The Best Remedy for Sinus Pressure
Sinus pain and pressure make life miserable. The head is full and tight, and the pressure feels as though you have a brick behind your nose and eyes. A person who suffers from sinus pressure is debilitated; normal routines come to a grinding halt until the pain is addressed. Over-the-counter pain medicines will mask the pressure, but knowing how to prevent the pressure build up is key. The good news is that treatment is relatively easy and very effective.
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What Is Sinus Pressure?
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Sinus pressure is the result of the inflammation of the tissue lining the sinus cavities. When the sinuses are blocked, mucus and air are trapped inside, causing pain and pressure. Allergies or a cold can cause this inflammation, or sometimes a polyp in the nose can cause it.
Ways to Treat Sinus Pressure
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To successfully treat sinus pressure, the cause of the inflammation needs to be known. Your doctor can determine this. If the cause is allergies, a combination of medication and sinus irrigation can help. Over-the-counter allergy drugs may be helpful, but sometimes a stronger prescription-based drug is needed. Irrigating the sinuses with a saline solution helps keep them moist, which reduces inflammation. The neti pot, a syringe or a nasal irrigator can be used to rid your sinuses of allergens and mucus, thus reducing pressure. Treating your allergies helps control sinus pressure.
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A Word of Advice
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If you have tried to treat your pressure unsuccessfully, and if the pain and pressure persists for more than a week or two, see your doctor. He can determine if you have a sinus infection, or if you need prescribed allergy medication. Taking the time to do this is well worth the effort, as allergy flareups are held to a minimum once you know how to treat them. A combination of professional and home treatment can rid you of chronic pressure and pain, thereby greatly improving the quality of your life.
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