How can you alleviate sinus pain at home. What are the most effective methods for sinus pressure relief. Is it possible to distinguish between sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms. Which home remedies are recommended by experts for sinus congestion.

Understanding Sinus Pain and Its Causes

Sinus pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by throbbing headaches, pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, and often accompanies illnesses like the common cold or sinusitis. But what exactly causes this discomfort?

Sinus pain typically occurs when the sinuses – air-filled cavities in the skull – become inflamed or blocked. This can be due to various factors:

• Viral infections (like the common cold)
• Bacterial infections
• Allergies
• Environmental irritants
• Structural issues in the nasal passages

When these cavities fill with fluid and become inflamed, it leads to the characteristic pressure and pain associated with sinus issues. Understanding the root cause of your sinus pain can help in choosing the most effective relief method.

The Warm Compress Method: A Time-Tested Remedy

One of the most popular and effective home remedies for sinus pain is the use of a warm compress. But how does it work?

Applying a warm compress over your eyes and nose helps to warm the nasal passages. This warmth aids in loosening mucus, which can provide significant relief from sinus pressure. The process is simple:

1. Soak a clean cloth in warm water
2. Wring out excess water
3. Place the warm cloth over your eyes and nose
4. Relax and breathe deeply for 3-5 minutes
5. Repeat as needed throughout the day

For enhanced effectiveness, you can alternate between warm and cold compresses. Apply the warm compress for three minutes, followed by a cold compress for 30 seconds. This alternation can help stimulate blood flow and further reduce inflammation.

Steam Inhalation: Boosting the Warm Compress Effect

To amplify the benefits of the warm compress method, consider combining it with steam inhalation. Adding a few drops of Vicks VapoRub to hot water and inhaling the steam can provide additional relief. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Boil water and pour it into a large bowl
2. Add a few drops of Vicks VapoRub or eucalyptus oil
3. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl to trap the steam
4. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth
5. Continue for 5-10 minutes or until the water cools

This method can help clear significant sinus pressure symptoms by opening up nasal passages and thinning mucus.

Nasal Irrigation: Flushing Out the Problem

Nasal irrigation, often done using a neti pot, is another effective method for sinus pain relief. This technique involves flushing out your nasal passages with a saline solution, helping to remove excess mucus and allergens. But how do you use a neti pot correctly and safely?

First and foremost, it’s crucial to use only distilled or sterile water. Using tap water can introduce harmful bacteria to your nasal passages. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Fill the neti pot with distilled water and the provided salt solution
2. Tilt your head sideways over a sink
3. Insert the spout into your upper nostril
4. Pour the solution in while breathing through your mouth
5. Allow the solution to drain from your lower nostril
6. Repeat on the other side

Remember to clean and sterilize your neti pot before each use to prevent bacterial growth. While nasal irrigation can provide significant relief, it’s important to use this method carefully and not too frequently, as overuse can sometimes lead to irritation.

Spicing Things Up: The Role of Diet in Sinus Relief

Believe it or not, your diet can play a significant role in managing sinus pain. Spicy foods, in particular, have been found to be beneficial. But how exactly do spicy foods help with sinus congestion?

Spicy foods contain compounds like capsaicin, found in chili peppers, which can help clear nasal passages. When you eat spicy foods:

• Your nose starts to run, thinning out mucus
• Blood vessels in your nose dilate, reducing swelling
• Your sinuses may drain more effectively

Some spicy options to consider include:

• Hot and sour soup
• Spicy chicken curry
• Wasabi-infused dishes
• Horseradish-based sauces

However, it’s important to note that if you suffer from acid reflux, you may want to avoid this method, as spicy foods can exacerbate reflux symptoms.

Hydration: The Unsung Hero of Sinus Health

While spicy foods can provide temporary relief, staying hydrated is crucial for long-term sinus health. Proper hydration helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel. But how much should you drink, and what types of fluids are best?

Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day when dealing with sinus issues. In addition to water, consider:

• Herbal teas (especially those with ginger or peppermint)
• Clear broths
• Fresh fruit juices (without added sugar)

Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration. Using a humidifier in your home or office can also help keep your nasal passages hydrated.

The Power of Rest: Why Sleep Matters for Sinus Health

When dealing with sinus pain, one of the most underrated remedies is simply getting enough rest. But why is sleep so crucial for sinus health?

