What to Do and When to See a Doctor

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Remedies and Treatments for Sinus Infection Pain
• When to See a Doctor

A sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by a virus or bacteria creating swelling in the nasal passages. Oftentimes, sinus infections come with or after a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. Viral and bacterial sinus infections sometimes require different treatments.

The sinuses are a group of hollow spaces surrounding your nose and above and between your eyes. Normally filled with air, the sinuses can get blocked and filled with fluid — which gives bacteria the chance to grow and cause an infection (bacterial sinusitis).

Sinus infection pain, which affects millions of people in the United States each year, can include uncomfortable nasal blockage, cloudy or colored mucus, and facial pain or pressure. Other symptoms are cough, fever, loss of energy, and tooth pain. Sinus infections can be either acute or chronic.

• Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks, but typically improves in a week to 10 days. 
• Chronic sinusitis may last up to 3 months and can linger for years. The causes of chronic sinusitis can be hard to determine, as are the appropriate treatments. 

There are several effective home remedies and treatments for sinus infection pain. Many remedies are available over-the-counter at a low cost.

Common sinus infection treatments include:

Allergy Medicines

Many cases of sinusitis are linked to uncontrolled allergies. If you have allergies, taking medications like antihistamines (drugs to treat allergies) and avoiding allergens can help treat your sinusitis symptoms.

Decongestants

Decongestants ease sinus infection pain by allowing fluid to release and drain from the nasal passage tissue. These medications are available as over-the-counter (OTC) tablets or as prescription liquids.  

Steam Inhalation

If your sinuses are blocked, it can help to moisten your sinus cavities by inhaling steam. Doing so loosens the blocked mucus and allows it to drain. Try draping a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of hot water. Alternatively, you can take a hot shower or bath, breathing in the warm, moist air.

Nasal Irrigation

This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses. Nasal irrigation can clear sinus drainage from the nose to make it easier to breathe. It also thins the mucus in your nose, reduces inflammation, and washes away irritants in the nasal passages.

Saline rinses require sterile water, which can be either boiled or purchased. To avoid introducing additional bacteria to the nasal passages, keep your Neti Pot (a common nasal irrigation tool) clean between uses.

Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays

Nasal corticosteroid sprays help prevent and treat inflammation and excess mucus in the nasal passages. They also treat polyps (non-cancerous nasal growths).

Extended use of nasal decongestant sprays may cause the return of more severe congestion (rebound congestion), so only use them for a few days. Because prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don’t cause a rebound effect, they are recommended for use on a daily basis.

Bioelectronic Sinus Device 

A bioelectronic sinus device works by using microcurrents to stimulate nerve fibers in your sinuses. It helps reduce sinus inflammation, pain, and congestion and can be bought over-the-counter. 

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Advil), can help with the pain and pressure that comes with sinusitis. However, studies show some patients ultimately experience worsened symptoms and recurrent infections after taking NSAIDs for sinus pain. Talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter pain medications to treat your sinus pain.

Rest

Try to get at least 8 hours each night and rest your body as much as possible. This will help your body fight the infection and speed up your recovery. People often recover from sinus infections without medical interventions. Give your body time to heal.

It’s time to see a doctor if you have:

• A fever lasting longer than 3 to 4 days
• Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or migraine, or facial pain
• Symptoms that get worse after initially improving
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement

It’s important to properly diagnose viral and bacterial sinusitis because antibiotics may be necessary for a bacterial infection, but they cannot treat a viral sinus infection. Only your doctor can differentiate between acute bacterial sinus infection and a viral sinus infection.

If you have heart, kidney, or liver disease, your healthcare provider may consider a different treatment. 

If you feel worse or your symptoms do not improve with the antibiotic treatment after 7 days, you should call your doctor to reevaluate.  

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How to Relieve Sinus Pain & Pressure: 13 Tips from an ENT Doctor

May 25, 2021 Written by: Michael Menachof Categories: Sinus

Dr. Menachof, MD, has specialized in conditions around the head, throat, ear, nose, neck and face for over 20 years, and was the first to bring sublingual allergy drops to Colorado in 2005. He has been recognized as a Fellow by multiple academies, named one of America’s Top Facial Plastic Surgeons continually since 2003 and is featured in multiple national publications.

