones around the nose. Your sinuses make mucus or fluid. The mucus drains into your nasal cavity (nose) and the back of your throat. This keeps your nose moist and removes dust, allergens, and germs.
There are four pairs of sinuses connected to your nose:
- Maxillary sinuses, behind the cheekbones on each side of your nose
- Frontal sinuses, above your eyes near the forehead
- Ethmoidal sinuses, air cells between the eyes and the bridge of your nose
- Sphenoid sinuses, near the optic nerve behind the eyes, close to the center of the head
Acupressure may help your sinus symptoms. It can’t cure a serious infection. You might still need antibiotic treatment if you have a bacterial sinus infection. A virus like the flu or a cold can also cause a sinus infection.
If allergies cause your sinus symptoms, it may help to avoid allergen triggers like pollen and dust. Ask your doctor about the best over-the-counter medications for allergy relief.
You may need to apply pressure on the points several times a day for several days before you find relief from sinus symptoms.
Sinus Headache: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
A sinus headache occurs when the sinus passages behind your eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead are congested. This causes pressure and pain. You might experience sinus headaches on either or both sides of your head.
The International Classification of Headache Disorders no longer uses the term “sinus headache” because the term was too broad. But the term is still widely used by doctors and patients.
Other types of headache can feel similar to sinus headache, but a true sinus headache is rare. Sinus headache results from a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinuses, called sinusitis.
Sinus headache can happen seasonally if you have allergies, or only occasionally when your sinuses become triggered for some other reason. There are herbal remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, and prescription medications you can take to treat sinus headache.
Sinuses in head
The paranasal sinuses are hollow spaces in your skull around your eyes and nose. They serve to decrease the weight of your head, add resonance to your voice, protect your face against trauma, and control temperature inside your nose.
The sinuses also produce mucus, a thin liquid that traps bacteria, viruses, and allergens, preventing them from reaching the rest of your body. If too much mucus builds up, the trapped particles can cause a sinus infection or sinusitis.
The sinuses are prone to infection. They share a lining with your nose, so infections in the nose can easily spread to the sinuses.
Symptoms of inflamed sinuses accompany sinus headache. These symptoms include:
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- green or yellow nasal discharge
- weakened sense of smell
- an uncomfortable pressure behind your forehead
- pain getting worse when you lean forward
- fever
What does sinus pressure feel like?
Pain or pressure is felt not just in your head, but anywhere in the sinus area. Where you feel pain depends on which sinuses are affected.
While pressure is most common behind and around the eyes, nose, and cheeks, it can extend forward to the teeth and backward to the back of the head. These areas will often be sensitive to touch.
Sometimes sinus headache can also give you a feeling of fatigue or aching in your top jaw. Redness and swelling of the cheeks, nose, or forehead can occur.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, 50 percent of migraine misdiagnoses start with a person thinking they have sinus headache. Up to 90 percent of people who go to the doctor for sinus headache find out they have migraine instead.
People with migraine may develop symptoms similar to sinusitis, like a runny nose or congestion. Migraine headaches also cause pain along the trigeminal nerve, which interacts with the sinus passages. People experiencing migraine may think this pain is related to the sinuses.
If you don’t have any of the symptoms that come specifically with a sinus headache, you may be experiencing a migraine. Migraine is treated differently from sinus headache. Symptoms specific to migraine include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- sensitivity to light and sound
If you’re experiencing symptoms specific to migraine, you’re likely experiencing a migraine attack and not a sinus headache.
Sinusitis directly causes sinus headaches, so they share the same causes and triggers. These include:
- Viral infection. This is the most common cause of sinusitis and sinus headache. About 90 percent of people who who get a cold end up experiencing symptoms of sinusitis.
- Bacterial infection. This often occurs after a viral infection and can cause symptoms to last longer.
- Fungal infection. This may occur more often in people who are immunocompromised.
- Seasonal allergies. Allergies that last an extended period of time can cause the sinuses to become inflamed. This is called rhinitis, or hay fever.
- Structural differences. Things like nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, or a deviated septum can prevent the sinuses from draining properly.
Doctors often recommend letting sinus infections resolve on their own. It’s actually best practice for adults not to receive medical treatment for acute sinusitis unless they experience certain symptoms, like fever, severe pain, or infection that lasts more than 7 days.
You can connect to a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
Home remedies
If you have a sinus headache, thinning out the congestion trapped in your sinuses may help. Try running a humidifier or irrigating your sinuses with a saline solution to cleanse the area.
Breathing in steam may also help. Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the area of your sinuses may promote drainage and relieve pressure.
OTC options
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation says that doctors may recommend some OTC medications to help manage symptoms. But these drugs don’t address the underlying inflammation that causes the pain you feel.
