Simple Tips Offering Best Sinus Allergy Relief
Sinus infection triggers nasal blockage, headaches and facial pressure. Sinus symptoms don’t necessarily mean a sinus infection. If the problem persists for over three weeks, then you are experiencing a sinus infection.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinus is a small cavity in the skull filled with air. They make mucus that keeps the nasal passage moist and free from allergens. An inflammation of the tissues around the cavity is sinusitis. The swelling blocks the sinus passages and prevents the flow of mucus. The mucus and air remain trapped inside the cavities. This phenomenon causes immense pain, headache, and pressure in the cavity.
There are two kinds of sinusitis. They are acute and chronic. In acute sinusitis, the symptoms last for four weeks. In chronic sinusitis, the symptoms stay on and keep hitting back. They can start due to allergies, pollutants or fungus. Those with a low immune system are more to chronic sinusitis.
Relief and Treatment
Sinus can be relieved with the administration of proper medicines. There are non-medicinal therapies that can be taken into consideration as well. The best sinus allergy relief medicines are as follows.
Over-The-Counter Medicines
You can find the best sinus allergy relief medicines over the counter. These include pain relievers and sprays that give temporary comfort.
A nasal spray, gel or drops help in clearing the nasal passage. This helps prevent the blockage and provides comfort. Decongestants and steroid sprays are some of the popular and best sinuses allergy relief medicines. Overuse of decongestants can increase the swelling of the mucous membrane. So, it is advisable to read instructions before using them.
Antibiotics work like a miracle for sinusitis caused due to bacteria. Though the bacterial cases are rare, they prove to be the best sinus allergy relief medicine. The doctor prescribes a course of 10 to 14 days for acute sinusitis. For chronic sinusitis, the course is longer. But, antibiotics are ineffective in sinusitis caused by viruses.
Anti Allergy Medicines
Allergens are a prime reason for sinusitis. Thus, getting rid of or avoiding the allergen is advisable. You can take up an allergy test to find out the exact allergen causing you trouble. Medicines like antihistamines are effective in curbing the allergens. For a long-term relief, go for allergy shots.
Steroids
Doctors in extreme cases prescribe steroids. Inhaled steroids, aid in reducing the swelling of the sinus membrane for a prolonged period. So, steroids account for the best sinus allergy relief medicine. Doctors may also prescribe oral steroids for extreme cases of chronic sinusitis.
Surgery
Surgeries are successful in curing sinusitis permanently. This is the last resort of cure if the sinusitis keeps relapsing. It removes the blockages and clears the passages. This allows easy drainage of mucus. So far, this is the best sinus allergy relief medicine if you are looking for a permanent solution.
Sinus Relieving Products
You can find a good number of sinus relieving products are launched in the market. They provide an easy home-made solution for treating sinus.
Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the surrounding environment. Sinusitis aggravates during the winter season due to dryness in the air. The humidifier adds the right amount of moisture thereby decongesting the sinuses.
Neti Pot
The neti pot is like a teapot in the shape of Aladdin’s lamp. It further enhances the work of saline spray. It is an ancient Ayurvedic apparatus that is very effective in draining the sinus.
It is advisable to use distilled or sterile water, boiled for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the water from the neti-pot in one nostril and flush out from the other. This adds moisture to the nasal passage and clears irritants.
Other Home Remedies
Apart from the remedies mentioned above, simple homemade hacks can relieve sinuses.
Moist Sinus Compress
The easiest home remedy for sinus is a moist sinus compress. Take a towel and dip it in boiling water. Wring the excess water and place the towel over the head. Ensure that you cover the eyes and the forehead. The steamy moisture will provide you relief. Repeat the process a few times for comfort.
Aromatherapy
Inhalation of certain herbs like mint and eucalyptus can ease irritations caused due to sinus. These herbs have a cooling effect that provides relief.
Steam Therapy
Steam acts as a potent decongestant. You can opt for a steamy shower or gulp a hot cup of soup. Take boiling water in a container and cover your entire face with a thick towel. Breathe in the steam to pacify the sinus passages. Steam generating machines are also available to make the process simpler.