During sleep, your body undergoes several processes that can aid in sinus relief:

• Increased production of infection-fighting antibodies
• Reduced inflammation throughout the body
• Improved drainage of nasal passages

To maximize the benefits of rest for sinus relief:

1. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night
2. Elevate your head slightly while sleeping to promote sinus drainage
3. Create a dark, quiet sleeping environment
4. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime

Remember, pushing yourself when you’re feeling unwell can prolong your recovery time. Listen to your body and give it the rest it needs to fight off infection and reduce inflammation.

Differentiating Sinus Infections from COVID-19

In the current health landscape, it’s natural to wonder whether your sinus symptoms might be related to COVID-19. While there is some overlap in symptoms, there are also key differences. How can you tell them apart?

Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Facial pain and pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Thick, colored nasal discharge

COVID-19 symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue

While some symptoms overlap, particularly with the Omicron variant, the best way to determine whether you have COVID-19 is to get tested. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to the virus, it’s crucial to get tested and follow local health guidelines.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many sinus issues can be managed at home, there are times when professional medical care is necessary. When should you consider seeing a doctor for your sinus symptoms?

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
• You have severe pain or swelling around your eyes or forehead
• You experience a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Your symptoms worsen after initially improving
• You have a weakened immune system or other chronic health conditions

An otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) can provide specialized care for persistent or severe sinus issues, including determining if you have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.

Combining Remedies for Maximum Relief

While each of these remedies can be effective on its own, combining multiple approaches often yields the best results. How can you create a comprehensive sinus relief plan?

Consider this daily routine:

1. Start your day with nasal irrigation using a neti pot
2. Use a warm compress for 10 minutes, followed by steam inhalation
3. Stay hydrated throughout the day, including some spicy foods or drinks
4. Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night
5. Prioritize getting adequate sleep

Remember, consistency is key. Stick to your chosen remedies for several days to experience maximum relief. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Preventive Measures: Keeping Sinus Problems at Bay

While these remedies can provide relief during a sinus flare-up, prevention is always better than cure. What steps can you take to reduce the likelihood of sinus issues?

• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent viral infections
• Use air purifiers to reduce allergens in your home
• Avoid known allergens and irritants
• Keep your nasal passages moist with saline sprays
• Manage stress levels, as stress can weaken your immune system
• Exercise regularly to boost overall health and immunity

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

Sinus pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but with these home remedies and preventive measures, you can find relief and improve your overall sinus health. Remember to listen to your body, be consistent with your chosen remedies, and seek medical attention when necessary. With patience and proper care, you can breathe easier and enjoy life without the burden of sinus discomfort.

Sinus Pain Relief! 5 Ways to Ease the Pain

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8/2/22 in Blog Posts

Your head is throbbing, and you feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead— sinus pain is setting in. Many people deal with sinus pain due to illnesses like the common cold or sinusitis, but how do they find relief? Below, we’ve assembled a few of our top sinus pain relief tips to help you find sinus pain relief at home. Read on for 5 ways to ease the pain! 

How to Relieve Sinus Pain at Home 

1. Use a Warm or Cold Compress 

When you begin to feel sinus pain, apply a warm compress over your eyes and nose. Doing this helps warm the nasal passages, which in turn helps to loosen mucus. You can also place a cold compress on your forehead or eyes to help reduce sinus pressure. Alternating between warm and cold (three minutes warm, 30 seconds cold) may also prove helpful for sinus pain relief. Also, steaming with inhalation Vicks VapoRub in hot water breathing and slowly through the nose and out through the mouth can help clear significant sinus pressure symptoms. 

2. Flush Infection Out with a Neti Pot 

This method must only be used with distilled water, as it includes flushing your sinus passages with a water and salt solution. Using non-distilled water could introduce more bacteria to your body, so it is imperative to use distilled water. It is also important to sterilize your neti pot before each use. 

A neti pot is a small container designed for rinsing your nasal cavity. After combining the provided salt solution with distilled water in the neti pot, you simply tilt your head sideways over a sink, put the container’s spout in the upper nostril and pour the solution in while breathing through your mouth. The saltwater solution will make its way out of your lower nostril. Repeat on the other side. Flushing your sinuses can be a helpful way of finding sinus pain relief. 

