If you are suffering from recurring sinus infections or feel like your sinuses are blocked or congested, you may need to get your sinuses drained. Symptoms that indicate that your sinuses need to be drained can include pressure or pain in the face, forehead, or between the eyes; facial congestion; a dull throbbing pain in the face; congestion in the nasal passages; a decreased sense of smell; persistent or recurring headaches; or a feeling of “fullness” or pressure in the head.
In some cases, you may also experience a low-grade fever, fatigue, coughing, or post-nasal drip. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if you need to have your sinuses drained.
What are the symptoms of blocked sinuses?
The most common symptoms of blocked sinuses include pain or pressure in the face, headaches, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, a decreased sense of smell, bad breath, and toothache or sore throat. Other potential symptoms of blocked sinuses include facial fatigue, earache and pain, fatigue, fever, and cough.
A person may also experience the feeling of their face being full or heavy, as well as an inability to clear their throat. Blocked sinuses can lead to a buildup of mucus and pus, which can cause a bad smell, discolored mucus, or a sore throat.
What does sinus block feel like?
Having a sinus block can feel like quite a lot of pressure in the sinus area, as though your nose or ears are plugged or clogged with something. This can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the area, and sometimes a tightness or tension in the facial muscles.
Many people experience a dull or throbbing pain in the forehead and can even feel pain or tenderness in the cheeks or around the eyes. You might have increased mucus production or even experience a decrease in your sense of smell.
Other potential symptoms associated with a sinus block include feeling like your head is heavy, having a loss of taste, feeling fatigued, and having difficulty sleeping.
How can I unblock sinuses?
There are several ways to unblock your sinuses and reduce sinus pain and pressure.
1. Use saline irrigation. Using a saline irrigation system such as a neti pot is a time-tested way to unblock your sinuses. The saline solution helps flush out bacteria and other irritants and can provide relief from congestion and inflammation.
2. Try steam inhalation. Inhaling steam (at least twice a day) is one of the best ways to unclog your nasal passages and get relief from sinus congestion. Place a towel over your head and face and, while keeping your eyes closed, lean over a steaming pot of water or bowl of hot water.
This will help thin out the mucus in your sinuses and reduce inflammation.
3. Apply a warm compress. Place a warm, damp washcloth or compress over your nose and above your eyes to help reduce congestion. Doing this for 10 to 15 minutes should provide some relief.
4. Use a humidifier. Placing a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom will help restore moisture to the air, which can reduce inflammation and thin out the mucus in your sinuses. Make sure to clean your humidifier to avoid any potential infection issues.
5. Try over-the-counter medicines. The combination of an antihistamine and decongestant can help reduce your sinus pressure and blockage. Talk to your doctor first and make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
How do you know if you have a nasal blockage?
If you have a nasal blockage, you may experience common symptoms, including difficulty breathing through your nose, a whistling sound when you breathe, congestion, a stuffy nose, and a decreased sense of smell and taste.
Other signs may include difficulty sleeping, snoring, and difficulty eating due to a decreased sense of smell. You may also find it difficult to exercise because it becomes harder to breathe. Additionally, if you have a nasal blockage, your nose will likely appear swollen with darkened circles under your eyes.
Additionally, if you press on your cheeks and cheeks you may feel pain or tenderness. In some cases, a nasal blockage can lead to headaches or sinus infections or pressure. It is important to seek medical help from a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist in order to ensure that your nasal blockage is not caused by a more serious underlying condition.
Do blocked sinuses make you feel sick?
Yes, blocked sinuses can make you feel sick. Sinus congestion can cause a range of symptoms that can make you feel unwell. Symptoms can include facial pressure and pain; a stuffy, runny nose; sinus headaches; bad breath; a sore throat; coughing; congestion; fatigue; and general malaise – all of which can be very uncomfortable and make you feel sick.