Analgesics like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can dull the pain you feel from a sinus headache. They also may treat other symptoms, like an achy jaw or fever. If your sinus headache gets worse or continues over the course of several days, discontinue using analgesics and speak with your doctor about what’s going on.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) won’t help clear your sinuses but may provide short-term relief from nasal congestion. Topical decongestants like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can cause rebound congestion after 3 days. Don’t take a decongestant for more than 3 days without talking with your doctor about your sinus blockage.
Prescription medications
If a sinus infection is causing your sinus headache, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, mucolytics (medications that clear your mucus), and decongestants. But your doctor won’t prescribe antibiotics unless you’re experiencing complications from sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection.
If it’s allergies causing your headaches, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroid shots.
Alternative treatments
There are alternative treatments that may help relieve sinus headache. Bromelain, a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple juice, may thin nasal secretions. Some evidence also suggests that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may bring relief to cases of long-standing rhinitis but more research is needed.
If you have a serious sinus infection, it’s important to remember that these treatment methods won’t cure the condition or provide instant relief.
The risk factors for sinus headache are the same for getting a sinus infection. Anyone can get them, but certain habits or health conditions can increase your risk. These include:
- structural differences, like a deviated septum or nasal polyps
- weakened immune system, sometimes as a result of chemotherapy
- cystic fibrosis, which causes mucus to build up in the respiratory system
- history of allergies
- nasal exposure to toxins like tobacco smoke or cocaine
- overuse of nasal decongestants
If you have reoccurring headaches as a symptom of sinusitis or seasonal allergies, you may need to consider prescription medication to manage the condition.
Lifestyle changes to reduce congestion, like avoiding allergens and incorporating aerobic exercise into your routine, might decrease how many headaches you get.
In cases of chronic sinusitis, a nasal surgery like a balloon sinuplasty might be the only way to stop getting more sinus headaches.
In rare cases, complications around the eye area can happen, resulting in the area being swollen and inflamed. This may even affect your vision.
If you have a high fever that persists, discolored nasal discharge, rattling in your chest, or difficulty breathing, see your doctor about these symptoms. While a sinus headache might seem like a harmless health condition, it’s important to determine its cause.
If you feel pressure or pain around your sinuses, don’t jump to the conclusion that you have a sinus headache. Take careful note of your symptoms and check for other signs of a sinus infection, like a fever or green nasal discharge.
If your sinus pain doesn’t subside, speak to your doctor about the pressure behind your eyes, forehead, or cheeks. There’s an array of treatment options that can help you find relief from your discomfort.
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses: description, symptoms and treatment
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and sinusitis
Definition, symptoms and treatment
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses: the head rattles, the person is languishing
Sinusitis – the younger brother of the common cold
A harmless runny nose can develop into inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, or sinusitis. If secretions cannot drain due to swelling of the nasal passages, they become trapped. Mucus accumulates in the sinuses, where it can easily lead to inflammation. You may be familiar with this typical headache, which is especially noticeable when the head is tilted forward. This pain is a clear signal that the secretion cannot drain properly. The paranasal sinuses are blocked, which contributes to the spread of the pathogen in this area. To prevent the development of a runny nose into sinusitis, timely treatment is recommended to eliminate the accumulation of mucus and regenerate dry and partially damaged nasal mucosa.
Symptoms of acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
First of all, it is associated with the head
In case of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, a runny nose and stuffy nose usually accompany headaches. The symptoms are a pronounced pressing feeling in the head, especially when bending forward or when pressing on the affected areas. Fever, lethargy, and visual disturbances are also possible but rare. Sometimes there is also visible swelling of the affected areas. If you suspect sinusitis, see your doctor.
Where are the paranasal sinuses located?
Examination of the caves of the skull
Sinusitis can affect a single sinus or all at once. In the second case, doctors talk about “pansinusitis”. If only one paranasal sinus is inflamed, then the pain occurs in a certain characteristic place. For example, with inflammation of the frontal sinus, the forehead area is especially sore, while patients with inflammation of the maxillary sinus feel discomfort in the infraorbital region.
Frontal sinus (Sinus frontalis): in the frontal bone on the left and right above the bridge of the nose, above the eyebrows
Sphenoid sinus (Sinus sphenoidalis): behind the cells of the ethmoid bone, in the so-called sphenoid bone
Ethmoid labyrinth ( Sinus ethmoidalis): It consists of many small cavities, cells of the ethmoid bone. They are located in the ethmoid bone between the nose and the inner corner of the eye.
Maxillary sinuses (Sinus maxillaris): in the maxillary bone on both sides of the nose, near the palate and upper jaw
Causes of acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
When you are fed up
Whether it is a runny nose, nasal polyps (benign growths of the nasal mucosa) or deviation of the septum (deviated nasal septum): all these phenomena lead to the fact that nasal breathing is difficult, discharge from the nose cannot drain, and the nasal airways become clogged more quickly. The openings (orifices) through which the paranasal sinuses connect to the nasal passages are closed. And the formation of viscous mucus provides an optimal environment for the reproduction of cold-causing viruses and accelerates the development of inflammation.