Sinus pain and pressure can make you feel like your head is about to explode. Experiencing this pressure on a regular basis can be frustrating and even limit your daily lifestyle. Most causes of sinus pain, such as sinusitis, will resolve themselves within seven to ten days, but those with symptoms for any longer should consider getting help from an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) expert.

Rest assured, there are a variety of prescription and at-home remedies that can help relieve your sinus pain and pressure. Dr. Michael Menachof, a leading ENT specialist, has created a list of 13 ways to help alleviate your painful sinuses and head pressure.

What Causes Sinus Pain and Pressure?

There are several different conditions or causes that may be the source of your sinus pressure and pain. Sinus infections are the most common cause of intense sinus pain, but other causes and contributing factors include allergies, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and respiratory infections.

When your sinuses are affected by one of the triggers above, the nasal and sinus passages can become swollen and filled with fluid. This fluid has difficulty draining when the sinuses are inflamed, which causes the pressure and often pain that many suffer from. If this inflammation and fluid build-up continues, bacteria can develop and cause a sinus infection, or sinusitis.

Sinus infections can be acute, meaning they last for a shorter length of time and usually heal within the expected seven to ten days. When sinus infections last or recur for several months on end, this is called chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis usually means there is an underlying root cause that needs to be addressed, such as allergies or deviated septum.

Symptoms of Sinus Pain and Pressure

When you experience sinus pain and pressure, there are likely other symptoms that come along with it. If your discomfort is being caused by a sinus infection or allergies you may also experience related symptoms like exhaustion, sore throat, and headache.

Common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Headaches
• Facial pain or pressure
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Post nasal drip
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Bad breath
• Difficulty sleeping

13 Tips to Relieve Sinus Pain & Pressure

Steam

Breathing dry air can dry out your sinuses, which makes your sinus pressure and pain worse. Breathing in steam helps to moisten your nasal and sinus passages, and also thins out mucus so your sinuses can drain more easily. Taking a hot shower to breathe in the steam can help you reduce your sinus pressure and pain, which can also work well before bed to get a better night’s sleep. You can also inhale steam from hot water in a bowl or mug to help reduce sinus swelling.

Saline Flush

A saline wash uses a solution of distilled water and salt to flush out the nasal passages, which can help break up mucus and add moisture to the sinuses. A Neti pot is a popular type of saline flush therapy, also known as nasal irrigation, which has been used effectively for centuries. Using a saline flush regularly can help keep your sinuses properly drained, which will help you avoid sinusitis pain and pressure. Saline solution is also available as a nose spray to help clean out the nasal airways.

Nasal Spray

Over the counter decongestant sprays can sometimes work to keep your nasal passages moist and your sinuses clear. Be careful when choosing a nasal spray, as some sprays can be harmful if used for a longer period of time. For example, Afrin and similar nasal sprays should only be used for a maximum of 3 days, otherwise symptoms can actually worsen. On the other hand, sprays like fluticasone become more effective the longer you use them.

Rest

Getting good rest helps your body fight any infection and speeds up your recovery from inflammation. Sleep cues the body to release hormones that stimulate tissue growth and white blood cell production, which means your body is more effective at healing, attacking bacteria, and fighting viruses. Try to avoid activities or beverages that over-stimulate the body (exercise, caffeine, alcohol, etc.) before bed so you can get the most refreshing sleep possible. Natural sleep aids like melatonin can help if you need them.

Spice

Eating spicy foods can help to thin out mucus and clear your nasal passages. Adding hotter peppers, hot sauce or wasabi to your meal regularly can keep your sinus draining well, which helps alleviate and avoid sinus pressure.

Humidifier

Using a humidifier or vaporizer in your home, especially while you sleep, can add moisture to the room and help reduce sinus congestion. Dry air and tobacco smoke can irritate the mucous membranes in your nose, causing inflammation and creating an environment perfect for infection. Be sure to properly and regularly clean your humidifier or vaporizer, or else bacteria in the water may get into the air and make your sinus symptoms worse.

OTC Medication

Over the counter medications like decongestants and antihistamines can help temporarily reduce sinus swelling and pain if the root cause of the issue is allergies. These medicines can also reduce other related symptoms like coughing and post-nasal drip. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen may also help with pain and swelling caused by sinusitis, but be sure to confirm they won’t react with any prescription medicines or natural remedies you may be taking already.

