Tag: Sinuses

What Causes Sinus Infection

Ever wondered what really causes a sinus infection? There are many possibilities and it is sometimes hard to pinpoint which one is the culprit. You could have gotten it while you are at work, out in the mall, doing a certain activity or even at home so here are some of the known causes of sinus infections.

Most sinus infections are caused by the common cold otherwise known as viral influenza. This causes congestion in the nasal passages and inhibits the drainage of the sinuses which is why it becomes inflamed.

When this happens, the nose is filled with mucus caused by the accumulation of white blood cells in the lining of the nose. This makes it difficult for the person to smell or even breathe and the only way to get rid of it is to blow it out.

Generally a common flu stays a maximum for a period of one week. After that we usually recover, but it leaves our sinuses inflamed. The nose is a very sensitive part of our body which catches a viral infection very easily.

Sinus infection can also be caused by exposure to dust particles, pollen and other irritants in the air. If there is too much of this already in the nasal passages, it prevents mucus from draining away. When these bacteria such as streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae end up in our upper respiratory tract and multiply, then it causes us to have a sinus infection.

You can come into contact with these every time you go outdoors or when you are inside the house especially in places where natural sunlight cannot reach. Another example is the fungus known as aspergillus that can cause problems to the immune system.

If you have asthma, you are a high risk for sinus infections because your nasal polyps inside your nose are swollen. This results in chronic sinus infections that could last for 2 weeks.

Lack of water also causes a sinus infection. This is because the mucus will thicken making it difficult for the cilia to move it through the sinuses.

Sinus infections can also happen whenever we are stressed. To prove the point, one such condition known as vasomotor rhinitis shows that stress does cause excessive swelling and mucus production.

You can also get a sinus infection by blowing your nose too much. This is because your nose will swell after blowing it too hard or too much.

Certain activities that are fun can also cause sinus infection. Traveling by air and scuba diving are very common because to much pressure in the sinuses causes bacteria to grow.

If you dont watch your kids carefully, they may inhale harmful substances or other foreign objects that introduce bacteria into the sinuses.

Certain medications are also known to cause sinus infections as a side effect because it may affect the functioning of the mucus membrane.

Lastly, although very rare, you can get a sinus infection from disease teeth because the maxillary sinus in the cheekbone becomes infected by the root of a diseased upper tooth.

There are many causes of sinus infections and it is not only bacterial or viral. Now that

How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection

Ever told someone you are a bit under the weather? Well that is what happens when you are suffering from a sinus infection. Here is what you should do so you can take care of it before it gets worse.

First, try some home remedies. Some examples of these include steam therapy, drinking lots of liquid, getting enough rest, using heat packs and taking some medicine.

If you want to drink something else aside from orange juice or water, try drinking chicken soup or some tea. A lot of tea products are made from herbs and you are sure to find one that will be likeable to your taste. You can try eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint, licorice, lemon balm and Echinacea. Just be careful when you mix herbs with certain drugs because they may have a negative reaction to your body.

You can also consult a homeopathic doctor who will prescribe medication that generally does not have any side effects compared to over the counter medication.

Smoking causes sinus infections. If you happen to smoke regularly, cut it down gradually and then quit the habit. Many people are unaware that smoking damages the lining of the sinuses and causes swelling the in the mucus membranes.

Should you be suffering from an acute sinus infection, you will be back to normal within a week. But if this lasts longer, then you may be suffering from a chronic sinus infection and you will need to see a doctor.

After doing some tests, the doctor will most likely prescribe some antibiotics which you have to take until you feel better if it has been determined that this was caused from bacteria. To reduce the swelling, you will also be given some corticosteroids which can be delivered directly through your nose.

You might be prescribed antihistamines or decongestants which you can take orally. The only downside is that although it can help dry up or shrink the backed up mucus, it is only temporary.

Another way to loosen the dried mucus is through moisture or humidification. Your doctor will not give this to you but suggest that you buy a humidifier which you can use at home.

Lastly, if the sinus infection is caused by an allergy, the only way to get rid of it is with immunotherapy which is a technique that stimulates your antibodies.

You can tell if what is given is working or not based on the color of your phlegm. If you spit out some and this is color yellow, it means that you are on your way to recovery. If this is color green, then a lot more has to be done to make it go away. If this is color brown or orange, there could be complications like pneumonia. Whatever happens, update your doctor regularly until so he or she can track your progress.

Fighting a sinus infection could last a few days to a few weeks. Regardless if this is acute or chronic, you have to take action fast to prevent complications from taking place. If you think that a cold cannot do anything worse, think again because there are times that this could put you into a coma or something fatal. So start out with home remedies and if all else fails, get medical help.

Natural Cures For Sinus Infections

Youre not the only one suffering from sinus infections. Did you know that about 15% of the American population is suffering from sinus infections as well? Even if sinus infections are not deadly, it can still affect an individuals performance in school and in the work environment. You see, when youre suffering from the infection, you tend to feel a lot of pain; because of the pain, you will become irritable and you will feel uncomfortable most of the time. If you dont want your everyday life to be affected by sinusitis, consult a qualified physician right away.

The sinuses are responsible for keeping the air moisturized as it enters the system or body. Every time you breathe, there is an exchange of mucus and air. When your sinuses are plugged, the mucus is trapped thereby encouraging the growth of certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If you have the common cold, youre also at risk of developing sinusitis.

How can you tell if you have a sinus infection? Most individuals will experience tiredness, weakness, fever, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Coughing often becomes worse during the night. There are also those who experience greenish nasal discharge, bad breathe, and pressure around the eye area.

Since sinusitis is an aggravating infection, you need to treat it immediately. There are natural alternative treatments that you can turn to which is safe and cheap. Using antibiotics can be very expensive especially if the sinusitis occurs several times in a year. If you want, you can ask your doctor about these alternative treatments or you can do a research online.

Here are some of the ways to treat your sinus infection:

1.Inhale steam. This is an effective way to unclog the sinuses. For fast relief, try to add eucalyptus oil or lavender in the water before boiling. This will release trapped mucus so that you breathe with ease.

2.Facial pains can be relieved by massaging certain spots.

3.If you want to remove the mucus, you can try eating spicy foods.

Lots of sinusitis remedies can be found online. Make use of the online info resources so that you can better address your current situation. Since medical costs are soaring higher and higher, perhaps you might want to try natural cures for sinusitis.

You can consult a naturopath in your area. They specialize in non-invasive treatments and according to some findings, the natural treatments are very much effective especially when used properly. Find a licensed naturopath in your area now. After that, your ailment will be diagnosed first and you will be given a custom-made treatment which is appropriate for your condition.

You have to boost the immune systems health because it is one way of fighting the sinus infections. Any disorder can be fought if you have a healthy body. Make sure that youre eating a healthy diet and you also need to get enough exercise. Make it a point to clean your house everyday to keep away possible allergens like dust and dirt. This is surefire way of keeping the bacteria, fungi, and viruses at bay.

Sinus infections are treatable and you can use natural cures for it. If you cant withstand the pain and discomfort brought about by sinusitis, look for the best natural treatment that works for you. A visit to the naturopath or perhaps a bit of online research will do you good.

Herbal Remedies For Sinus Infections

Sinus problems keep on increasing year after year. According to medical experts, once youre afflicted with a sinus infection, there is no guarantee that you will not develop it in the future. Symptoms like stuffy nose and headache usually persist despite the medications given. For centuries, herbal remedies have been used to treat sinus infections because they are safe. There are no harmful side effects and the herbal preparations are easily prepared.

For sinus infections, use these herbs:

Licorice for immune system stimulation, you can use the licorice roots; it is also effective in reducing the inflammation of the sinuses. Licorice is also used for ulcers so you have to choose the licorice capsules instead because it is aimed at boosting an individuals immune system for better health.

Eucalyptus sore throat problems are often treated with eucalyptus because of its antiseptic properties. Swollen or inflamed sinus passages can also be treated with eucalyptus. Throat lozenges are very convenient to use or if you want, you can also drink the tea form. You can also inhale steam with a few drops of eucalyptus to unclog your sinus passages.

Ginger headaches can be relieved using ginger. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing the inflammation or pain in the sinus passages. Capsule forms of ginger are now available and be sure to take them as directed.

Peppermint like ginger, peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties. By taking peppermint tea or breathing its steam, the mucus membranes can be calmed. After taking it, you can breathe better.

Herbal supplements are now available in the market and some of these supplements can help in the prevention of sinus infections.

Lemon Balm this herb is very effective in treating viral and bacterial infections. Get the dried leaves of lemon balm and steep it in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain it and make sure that you drink it while it is warm. You can also use it as gargle.

Vitamins to manage the symptoms of sinusitis, take adequate vitamins, including zinc. This can help in shortening the duration of your colds. Lingering colds can cause sinus infections but if you take vitamins, you will get better soon. Lozenge and capsule forms of vitamins are widely available in wide range of prices. Take the vitamin supplements everyday for better results.

Echinacea this can help in improving the health of your immune system. Viruses found in the respiratory system can be eliminated by using this herb. Capsule forms are Echinacea can now be bought in drugstores all over the world. When you have a sinus infection, increase the dose but after a couple of days, go back to the regular dose. If youre allergic to ragweed, dont use Echinacea.

Antioxidants can also help so make sure that you eat plenty of foods containing antioxidants. Eat cranberries, pomegranates, red beans, artichokes, and blueberries. Adding these foods in your daily diet will surely improve the condition of your immune system.

Before resorting to drug medications, why not try using herbal remedies first? Herbal remedies are cheaper and effective as well. If you want to cut down your medical costs, use herbs for treating the sinus infections. There are lots of information resources online about these amazing herbs. You need to ensure that you follow the directions properly so that you can create an effective herbal preparation.