Sinuses are air pockets which are found within your cheeks, behind your forehead and eyebrows, on either side of the bridge of your nose, and behind your nose. Located within the bones of the skull and face, they are connected to your nasal passages by small tubes or channels.
Healthy sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs, and other particles in the air. Ideally, tiny hair-like cilia, sweep mucus and anything trapped in it out of the sinuses, down the back of your throat and into the stomach. Any problems in the air sacs cause stuffy nose, impaired sense of smell, headaches, fever, etc.
What Causes Sinus Problems
Sinus problems occurs when the tissue in your nose and sinuses become swollen and inflamed, preventing the sinuses from draining properly. Change in temperature, allergies, smoking, the common cold are most common symptoms causes swelling in the air sacs leading to pain and pressure. Such swelling keeps the cilia from sweeping away mucus which causes sinus problems.
Here are some natural remedies to relieve sinus problems:
Breathe Moist Air
Sinus problems can result from a cold or flu virus as well as from allergies. Steam inhaled through the nose moisturizes and soothes the inflamed, swollen passages that trigger sinus congestion and pain. Breathe in warm moist air which lubricates the bronchioles and the nasal passages. Natural warm vapor helps to remove the mucus trapped within the nasal cavities. By expelling the blockage, pressure is relieved as is the facial pain and headaches associated with sinusitis. Keep a humidifier running in your bedroom or in rooms you spend maximum time. Inhale steam twice or more in a day. Sit in the bathroom with the door closed and the hot shower running.
Enforce a green breathing zone
Clear the air you breathe. As the entire environment cannot be cleared, start with cleaning your home. Make your living space a green breathing zone. Fumes from harsh cleaning products, wall paints, hair spray, perfumes and most of all, cigarette smoking can irritate sinuses. Don’t let friends or family smoke in your home. Look for green cleaning products that are available in unscented varieties and are less likely to contain harsh chemicals that can tickle a sinus problem.
Drink more water
Sinus problems can be cleared with water. Consume more water or juice. These liquids will help thin out mucus and encourage drainage. Hot tea can also help. Avoid caffeine as it will dehydrate the body. Alcohol is a strict no as it only worsens sinus swelling. 8 glasses of water or other beverage in a day can alleviate sinus problems.
Try nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation also called nasal lavage or nasal wash can help keep your sinuses clean and clear. It involves using a mild sterile saline solution to flush out the thickened mucus and allergens causing sinus congestion. Lean over the sink, shoot the solution into one nostril and let it drain through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. Keep your mouth open and don’t breathe through your nose.
Nasal Irrigation: What you need
Rinse bottles, bulb syringes, and pots are available at most drugstores. You can buy a prefilled container or make your own saline solution. To make your own solution, mix 1 pint (approx 500 millimeters) of lukewarm sterile water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Some people add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to take out the sting out of the salt.
Avoid Nasal Allergens
Nasal allergies can set the stage for sinus problems by causing the mucus membranes of your nose to swell and block your sinuses causing pain and pressure in your sinus cavity. Avoiding common nasal allergy triggers such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen are best solutions to prevent sinus problems. Seek treatment for your allergies.
Find detailed information on Sinus Surgery in India at affordable cost.