Vitamins

Vitamin C is key. Increasing your intake of vitamin C can help you fight off sinusitis faster, reduce your inflammation, and even reduce the duration of your sinus infection or symptoms. Make sure your diet includes a well-rounded balance of veggies and fruits to ensure you are getting your vitamins naturally.

Avoid Triggers

If you have had sinus infections before you likely start to see a pattern for when your congestion and sinus pressure starts to build. If you have seasonal allergies, this is likely a trigger for sinus issues and you should start taking antihistamines or using a saline flush before allergy season hits, not once you already start to feel symptoms. The same goes for other specific allergies like hay, dust, and pet dander. An ENT specialist can help you determine exactly what your allergy triggers are, if this is unclear.

Elevate Your Head

Elevating your head slightly while you sleep can help you avoid sinus symptoms like congestion, pressure and pain. Laying flat allows mucous to build up in your nasal passage and increase nasal obstruction, which often disrupts your breathing and sleep cycle. Propping your head up slightly with a pillow to keep your head above your heart will help your sinuses drain properly and let you sleep more comfortably.

Hydrate

Dehydration makes your nasal passages dry out, which can increase irritation, inflammation and pressure. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day reduces sinus blockage and keeps your nasal passages happy. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during the day and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages which can dehydrate the body. Water is an excellent choice for hydration, but other good choices include broth, tea, ice cubes, and water-based fruits and vegetables.

Relaxation Techniques

Sinus pressure can cause you to feel pain or tension in your head and face. Alternative therapy methods such as Biofeedback can teach you to control certain parts of your body to help you relieve this pressure. This technique has been proven successful to relieve headaches and tension using breathing exercises, yoga, and guided meditation.

Exercise

Exercise can reduce sinus pressure and tension by increasing blood flow, which can temporarily relieve congestion and speed up any healing from infection or damage. While it can feel uncomfortable to exercise when you are under the weather, it can actually help alleviate your symptoms faster.

Get Long Term Relief

While all of the tips above can help reduce your sinus pain and pressure, it is important to realize that these are all temporary relief suggestions that are focused on treating the symptoms – not the underlying cause of your sinus issues. If you experience ongoing sinus symptoms and infections, visit an experienced ENT specialist to get to the root of your sinus issues and find long-lasting relief. Treating your allergies with immunotherapy or expanding your airways with balloon sinuplasty may be options for you to consider to find freedom from sinus symptoms. Book a consultation now to speak with an ENT expert.

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The state of bradycardia is one of the types of arrhythmia, when the heart rate per minute does not exceed 60. Bradycardia can be a normal variant in professional athletes, but more often it accompanies a disorder of cardiac function. Bradycardia is characterized by weakness, fainting, loss of consciousness, pain in the heart, the appearance of cold sweat, lability of blood pressure. With a heart rate of less than 40 beats / min, they speak of the development of heart failure, and patients need to implant a pacemaker.

Regardless of the type and severity of bradycardia, the pathogenesis is based on the inability of the sinus node to provoke electrical impulses more than 60 beats per minute. The initial and middle degree does not cause hemodynamic disorders. The mechanism of development of bradycardia is due to two principles:

• violation of impulse generation;
• violation of impulse conduction.

In the first case, they talk about the development of sinus bradycardia. The impulse originates in the sinus node, the activity of which is completely dependent on external factors, therefore, sinus bradycardia is practically not associated with organic pathologies of the heart. Violation of impulse conduction largely depends on the work of the myocardium, cardiac departments and the conduction system.

A rare heart rhythm in most cases leads to hypoxia, a lack of blood supply. ICD-10 does not distinguish between categories or subspecies of bradycardia. The degree of development of pathology has clinical significance:

• 0–I degree. Cardiologists do not distinguish the initial stage of bradycardia. The condition, as a rule, is transient, is regulated after lifestyle and nutrition correction. Without a special examination, a person does not suspect a decrease in heart rate, an ECG, EchoCG is required. The prognosis is favorable.
• II degree. Moderate bradycardia is characterized by a decrease in heart rate to 40–50 beats. The stage is more typical for professional athletes or the elderly.
• III degree. A decrease in heart rate to 40 beats per minute leads to the development of dangerous symptoms: seizures and epileptic seizures.