3. Spice Things Up 

If you’re experiencing sinus pain, another way to help ease the pressure is eating or sipping on hot, spicy foods or liquids. From heavily peppered hot chicken soup to fiery sriracha, spicy foods can help clear the nasal passages. Foods containing the compound capsaicin, the active ingredient found in chile peppers, have even been shown to help reduce some types of facial pain.   However, if you suffer from acid reflux issues, then he may want to avoid this recommendation in regards to spicy foods.  

4. Stay Hydrated 

Anytime you fall ill, it is vital that you get enough liquids to avoid dehydration. When you feel oncoming sinus pressure, drink lots of fluids, from water to juice to hot soups. At the same time, avoid liquids that include caffeine or alcohol, as both can contribute to dehydration.  

You can also hydrate your nasal passages by using a humidifier or sitting in a steamy room. Steam also works to break up mucus and clear out the sinus cavity. If you decide to use a humidifier, be sure to clean your humidifier frequently with a vinegar/water solution to avoid mold and bacterial growth in the water. 

5. Rest Up! 

Aside from these suggestions, anytime you encounter pain or pressure as a result of a sinus infection, it is extremely important to give your body time to rest and recover. Getting plenty of rest while you’re feeling unwell can help your body fight infection and even speed up the recovery process. Furthermore, taking time to rest in a quiet, dark environment may help you find sinus pain relief. 

Sinus Infection Symptoms vs. COVID-19 Symptoms: What to Know 

With the arrival of COVID-19, you may have noticed that some symptoms do overlap between the novel coronavirus and a typical sinus infection. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 causes particularly similar symptoms, such as congestion, headache and fever.  

The best way to determine whether you have a sinus infection or COVID-19 is to get tested for the coronavirus. If your symptoms are mild and mimic those of a sinus infection, but you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, we advise scheduling a test as soon as possible.   If you test negative for COVID and an your symptoms last more than 3-4 days, then scheduling an appointment with an otolaryngologist (ear nose and throat doctor) would then be helpful to determine if it is a bacterial type infection. 

Reduce Sinus Pressure with These At-Home Remedies  

Anytime you have a cold or sinus infection, you may be vulnerable to sinus pressure and pain. The accompanying throbbing headaches, facial pain and congestion can be debilitating. From keeping hydrated to eating spicy foods and getting plenty of rest, try these at-home lifehacks to help reduce sinus pain.

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5 Best Home Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure

• The best home remedies to get rid of a sinus infection include using a warm compress or humidifier.  
• Also, try breathing in steam or using a neti pot to help clear congestion and ease stuffiness. 
• And like with any illness, staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep is crucial to help you heal.

Sinus infections are one of the main reasons for doctor’s visits in the US, and also one of the most common illnesses for antibiotic prescriptions. 

However, many sinus infections can clear up on their own, without antibiotics. If you have a sinus infection, there are various home remedies you can try for relief. 

What is a sinus infection? 

Sinusitis is the medical term for inflammation of the sinus cavities that are located in your cheeks, behind your forehead, and on either side of your nose. The inflammation traps mucus inside your sinuses, preventing the natural flow from the back of your throat to your stomach.

Yuqing Liu/Insider

When this is caused by bacteria or viruses, it is called a sinus infection. However, sinusitis can also be caused by chronic allergies or nasal polyps. 

The common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Pain and pressure around your forehead, eyes, nose, and cheeks
• Thick nasal discharge
• Reduced senses of smell and taste

More severe symptoms can include: 

• A fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Eye swelling 
• Nausea and vomiting

If you experience these severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention. 

If your symptoms are not severe, the following home remedies may be all you need to relieve the pain and pressure of a sinus infection.

1. Try a warm compress

Applying a warm, moist towel or washcloth to your nose, cheeks, and eyes may help relieve sinus pain by opening up your nasal passages and loosening mucus. You can try doing this for up to 20 minutes at a time, as needed.

Although there are no scientific studies showing the effectiveness of this method, “if somebody feels that a warm compress provides them symptomatic relief without burning their skin, by all means, go ahead and do it,” says Ralph Abi Hachem, MD, assistant professor of head and neck surgery and communication sciences at Duke University School of Medicine.  