Causes of chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
Lasts longer than one season
If the inflammation lasts longer than twelve weeks, we are talking about chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Chronic sinusitis can develop due to untreated acute sinusitis or lack of treatment. Symptoms of the disease are very similar to acute sinusitis: increased mucus production, nasal breathing restriction, facial pain and headache. Chronic sinusitis usually affects the maxillary sinus and ethmoid cells, less commonly the frontal sinus and sphenoid sinus.
In severe disease with the development of a bacterial infection, antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed. Inhalations with essential oils (such as cineole) are beneficial. Irradiation with red light can also help with chronic sinusitis. Treatments range from cortisone nasal sprays to surgery to remove nasal polyps or straighten the nasal septum.
Did you know that…?
Red light treatment works in the following way: the light provides a slow, steady increase in temperature, which first reaches the outer layers of the skin and then penetrates into the deeper layers of the tissue. This process has the following effect:
- Increases the metabolic activity in the tissues targeted by the therapy.
- Increases local circulation.
- Muscles relax.
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What helps with sinusitis?
Drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you have sinusitis. Ideally, you should drink two to three liters of fluid. Herbal tea or still mineral water is best. In addition, your immune system needs rest and sleep to heal from sinusitis.
Tea as a home remedy for inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
We recommend our unique recipe
All ingredients can be bought in herbal and diet stores:
- 20 g of myrtle
- 20 g marjoram
- 20 g Linden
- 10 g meadowsweet/meadowsweet
- 10 g elderberry
- 10 g rudbeckia
- 10 g peppermint
Application:
- Brew tea in proportion: one tablespoon of tea mixture per cup
- Leave for 10-15 minutes
- Then strain and drink
- Inhale the vapors of tea – essential oils additionally eliminate nasal congestion
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Pain in the sinuses of the nose: causes, symptoms, treatment
Very often, when something hurts, they first resort to home remedies. Sometimes they bring relief, but do not always solve the problem. If symptoms or suspicion of sinusitis appear, it is better not to delay and contact an ENT doctor as soon as possible. ENT symptoms should not be underestimated as if left untreated they can lead to problems with hearing, smelling or speaking.
Why do my sinuses hurt?
Pain in the sinuses does not always mean that they are inflamed, but be careful. If your sinus problems are not treated quickly and completely, they can become chronic. People are susceptible to this disease, especially after a cold, flu, or respiratory infections.
Allergics and asthmatics, as well as people with a deviated septum, are more likely to experience sinus problems. Interestingly, one of the reasons may be inflammation of the teeth or caries. It is also common to experience pain in the sinuses, for example, as a result of swimming or diving, polluted air or adverse weather. However, the main symptom that causes sinus pain is sinusitis, or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.
Sinus symptoms
Depending on which part of the sinuses is inflamed, the symptoms may vary slightly. The most characteristic of these include: nasal congestion, purulent discharge, loss of smell and facial pain, especially around the base of the nose and forehead, which additionally radiates and intensifies when bending over. In addition, there may be fever, headache, lack of appetite, and malaise. If symptoms persist for several days or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
Is an ENT examination painful?
One of the most frequently asked questions before a visit to the doctor – will it hurt? So, the answer is no, a visit to an ENT doctor is usually painless. The examination of patients with sinus pain begins with a detailed interview. In some cases, in-depth diagnostics may be required, i.e. x-ray or CT. X-rays are the simplest and most affordable solution, but CT scans are much more accurate, and most importantly, give doctors detailed information. Perhaps the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses. These studies are not painful, but are necessary to determine the further treatment of the patient.
Medical therapy
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for sinusitis. There are many groups of antibiotics, the doctor determines the need for indications, the presence of concomitant diseases, the cause of inflammation.
Additional medicines for sinusitis:
- Vasoconstrictor drugs (drops, nasal sprays) to relieve mucosal edema, vasoconstriction
- Antihistamines if there are signs of an allergic reaction to relieve swelling
- Painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- local antiseptics (washing the nose with a solution of furacilin), sea water, saline)
- for chronic sinusitis, course use of sprays based on glucocorticoids is possible (on the recommendation of a doctor)
Home treatment
If the sinusitis is in the acute stage, drinking plenty of warm water can relieve the condition by reducing swelling and moisturizing the mucosa.
Other recommendations available:
- Warm humid air, use of a humidifier is possible
- Nasal wash and gargle
- Observe daily routine
- Proper nutrition without eating a lot of sweets and carbohydrates.
- Alcohol may cause swelling of the nasal mucosa.