Severe bradycardia requires correction. Otherwise, heart failure develops, death occurs from cardiac arrest.

Symptoms

Clinical manifestations occur in violation of hemodynamics and circulatory disorders. As soon as problems begin with the saturation of the tissues of the body and the brain with oxygen, the patient experiences the following symptoms :

• weakness, malaise;
• faintness;
• pain in the sternum;
• impaired respiratory function;
• decreased visual acuity.

With progressive bradycardia, there are episodes of confused consciousness, a decrease in concentration. The most dangerous symptom of bradycardia is the Morgagni-Adems attack – convulsions lasting from 30 to 60 seconds. The condition requires medical intervention, since with an increase in the time of the attack there is a risk of developing respiratory failure.

Diagnostic measures

The diagnosis of bradycardia is not in doubt. In order to clarify the heart rate and the threat to life, it is enough to conduct electrotocography, ultrasound of the heart (EchoCG). If necessary, a number of clarifying studies are prescribed: a biochemical blood test, a general urinalysis, an analysis of the sugar level. Bradycardia can be suspected by the results of auscultation, but this method alone is not enough.

First aid

If there is a patient with bradycardia in the family, it is important for relatives to understand how to help when an attack occurs. When the pulse drops to critical values, the following measures are shown:

• give strong black tea or coffee to drink;
• brew a strong decoction of belladonna or ginseng;
• help lie on your back, raise your head and legs;
• Give a Nitroglycerin or Isadrine tablet under the tongue.

If it is difficult for the patient to breathe, it is necessary to free the chest from clothing, to provide fresh air to the room. If after 5-10 minutes there is no relief, the patient began to complain of burning and pain behind the sternum, cold perspiration covers his forehead, it is important to urgently call an ambulance. While the brigade is on the way, the patient is helped to collect documents and things for hospitalization.

Treatment strategy

Treatment of bradycardia is situational. Tactics is chosen based on the survey data, the study of the life and clinical history of the patient. Initial and moderate degrees of bradycardia do not require medical correction in the absence of clinical manifestations. With persistent bradycardia, dynamic monitoring is indicated in order to respond in a timely manner to a deterioration in the condition.

The indication for the start of corrective treatment is a slowing of the heart rate, hemodynamic disturbances, the development of angina pectoris, the addition of typical manifestations of severe bradycardia with episodes of convulsions, loss of consciousness, arrhythmia. The main drugs for stabilizing heart rate are drugs based on caffeine, ephedrine, isoprenaline. From herbal preparations, the roots of Eleutherococcus, ginseng, belladonna infusion help. If bradycardia is caused by intoxication, elimination of the provoking factor is indicated.

In severe cases, the patient is shown the installation of a pacemaker. Implantation of the device allows you to maintain an optimal level of heart rate, at which hemodynamics is stable. Surgical treatment is indicated only with a persistent decrease in heart rate, when there is a significant effect on hemodynamics, the quality of life of the patient worsens, there is a real threat to life and health.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for timely therapy and adequate monitoring of patients with bradycardia is favorable. Five-year survival reaches 95%. An unfavorable prognosis is made with organic damage to the heart and cardiac structures. The installation of a pacemaker significantly improves the quality of life of patients with bradycardia. Such patients need to be monitored by a cardiologist, ECG and echocardiography at least 1 time in 3 months, and when the condition stabilizes – at least 2 times a year.

Prevention of complications is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. It is important to exclude bad habits, especially smoking and drinking alcohol, negative factors (harmful production, poor living conditions).

Be sure to exclude hypodynamia, go in for sports. Physical activity is unacceptable only in cases where bradycardia is caused by pathology and is incompatible with stress. In other cases, therapeutic exercises only improve the general condition. Patients are recommended to adjust the diet, sleep and rest, normalize the psycho-emotional background.

Why can you feel pain?

What causes jaw pain?

Most jaw pain is due to an abnormal or damaged jaw joint, but there are other possible causes.

Some of the causes of jaw pain are:

1. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders

This disorder is the most common cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joints are the articulations on each side of your jaw.