2. Invest in a humidifier 

Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which may help reduce inflammation and open up your nasal passages. For a humidifier to be the most effective, Abi Hachem says it should be placed as close as possible to you in the same room so it can deliver the humidity into your nasal cavity. 

It’s also important to keep your humidifier clean to prevent bacteria and fungi from building up in the tank and being released into the air, potentially causing lung problems. To clean your humidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The EPA recommends that you empty the tank and dry all surfaces of the humidifier every day.

3. Breathe in steam 

Similar to a humidifier, breathing in hot, moist steam can help open up your nasal passages and relieve pain and pressure. You can breathe in straight steam or try some herbs to thyme, basil, and eucalyptus to boost symptom relief.

You can try steam inhalation in a couple of ways: 

Steam therapy 

For steam therapy, you can simply take a hot shower and inhale the steam. Another method is to drape a towel over your head and inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes, up to four times a day. 

However, a 2012 article in the British Journal of General Practice notes that this method has no proven benefit and may risk burn injuries, especially for children. 

Steam vaporizer 

Another option is to use a steam vaporizer that uses electricity to heat water and create steam. 

“If you have very thick mucus, it might help make it thinner,” Abi Hachem says. “You should place it relatively close to you, not in one room when you’re in another room.”

Steam vaporizers should not be used around children or pets, since they could be scalded by the steam or by hot water if it tips over.

Although steam vaporizers aren’t as likely as humidifiers to have a mineral buildup, they should still be cleaned each day by emptying the tank and drying all surfaces.

4. Use a neti pot 

You can also rinse and help clear your nasal passages using a neti pot. Known as nasal irrigation, this helps loosen mucus and removes dust, pollen, and other debris.

In fact, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that nasal irrigation is more effective than steam inhalation for improving the symptoms of sinusitis. Participants who used nasal irrigation daily showed improvement after six months, while participants who used steam inhalation did not show improvement.

To safely use a neti pot, follow these steps: 

1. Lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways so your forehead and chin are almost level. This will help prevent the solution from flowing from your nose into your mouth.
2. Insert the spout into your highest nostril. The solution will drain out through your lower nostril. As you do this, Abi Hachem suggests you say the letter “K” to help elevate your palate and prevent the solution from dribbling down your throat.
3. Tilt your head in the opposite direction and repeat these steps.

After each use, rinse the neti pot with distilled water and let it air dry. It’s important to be sure only to use distilled water or tap water that’s been boiled for one minute and then cooled. Tap water contains bacteria that can remain inside your nasal passages and lead to rare, possibly fatal infections. 

You can also purchase a saline solution or make your own. Adding salt to the water prevents burning or irritation when the solution passes through your nasal membranes.

5. Drink lots of water and get adequate rest 

“I recommend drinking a lot of water because it thins the mucus,” Abi Hachem says. While there’s no evidence about the most effective quantity, he recommends drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. 

You can also try drinking hot liquids like tea or soup to temporarily help relieve your symptoms. But you should avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s dehydrating and can worsen your congestion. If you’re taking an antibiotic for your sinus infection, drinking alcohol could increase side effects like upset stomach and drowsiness.  

It’s also important to get about seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help your body rest and recover. “You want to get enough sleep and follow a normal sleep cycle so that all the hormones in your body are maxing out your immune system function,” Abi Hachem says.

Because getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult due to the pain and congestion, you can do the following to help you get more rest:

• Use a neti pot before going to bed to help clear your nasal passages.
• Sleep with your head raised by an extra pillow to help prevent mucus from pooling in your sinuses. 

Insider’s takeaway

It’s important to note that while these home remedies may help relieve your symptoms, they won’t help your sinus infection clear up any faster. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, you should see a doctor. 

Your doctor may also recommend prescription medication, like antibiotics or decongestant sprays, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is a Wharton School graduate, who was a top broker for Merrill Lynch and Paine Webber. After returning from working in Israel as a journalist, she is now freelancing for ABC News, Metro, Jewish Exponent, and Chutzpah magazine. She muses about life at Naked Philadelphian.

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When it is possible and impossible to warm the nose with sinusitis?

1. Sinusitis and heating
2. Warm-up indications
3. Features of the procedure
4. How heat affects
5. Egg warming
6. Salt heating
7. Blue lamp
8. Steaming over potatoes
9. Aroma oil inhalations
10. Other heating methods
11. Contraindications for heating
12. Prevention of sinusitis
13. Recommendations

Sinusitis is a dangerous pathology, which is characterized by rapid development and often severe course. Therapy involves the use of medications, physiotherapy, the use of folk remedies. Often patients ask themselves: is it possible to warm the nose with sinusitis?

Sinusitis and heating

Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses is a fairly common disease, which can be determined by a number of signs:

• nasal voice;
• heaviness, fullness in the cheekbones and bridge of the nose; areas of the nose.
• deterioration in general well-being;
• pain in the nose; pain on palpation (tapping) in the region of the frontal and maxillary sinuses;
• nasal congestion and labored breathing;
• redness and swelling under the eyes;
• tearing;
• puffiness;
• conjunctivitis.

The disease proceeds in acute and chronic forms, is classified into several types:

• traumatic;
• bacterial;
• viral;
• fungal;
• allergic;
• mixed;
• Aerosinusitis.

The type of sinusitis depends on the causes of the pathology. A specialist should choose a treatment plan. Without determining the pathogen, traumatic factor or allergen, it is impossible to warm up the sinuses. In some cases, for example, with traumatic or purulent sinusitis, this procedure can aggravate the problem, lead to swelling and increased inflammation, which will lead to serious complications.

Indications for warming up

There is still no consensus on the effectiveness of heating for sinusitis. The sinuses cannot be heated to a temperature at which bacteria die, but the disease includes stages in which exposure to heat improves blood circulation and activates the body’s defenses.

Physiotherapeutic procedures, in particular warming up with sinusitis, have a beneficial effect in such stages and forms:

1. Chronic in remission – a stage in which the symptoms are not very pronounced.
2. The initial stage of viral sinusitis. At this stage, patients suffer from a common cold at first glance, unaware of the development of sinusitis.
3. The final stage of treatment of acute sinusitis. Symptoms subside, the patient’s condition improves, but restoration of the sinuses after the disease is required.

Features of the procedure

Before you start warming up, you should consult a doctor. The procedure is carried out for 5 minutes, it must be performed twice a day. The course of treatment is 7-10 days. The first results appear after the third procedure, but treatment cannot be stopped until the end of the entire course. Before carrying out, it is necessary to massage the area around the nose, which contributes to the outflow of mucus and accumulated exudate.

How heat affects

Warming procedures for sinusitis are effective in some cases, but this method of treatment must be agreed with a specialist. It can be carried out at the first stage of the disease, before the formation of pus and fever. Also, the procedure is carried out at the final stage of treatment, when the sinuses are already cleared and their speedy recovery is required. In these cases, heat has a positive effect, helping to speed up the healing process. However, in the acute stage, it is not recommended to warm up, since the thermal effect makes the mucous membrane looser, contributing to the growth of edema, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and the complication of the course of the disease.

Warming treatment should be carried out carefully, especially for children. It is important that the means used to warm the sinuses do not cause burns to the skin and mucous membranes. The duration of warming up and the frequency of procedures are determined by the doctor.

Egg heating

A safe method that can be used for pregnant women and children. Warm-up time is 10-15 minutes. Sequence of actions:

1. Hard boil 2 eggs.
2. Remove the shell.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Wrap in fabric.
5. Apply to the maxillary sinuses alternately or simultaneously on two sinuses.
6. After heating, cover with a towel.
7. Keep the patient at rest in a supine position for 15 minutes.

Salt heating

One of the features of table salt is the ability to keep warm for a long time. To warm the maxillary sinus, it is better to use coarse salt. It is necessary to warm the salt in a pan and pour it into a cloth bag. Cool slightly so as not to burn the skin, apply to the sinus area. In case of burning or discomfort, a thin cloth can be placed. It takes 10-15 minutes to warm up.

Important! You can go outside no earlier than one hour after the end of warming up.

The procedure promotes the removal of mucus and allows you to restore normal breathing through the nose.

Blue lamp

As an additional measure to the main treatment, warming up with a Minin reflector is carried out. Exposure to the sinuses with a blue lamp provides antimicrobial and antiviral effects. IR rays warm up the layer of the epithelium, dry the mucosa a little, and help alleviate pain symptoms. After the procedure, nasal breathing improves.

It is necessary to hold the blue lamp at a distance of 15-20 cm from the nose. At a shorter distance, there is a possibility of skin burns, and at a remote position there will be no desired effect. The procedure is performed with closed eyes three times a day for 10 minutes. The course of treatment is 7-10 days. Use for children is allowed, but this method of treatment should not be used by pregnant women.

Steam heating over potatoes

Warming up with steam is good for inflammation of the maxillary sinuses. Boil the potatoes with the skin on, do not drain the water. Lean over the pot and cover your head with a towel. Breathe hot air for 5-7 minutes. You can warm up 2 times a day, in the morning and evening. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days.

Aroma oil inhalations

In addition to treatment with medications, you can perform warming up with a steam bath with aromatic oils. Boil water, drip a few drops of eucalyptus, tea tree, menthol oil. Covering your head with a towel, breathe for 5-7 minutes. The course is designed for 7-10 days, 1 time per day.

Other heating methods

In addition to home methods of treating sinusitis, heating will be performed in clinics. Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out using:

• laser;
• electromagnetic radiation;
• light.

The UHF procedure helps well with sinusitis, during which plates are applied to the sinuses. Exposure to heat provides accelerated blood flow and lymph outflow, improves the permeability of the vascular walls. The session is held for 15 minutes.

UV irradiation is carried out using a tube, which is installed in the nasal passages. Exposure to ultraviolet provides activation of the body’s defenses and actively fights pathogenic microorganisms.

Ultrasound therapy provides fluid fluctuations in cells and heat generation, which leads to the acceleration of biochemical processes. During the procedures, drugs are used that improve the penetration of ultrasound into the depths and ensure its effective impact.

Contraindications for heating

It is possible to heat the nose with sinusitis only at certain stages of the disease. The procedure contributes to the development of complications in the following cases:

• acute sinusitis characterized by elevated temperature;
• recurrence of chronic sinusitis;
• discharge of blood from the nose;
• allergic sinusitis;
• the presence of polyps.

Heating under such conditions and forms of the disease leads to the following complications:

• increased inflammation;
• destruction of the walls of the sinuses;
• development of acute otitis media;
• appearance of phlegmon;
• the occurrence of a brain abscess.

In order for warming up to have only a positive effect, it is necessary to consult a doctor before carrying out the procedures.

Prevention of sinusitis

To prevent the development of sinusitis should:

• treat all types of rhinitis in time;
• to eliminate the curvature of the nasal septum;
• eat right;
• harden the body;
• avoid hypothermia;
• treat allergic reactions and determine their cause;
• take vitamins.

Recommendations

Inflammation involves complex therapy, including a number of measures to alleviate the patient’s condition and relieve inflammation. Heating can be performed only with the consent of the attending physician. In the presence of contraindications, thermal exposure can lead to serious complications.

During the procedure, it is important to follow certain rules. Thermal exposure to the maxillary sinuses in a hospital will provide an integrated approach and safety of treatment. When performing procedures at home, you should maintain the specified time without using too hot products so as not to get a skin burn.

Is it possible to warm up the nose with sinusitis?

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses of an infectious origin is accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms and is fraught with dangerous complications. It seems to many that warming up with sinusitis is an easy way to eliminate the effects of a cold. However, only a doctor can establish the nature of the disease and determine the complex of therapeutic measures, including physiotherapy. In what cases is warming up useful, and in what cases can it cause serious damage to health?

Benefits and harms of heating

In the medical community, the issue remains debatable. Areas of the human body, in this case the sinuses, cannot be heated to a temperature that can cause the death of bacteria. At the same time, the disease includes certain periods when warming up improves the blood supply to tissues and activates local immunity.

The appointment of such a physiotherapeutic procedure as warming up is advisable in the following cases:

• Chronic sinusitis in remission.
• The initial stage of viral sinusitis. Those very first days of a cold, when most people, suffering from a common cold, do not suspect that catarrh is developing in the sinuses.
• Acute sinusitis in the final stage, when the symptoms subside, and the general condition of the patient improves markedly.

Local warming procedures can aggravate the disease and lead to serious complications under the following conditions:

• Acute phase of sinusitis, in which body temperature is elevated, local symptoms and signs of general intoxication are pronounced.
• The period of exacerbation of chronic sinusitis.
• Presence of blood in nasal discharge.
• In allergic sinusitis and polyposis, warming up the nose provokes a sharp increase in edema with overlapping of the anastomosis.

