To clear sinuses immediately, try steam inhalation, use a saline nasal rinse (Neti pot), apply warm compresses to your face, drink warm fluids, or use nasal strips, all to help thin mucus and open passages; nasal decongestant sprays offer fast, short-term relief but shouldn't be used for more than a few days. Gentle facial massage and elevating your head also provide quick relief.
To treat a sinus infection while pregnant, focus on safe home remedies like saline nasal rinses, steam inhalation, warm compresses, and staying hydrated, while using acetaminophen for pain and resting; always consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially avoiding NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and oral decongestants, as some treatments are unsafe during pregnancy.
The inflammation and mucus buildup can block the normal drainage pathways in your sinuses, leading to pressure and discomfort in your face and head. Since the sinuses are connected to the ears via the Eustachian tubes, this pressure can extend to your ears, causing earache.
Treating a child's sinus infection involves easing symptoms with saline sprays, humidifiers, fluids, and pain relievers (acetaminophen/ibuprofen), while antibiotics are reserved for confirmed bacterial infections (lasting over 10 days/worsening). For viral cases, focus on hydration, rest, and avoiding irritants like cigarette smoke; for allergy-related issues, antihistamines and nasal steroids help, but consult a doctor before using decongestants in young kids.
Proper hydration helps thin the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier for them to drain. Opt for warm liquids like herbal teas, clear broths, and warm water with lemon. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration and worsen congestion.
The four main symptoms of sinusitis are nasal congestion/blockage, facial pain/pressure, thick, discolored mucus (yellow/green), and a reduced sense of smell or taste, often accompanied by a cough, postnasal drip, and fatigue, making it hard to breathe and causing discomfort around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
To ease ear discomfort, try simple tricks like yawning, swallowing or using a warm compress on the ear. Decongestants are usually not recommended during pregnancy unless approved by your doctor, so always check with a healthcare provider before using any medications.
ANSWER: Allergies and sinus infections often are mistaken for one another. But they are two separate conditions. By paying close attention to the specific symptoms you have, you can usually identify which one is more likely to be causing the problem.
Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a great home remedy and natural treatment for sinus infections. Using eucalyptus, peppermint or other scents can possibly help open up the respiratory tract. These essential oils can be put into some home humidifiers, or used in a hot shower, which diffuses the scent.
The main difference between COVID-19 and a sinus infection is what causes them. A sinus infection is caused by inflammation of the sinuses and often follows a cold or allergy flare-up. COVID-19 is only caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
For adults — See a healthcare professional if:
You have symptoms for more than 10 days. You have a high fever. What's coming from your nose is yellow or green. You also have sinus pain or fever.
An infection, growths in the sinuses, called nasal polyps, or swelling of the lining of the sinuses can cause chronic sinusitis. Symptoms might include a blocked or stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe through the nose and pain and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
Symptoms
Pregnancy rhinitis is the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages during pregnancy, leading to congestion, runny nose and sneezing. It can occur at any time during pregnancy but is most common in the second and third trimesters and affects one-fifth of all pregnancies.
To sleep with an ear infection, elevate your head or sleep on your non-affected side. Elevating the affected ear makes it easier for the infection to drain.
Five key warning signs during pregnancy needing immediate medical attention include vaginal bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, decreased baby movement, severe abdominal pain/cramping, and signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or fluid leakage, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental problems, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care for these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are linked to increased inflammation in the sinuses, which can lead to more frequent and severe sinus infections. When your body doesn't get enough vitamin D: Your immune system may not fight infections as effectively.
Warning signs you should never ignore
Certain beverages should be avoided, such as alcohol, beer, carbonated drinks, and coffee. These beverages can irritate the throat, causing nasal swelling, burning sensations, and worsening the condition. They can also stimulate the sinuses to produce mucus, leading to sinus congestion.
Use a clear liquid diet to reduce the feeling of nausea. Liquids such as apple juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, broth, Gatorade®, ginger ale, 7-Up®, popsicles, gelatin, tea, or cola are usually well tolerated. Sip liquids slowly.
Ease sinus pain and pressure with nasal irrigation, steam inhalation and humidifiers. Spicy foods can help clear nasal passages and staying hydrated thins mucus. Decongestants and antihistamines, along with rest, can speed recovery.