Home >>  Ask a question >>  Health Advice

Treatment of Sinus Infection

Relief From Sinus Infection
(23 Aug 2010)

The term sinus refers to the cavities in the head that are connected to the nasal passage. Sinuses in the head include those between the eyes, behind the eyes, between the cheek bones and in the forehead. Sinuses typically get blocked when there is an infection.


This infection causes the buildup of mucus which blocks the sinuses. Viral infections are considered to be the chief causes for sinusitis. Some people who suffer from allergies also may suffer from sinusitis particularly if the allergens are ingested while breathing. Pollen and dust allergies are good examples of allergies that affect the sinuses. Infections often cause fever and other flu like symptoms. When the sinuses get blocked some people experience a pressure around the eyes and nose which is a result of the buildup of fluid in the area. This creates a lot of discomfort and the individual would therefore seek methods that would provide immediate relief from sinus pressure.

In order to provide relief from sinus infection, an individual needs to reduce the amount of fluid that has built up in the sinuses. The traditional method of providing relief from sinus infection is by applying heat to the area. This can be done in several different ways. A hot water bath can be used to wash the head in order to warm up the face and dislodge some of the sinus fluid. This may not be the most effective method but can be tried when one is taking a bath anyway. The use of a towel bathed in hot water and applied on the face is also a popular method for relief from sinus infection. The most effective method of reliving blocked sinuses is to use steam inhalation. Steam inhalation involves the use of a steaming bowl of water and a towel. Often the bowl of water is treated with a decongestant that vaporizes when exposed to heat. The steam is inhaled by the subject while under a tent created with a towel. Care should be taken to avoid excessive exposure to the steam as this can cause burns. The face can be periodically wiped by the towel to prevent a buildup of moisture on it.

After any of these heat treatments, the subject should try to blow out some of the clogged mucus. This should be easy, particularly after inhalation of steam. The application of a decongestant on the nose, forehead, and cheek bones can also help in providing relief from sinus infection. After expelling some or all of the mucus, the subject should drink some warm water and can repeat the process for as long as is required. You could be infected with sinusitis even when you are pregnant. However, before trying any over the counter medications for sinus relief during pregnancy it is important that you inform your doctor of the same.
answered by M W on 23 Aug 2010, 1:17:17

 

Read more questions in Health Advice
 
 
 
Send us your questions

(We do not sell your email address)