In addition, blocked sinuses can be caused by infections, such as sinusitis, which can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and fatigue, which can also make you feel sick. Blocked sinuses may also lead to more serious complications, such as vision problems, hearing problems and even meningitis, so if you are experiencing symptoms of a blocked sinus, it is important to see your doctor to get it checked out.
How Long Should blocked sinuses last?
Blocked sinuses can last anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks. The exact duration of sinus blockage depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of the individual. For most people, blocked sinuses are caused by a viral infection or allergies.
Viral infections typically resolve on their own within seven to 10 days, while allergies require a targeted treatment plan. For more severe cases, blocked sinuses can persist for several weeks and may require medical intervention such as antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Additionally, an underlying structural problem such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps can also cause blocked sinuses and the duration of this will depend on the nature of the problem. If the blockage persists for more than a few weeks, it is advisable to visit an ENT specialist who can pinpoint the cause and devise a tailored treatment plan.
What medicine is for sinus drainage?
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause, some over-the-counter medications may provide relief, while others may require a prescription.
Common over-the-counter (OTC) medications for sinus drainage include antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers. Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), can help to reduce the histamine associated with allergies and reduce excess mucus production that can contribute to sinus congestion.
Decongestants can also help to reduce inflammation and loosen secretions in the sinuses. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose and reducing swelling. Common OTC decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also help to ease sinus pressure and pain symptoms.
In some cases, if OTC medications are not providing sufficient relief or if there is an underlying bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Typical antibiotics used for sinus drainage include amoxicillin, cefdinir (Omnicef), and azithromycin (Zithromax).
How do I massage my sinuses to drain?
Massaging your sinuses to drain can be a great way to alleviate congestion due to allergies or a cold. To do a sinus massage, begin by gently pressing on the bridge of your nose between your eyes. Hold the pressure for a few seconds and then move your fingertips in a circular motion.
Do this for several seconds. Then, move your fingertips down the bridge of your nose to the top of your nose, and press in gently for a few seconds. To finish, move your fingertips up so that you are pressing the sides of your nostrils.
Then, press in gently for a few seconds. Repeat each step as desired, taking care to be very gentle as you massage your sinuses. It is important to also drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier or a neti pot to assist with sinus drainage.
Why won’t my sinuses unblock?
The cause of blocked sinuses can vary greatly. It could be something minor like allergies or the common cold, or it could be something more serious like a sinus infection or nasal polyps. Allergies can occur when your body has an extreme response to a particular substance, and they can cause your airway to become inflamed and blocked.
The common cold is a viral infection that can cause swelling of your sinus cavities and lead to impaired drainage. Sinus infections are caused when bacteria or fungus invade the sinuses, and they can cause swelling and blockage.
Nasal polyps are benign growths that can block sinuses when they become large enough, and they can be caused by allergies or frequent sinus infections.
The best way to unblock your sinuses is to determine the underlying cause and treat it appropriately. If the cause is allergies, you can use over-the-counter or prescription medication to reduce the inflammation and help your sinuses open up.
If the cause is a sinus infection, you may need to take antibiotics to clear the infection. If you have large nasal polyps, surgery may be required to remove them. Additionally, you can use a neti pot or nasal sprays to clear your nasal cavities and help reduce blocked sinuses.
When should I see a doctor for sinus blockage?
If you experience sinus blockage that lingers for more than a week and is accompanied by any other symptoms such as pain or pressure in the face, a high fever, discharge from your nose that is thick and yellow or green in color, or headaches, it is important to see your doctor.
You may want to visit your doctor sooner if the sinus blockage is severe and causing discomfort or exacerbation of other symptoms.
Severe and lingering sinus blockage may be indicative of a sinus infection, which can worsen if not properly addressed. A doctor can determine if you have a bacterial or a viral infection and provide treatment options such as antibiotics or other medications as necessary.
It is also important to see a doctor if home remedies such as steam inhalation, saline irrigation, and over-the-counter medications are not providing any relief. Additionally, if the symptoms are accompanied by facial swelling, vision changes, or have impaired your sense of smell, it is important to talk to your doctor right away.
