New Health Guide
The main reason people experience sinus drainage is excessive secretion of mucus. The mucus may run down a person’s throat and this process can become worse at night. Some of the other common causes of sinus drainage include environment irritants, flu, colds and food allergies. Sinus drainage can be very irritating as it can lead to bacterial infections, gum disease, bad breath, breathing problems, nasal blockage, a sore throat or a headache. Luckily, many home remedies are available to help relieve sinus drainage.
Sinus points for drainage and pressure relief:
When you drink a lot of fluids this will help your mucus lining stay moist which will in turn help thin out the excess mucus. If you get bored of water, you can try hot herbal teas and honey and lemon as long as you avoid caffeine.
Another option is to irrigate your nasal passages. To do this simply make a mixture of 8 ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt. Then either utilize a Neti pot or an infant aspirator, drawing the water in then tilting back your head and breathing in to help your nostrils suck in the water. If you do this regularly, your sinuses will function properly.
As mentioned earlier, if you believe the sinus drainage is due to allergies, opting for an over the counter antihistamine may be the best option.
Another great remedy is to get steam into your nasal passage as this will warm the air that surrounds your nasal cavities and in turn thin the sticky and thick mucus. The easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this is to take a hot shower. For even better results, try spraying an essential oil (like eucalyptus oil) on the shower wall beforehand as this will help open your sinuses and liquefy your mucus. As soon as you are able to, you should blow your nose to remove the infected nasal discharge.
Another option to apply steam to your nasal passage is to fill a bowl with warm water and place your head over it, covering yourself (and the bowl) with a towel. You should then inhale the steam. You can also buy a steam vaporizer from your local drugstore.
Although many people use spicy foods for temporary relief from nasal drainage problems, this can be damaging in the long run. That is because they can actually trigger sinusitis.
Some doctors will recommend that you avoid eating a lot of dairy when you have sinus drainage problems as this can encourage excessive production of mucus. If you avoid dairy and experience complete relief from your excess mucus, it is possibly you have an allergy to dairy and should talk to your doctor.
One of the best things to do to cure nasal drainage problems is to get a great deal of rest. Resting will help you deal with the underlying problem that is causing your post nasal drip.
Doing a sinus massage may help break up the excess mucus that is built up within your sinus passages. To give yourself a sinus massage, simply use your fingers to gently tap and rub the zones right above your sinuses. These are the sides of the nose, the upper cheeks and the lower forehead.
When your sinus problems seem to be due to allergies, an alternative to (or treatment to complement) taking an antihistamine is to get an air purifier for your home. You should be sure to opt for a purifier with the TRUE HEPPA filter as well as a CADR rating of over 100. Because it is impossible to blow your nose in your sleep, the best location for the home air purifier is your bedroom. To see even better results, try to choose a purifier that is designed for filtering a room that is at least a little bit larger than your bedroom.
It is important to use your humidifier in order to reduce the effects of sinus drainage. That is because when you add moisture to the air, especially during dry winter months, your nasal passages will stay moist and this will help prevent your mucus from thickening significantly.
There are multiple herbs available which can be very beneficial for your sinuses. Some of these include Ephedra, Eucalyptus, peppermint, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Chamomile and Barberry. Most of these herbs are available in tincture, capsules or tablets. Another option is to steep your herb or choice in hot water in order to make hot tea. No matter how you take them, the active constituents of the herbs will be absorbed by the body and in turn help it expel the mucus more quickly.
Home remedies for sinusitis:
In order to properly treat sinus drainage, it is important to know the cause. When it is caused by a viral infection like the cold the best idea is to take a decongestant that will dry up your mucus and constrict the blood vessels of your nasal passage. However, it is important not to take them for more than three or four days as that can make your symptoms worse. In cases of bacterial infections, your doctor may recommend antibiotics.
If the sinus drainage is caused by allergies, antihistamines may be your best option. Some of these will make you feel groggy but there are prescription options available that are non-sedating.
If you develop a thick yellow or green discharge, ear pain, a severe headache or a high fever, you should call your doctor immediately for an appointment. You should also see your doctor if your symptoms last over three weeks or in the case of a child less than three years old, if they last over 10 days. That is because the presence of these symptoms can indicate an infection that can require the care of a medical professional and an antibiotic.
Watch the video for primary information about sinus drainage:
