Sinus Pain Symptoms and Treatment Options

Symptoms of sinus pain include pain in your sinuses, accompanied by
throbbing in your head or pressure around your eyes, forehead, and cheeks. You
may also experience nasal discharge. It is usually accompanied by a swelling of
the nose lining, which causes pressure and pain on the head and facial areas.
Sometimes, it affects the teeth area as well. Sinus pain symptoms can be caused by a
variety of factors including the common cold.

Sinus pain is usually not a serious medical issue although it could be
symptomatic of a sinus infection called sinusitis. Medically known as
rhinosinusitis, a sinus infection takes place if your nasal cavities get
infected, which causes it to be swollen and inflamed. Sinusitis is usually caused
by a virus and in some cases bacteria or fungus. However, having sinus pain
does not always imply that you have sinusitis infection.

Ordinarily, sinus pain can be remedied through purely natural methods
and home appliances that reduce swelling, thin down mucus secretions and
enhance drainage of the sinus.

Some of the more common natural methods of treating sinus pain include:

Humidity Treatment

Sinus drainage which can lead to sinus pain is often caused thick, dry
mucus and other particles in your nose and sinus passages. Reducing or removing
the mucus deposit can bring relief from sinus pain. You can thin out the mucus
by increasing humidity and getting more fluid into your body. You can achieve
this by drinking a lot of fluids, making use of a humidifier, having plenty of
steamy showers, drinking a cup of hot soup or tea, and avoiding cold temperatures.

Saltwater Irrigation

This is one of the best ways to cleanse the nose and sinuses to relieve
or prevent sinus pain. To perform salt irrigation, you can use an over-the-counter
saline spray or a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit
which can be obtained at a drug store.

To try out this commonly-used nasal irrigation process with your
personal sinus irrigation kit, fill a clean 8-ounce glass with sterilized or
distilled warm water. You should not to use tap water unless you have
boiled it for no less than one minute. Then add a half teaspoon of non-iodized
salt and a small pinch of baking soda. Ensure that you have cleaned all the
equipment. You need to make a fresh solution every time you use the irrigation
kit.

Hot and Cold Compresses

Another natural method that is commonly used to relieve sinus pain is by
alternating hot and cold compresses. This is applied by sitting in a reclining
posture and applying a hot washcloth over your sinuses, nose, and eyes for
about three minutes. This will help to warm up the nasal passages and loosen
the secretions inside. After the hot compress, alternate the process by
applying a cold towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about thirty
seconds. Apply for two or three times for about four or five
days.

Diet Adjustment

Diet can also play an effective part in the relief of sinus pain. Some
spicy foods such as peppers and hot mustard can open up the nasal passages and
bring quick relief from sinus pain. Also, Capsaicin, the active ingredient that
is found in Chile peppers have been found effective in relieving some types of
pain such as sinus pain and other facial pain syndromes. If you have the
appetite and taste for some of these spicy foods, try them and to see if you notice any relief.

Knowing The Limits

In applying natural methods to relieve sinus pain, it is very important
to know when to stop. You should stop any further self-treatment of
sinus pain if you notice other symptoms such as green or yellow discharge,
persistent fever, stiff neck or pain for a period over 24 hours. Or if you
experience weakness, numbness, persistent nausea or vomiting. These symptoms
may be an indication you have an infection that might require antibiotic
treatment or other medications. In this case, consult your doctor or the ENT specialists at Palm Beach Sinus Doctors.