Warming procedures, which are often resorted to without medical advice, can lead to the spread of a purulent process, melting of the walls of the sinus, the formation of phlegmon and even brain abscess, acute otitis media and other pathologies. In order for heat to be beneficial in the treatment of sinusitis, a doctor should prescribe this type of therapy, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease and the patient’s condition.

Heating methods

Home remedies for warming up the nose for sinusitis include:

• Blue lamp (Minin reflector). This simple heating device is available to many. Its action is based on infrared radiation, which warms up tissues to a depth of 3 cm from the surface of the skin. The blue color of the lamp is necessary so as not to irritate the eyes through closed eyelids. Dry heat contributes to the discharge of mucus residues, the restoration of epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and sinuses, and the activation of local blood circulation. The lamp is held at a distance of about 20 cm from the nose area for 15-20 minutes, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
• Hot salt. This method can be attributed to folk recipes, it is familiar to everyone. 100 g of coarse salt is heated in a pan, other bulk materials (sand, fine grains) can also be used. The heated material is placed in a bag of dense fabric and applied to the diseased sinus for 15 minutes. There should be no burning sensation, if necessary, you can put a handkerchief or towel under the salt bag.
• A hard-boiled egg is another source of dry heat. A hot egg is wrapped in a linen napkin and placed in the projection area of ​​one or both sinuses. Hold until the egg has cooled.
• Paraffin applications. Warmed paraffin is applied with a brush on the sides of the nose with a layer of 0.7-1 cm. Put paper and a towel on top. After an hour, the paraffin is removed.
• Hot compresses. A piece of soft cloth or gauze folded in several layers is soaked in hot water and applied over the sinus. Polyethylene is placed on top, the face is covered with a towel. The compress is changed as it cools. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes.
• Steam inhalation is a method of warming up the nose in case of sinusitis, familiar from childhood. You can breathe over soda-salt solutions, decoctions of herbs (chamomile, bay leaf, St. John’s wort, sage), freshly boiled potatoes. To enhance the antiseptic effect, a few drops of tincture of iodine, propolis, and essential oils are added to herbal and saline solutions. It is necessary to sit down in front of a ladle with hot liquid, cover yourself with a large towel. Inhale steam through the nose (in case of severe congestion, drip a vasoconstrictor drug), keep the face at a distance at which discomfort and burning of the upper respiratory tract are not felt.
  The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.

When treating sinusitis in children, it is important to ensure that warming agents do not cause burns of the skin and mucous membranes. The temperature and duration of thermal exposure depend on the age of the child and are determined by the doctor.

Alternative methods

As an alternative to dry heat, devices such as Bioptron and Denas can be considered. However, their action is not based on tissue heating. Activation of blood circulation and stimulation of local immunity occur under the influence of light and currents generated by these devices. Whether to resort to the help of such devices, you need to find out from your doctor.

Recently, nebulizers have gained popularity – special devices that convert the medicinal components placed in them into thin suspensions that penetrate the foci of inflammation. The devices do not have a thermal effect on the sinuses, so they can replace steam inhalations in the acute phase of sinusitis, when heating is contraindicated. Their use is also advisable for allergic sinusitis.

Nasal lavage is both an alternative and a parallel treatment for sinusitis. This is a basic procedure that can be applied at any stage of the disease. For irrigation, water-salt solutions, decoctions of herbs, antiseptics are used. So, to prepare an isotonic saline solution, it is enough to dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 0.5 liters of pure water. To obtain a hypertonic composition, 2-2.5 tablespoons of salt are added to the water. Pharmacies sell ready-made solutions for washing, in particular the drug Aqualor.

Aqualor for sinusitis

The advantage of Aqualor is that these are ready-to-use saline solutions of various concentrations, produced on the basis of natural sea warfare. The preparations do not contain pharmacological additives and preservatives, therefore they can be used in the treatment of sinusitis during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood (from 12 months).

Unlike the warming procedure, nasal irrigation is indicated in the acute stage of sinusitis. With severe swelling of the soft tissues of the nose, hypertonic Aqualor Forte Duo and Aqualor Extra Forte Duo will provide invaluable assistance.