How do you unclog deep sinuses?
Unclogging deep sinuses can be a challenge and often requires the help of a medical professional. Although they are often not as effective as professional treatments.
One popular at-home treatment is a Neti Pot, which is a small teapot-like pot with a spout used to irrigate sinuses. To use a Neti Pot, fill it with a mixture of warm, sterile water and a small amount of salt (around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon).
Lean your head over a sink and tilt it to one side so the spout of the Neti Pot can access the sinuses. Carefully pour the solution in and let it flow to the opposite side so the sinuses can be irrigated.
After the solution has run out, blow your nose gently to expel the excess liquid.
Another at-home treatment that can be tried is a warm compress. Simply soak a wash cloth in warm water and apply it to your face over the area where the sinuses are blocked. The warmth helps loosen the mucus, allowing it to be expelled much more easily.
In addition to these home remedies, many over-the-counter decongestants can be effective for unclogging sinuses. Many of these come in spray, pill, or liquid form and work by drying up the excess mucus in the nose and sinuses.
For more stubborn clogs, it may be necessary to visit a doctor or get a prescription from your doctor. Treatments such as nasal irrigations, corticosteroid injections, and medications such as decongestants and antibiotics can usually clear up even the most stubborn of clogs.
Where do you push your sinuses to drain?
In order to help drain your sinuses, you should try a few simple techniques to help promote better flow. Firstly, you can try pressing gently on different parts of your face where your sinuses are located, such as above your eyebrow, on either side of your nose, and in the hollows below your cheekbones.
You can also push on the sides of your nose. This can help to loosen up any mucus buildup and improve drainage. Additionally, you can practice facial exercises such as opening your mouth wide and pressing your fingertips against the sides of your forehead, or pressing a finger against one nostril while taking a deep breath.
Other methods that you can try to help drain your sinuses include using steam inhalation, using a neti pot, and gargling with warm salt water. If these measures do not work, contact your doctor who may prescribe medications to help reduce the inflammation of your sinuses.
How do you decompress a congested head?
First and foremost, it is important to make sure to get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can contribute to a congested feeling and make it difficult to focus. Additionally, practice mindful breathing or meditation to reduce stress and decompress.
Engaging in physical activity can also help to release tension and improve circulation. Taking breaks throughout the day to get fresh air and refocus can be beneficial as well. Additionally, engaging in self-care by doing things that bring joy and relaxation can help to decompress.
These may include taking a warm bath, reading a book, listening to music, exercising, or writing in a journal. Finally, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional if needed for further help with decompressing.
How do you make a homemade sinus drainage massage?
Making a homemade sinus drainage massage is a great way to provide natural relief for congested sinuses. To start, you will need some essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender or tea tree oil, as well as a carrier oil like grapeseed, almond or coconut oil.
Begin by pouring a few tablespoons of your carrier oil in a bowl. Add a few drops of your desired essential oil to the bowl and mix the oils together. Once the oils are combined, you can begin the massage.
Start from the area in front of your ears, just beside where your eyes socket is, and gently massage the area using your fingers. Using a circular motion, massage for a few minutes and move your massage up to the nose.
Apply gentle pressure around your nose while massaging the area. Next, move up around your forehead and lightly massage the area where your eyebrows connect with your scalp. Massage this area for a few minutes in a circular motion.
You can also move massage around the base of your skull, near the back of your neck for a few minutes as well.
Once you have massaged the area for a few minutes, you can begin to drain the congested sinuses. To do this, make sure to tilt your head forward, with your forehead pointing towards the ground. Then, open your mouth slightly and breathe out slowly until the blocked sinuses start to drain.
This will allow the drainage to flow out through your mouth. After the blocked sinuses are cleared, rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply a cold compress on your forehead for some additional relief.
Following this homemade sinus drainage massage should provide natural relief to your congested sinuses. Be sure to try this massage at least once every month to help reduce sinus pressure and breathe better.