Several causes can cause jaw pain.

Causes Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders include:

• pain from the muscles that control jaw movement
• jaw joint injury
• overstimulation of the jaw joint
• displaced disc that usually helps soften jaw movement
• guard disc arthritis that softens no jaw joint

Damage to the jaw joint or the muscles that control your jaw movement can be caused by several factors, including:

• grinding one’s teeth at night
• involuntarily clenching the jaw due to stress and anxiety
• trauma to the jaw joint, such as a blow to the face while playing sports

There are also less common causes of jaw pain.

2. Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches usually cause pain behind or around one of the eyes, but the pain may radiate to the jaw. Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches.

3. Sinus problems

The sinuses are air-filled cavities close to the jaw joint. If the sinuses become infected with germs, such as a virus or bacteria, the result can be excess mucus that puts pressure on the jaw joint, causing pain.

4. Toothache

Occasionally, serious dental infections, known as dental abscesses, can cause said pain that radiates to the jaw.

5. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition most commonly caused by nerve compression in the trigeminal nerve that provides sensation to most of the face, including the upper and lower jaws.

6. Heart attack

A heart attack can cause pain in areas of the body other than the chest, such as the arms, back, neck, and jaw. In particular, women may experience jaw pain on the left side of their face during a heart attack. Call 911 immediately and ask them to take you to the hospital if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• chest discomfort
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• nausea
• feeling weak

Relief of jaw pain 90 003

For immediate relief of pain in the jaw

Apply ice packs : place ice in plastic bag, wrap it in a thin cloth and apply on the face for 10 minutes. Then take it off for 10 minutes before reapplying. Other option – Wipe a cloth with warm water and place it on the jaw area. Heat can relax overactive jaw muscles and relieve pain. You may need to re-wet the compress with hot water to keep warm.

Be careful not to burn your face. If you feel the compress is too hot or too cold, remove everything from your face.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, among others, can help relieve pain temporarily. But be aware of the possible consequences of self-medication. It’s better to see a doctor.

Massage the affected joint : With your index and middle fingers, press on the painful areas of the jaw, for example, right in front of the ear where the jaw joints meet. Rub in circular motions for 5-10 turns, then open your mouth and repeat the exercise. Massaging the muscles on the side of the neck can also help relieve tension.

If you have constant pain in your jaw. Possible pain management strategy:

Stress Reduction: Try stress relief to reduce painful jaw clenching. They may include:

• yoga
• walking
• a hobby that calms you down
• meditation

These activities can help you reduce jaw pain caused by stress.

Avoid Chewable Foods : Foods that are chewy, hard, or crunchy can put too much strain on the jaw joint and cause further pain and discomfort. Some foods to avoid include:

• apples and carrots
• jerky
• chewing gum
• ice
• nuts

Avoid caffeine 9008 8: Your morning cup of coffee can contribute to muscle tension, which can be increased with caffeine. Avoiding large amounts of caffeine and caffeinated teas can help reduce jaw pain over time, but you may initially feel muscle tension as a result of caffeine withdrawal when you go off the diet.

Medical management of jaw pain

Most physicians will first recommend non-invasive treatments for jaw pain. If your jaw still hurts after applying these methods, you should talk to your dentist. You may need further intervention to relieve pain.

Mouthguard : A mouthguard is a plastic dental protector that fits over your upper or lower teeth and fits your mouth. Although you can buy one from a drug store, your dentist will make you one that may fit better and last longer. Wearing a mouthguard before bed can help you.

Botox injections : More invasive treatments include cosmetic Botox injections. When injected into the jaw muscles, the botulinum toxin found in Botox can prevent jaw muscles from contracting, possibly helping to relieve jaw pain.

Jaw surgery : In very rare cases, a doctor will recommend jaw surgery to correct problems. This treatment is usually reserved for people with severe pain and pain that is related to structural problems in the jaw joint.

At the clinic “Axioma Dent” in Troyeschina , you will be helped to monitor the health of the teeth of your entire family.

Consult with your general dentist for free in dentistry at Troeschina Axioma Dent, Zakresvkogo 97-A. Kyiv.

Specialists will diagnose the problem and be able to determine the cause of the symptoms.