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Home Remedy for Sinus Congestion What is sinus congestion? Sinuses are hollow air-filled cavities in the skull. Under normal circumstances, these cavities are all open to the nasal airway by means of an ostium, which is a narrow opening in the bone. All humans have 4 pairs of these cavities which are situated in the bones of the face as follows:
frontal sinuses: above the eyes in the middle of each eyebrow maxillary sinuses: in the cheekbones on either side of the nose ethmoid sinuses: behind the bridge of the nose between the eyes sphenoid sinuses: behind the ethmoid sinuses and behind the eyes
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The normal condition of sinuses, as mentioned earlier, is to be filled with air. Sinuses have a thin layer of soft, pink tissue called mucosa (mucous membrane) which helps to keep the inside of the nose moist. Blocked sinuses occur when these sinus linings (tissues) become swollen due to allergens, pollutants and dust which cause sinus passages to be filled with fluid; creating the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, viruses and germs, causing sinusitis (inflammation of sinuses). Sinus congestion is thus blocked sinuses or sinusitis. Let’s consider some of the well (and little) known sinus congestion causes:
Viruses: colds are responsible for most sinus infections. Colds cause nasal tissue to swell which block those holes which drain sinuses
Allergies: those people who are prone to hay fever or allergies should avoid triggers like pet dander, mold, dust mites, etc.
Bacteria: most likely those pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenza
Polyps: are small harmless growths. Polyps originate from sinus tissues. They prevent mucus from being drained, causing sinus cavities to become blocked and infected. Headaches can be triggered when the polyps restrict airway passages.
known
as
Streptococcus
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Pollutants: from strong odors such as perfumes, dust and air pollution can contribute to irritate the nose, coughing and bring about inflammation which in turn may lead to sinusitis
Swimming for persons susceptible to sinus infection should be limited to short periods in the water as chlorine may irritate the nasal tissue and sinuses
Diving: the pressure from diving may cause water to be pushed into the sinuses and cause irritation and inflammation of the tissue
Smoke of cigars and cigarettes cause irritation to the nose of most people (myself included). The irritation may lead to inflammation which makes people more prone to infection of the sinuses. This obviously puts smokers at greater risk as the continuous smoking damages the sinus-cleaning system. Lack of moisture and dry air in the nasal passages make the development of sinusitis thus more likely. Keep your nose moist by drinking lots of water, by avoiding caffeine and by using a humidifier during the winter months.
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Abnormalities such as a deviated septum (a shift in the nose’s center section to one side; often the cause of chronic sinus infection), tumors, narrow drainage passages, a cleft palate, a chronic condition such as cystic fibrosis and enlarged adenoids (masses of tissue in the passage between the nasal cavity and the throat) can all greatly prevent the drainage of mucus. It leads to inflammation of the nasal passages and thick mucus developing; setting the stage for onset of sinusitis.
Sinus congestion symptoms:
Pain: as mucus accumulate in blocked nasal passages, pain and a feeling of heaviness in the face sets in. Pain is usually experienced in the forehead, in the upper jaws and teeth, between the eyes or on either side of the nose.
Headache: blocked sinuses and inflammation cause muscles in the forehead to tighten, leading to headache
Sinus discharge: from either the nasal passages or flowing down your throat may be yellow or green and comes from infected sinuses. When it tickles the throat it’s called a postnasal drip.
Stuffy nose: is probably one of the most prevalent signs of sinusitis. As a clogged nose is also symptomatic of the common cold, the duration of the symptom is the differentiating factor: stuffy nose symptom lasts longer when it’s a sinus infection
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Bad breath (halitosis) is the smell caused by the by-products which is produced by the organisms which cause the infection; emanates from
the discharge which collects in the nose and sinuses and drips into the throat 
Hurting teeth is not actual toothache, but sinus infection can feel like toothache. It is however referred pain from the pressure which is building up in the head, and usually presents itself on both sides of the face.
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Diminished sense of smell and taste: these senses normally work when air movement in the sinuses gives a signal to your brain, thus letting you know what you’re smelling or tasting. Once again, the inflammation which prevents the sinuses from draining is the reason why these senses become dull.
Home remedy for sinus congestion The best home remedy for sinus congestion is to make sure your nasal passages and sinuses are moist at all times; this is not achieved by the thinking that dry air will clear up your runny nose however. Dry air actually dries out the nasal passages and sinuses even more.
Here are some sinus congestion remedies which will help to keep the nasal passages moist:
Make use of either a vaporizer or humidifier
A long hot shower produces lots of steam – breathe in the steam
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Put boiling water in a bowl and breathe in the steam while your head is covered with a towel. If preferred, add dried herbs such as peppermint or rosemary to the water; alternatively, stir 2-3 tablespoons of decongestant ointment such as Vicks into the water, making it one of the most potent home remedies for severe nasal congestion.
Steam therapy using chamomile tea is a sinus congestion cure favored by many. Instead of a decongestant ointment, boil water in a pot and add chamomile tea in any of its forms (dried, powder or tea bag) to it. Put on the lid and leave for 10 minutes. Remove lid and breathe in the vapors while covering your head with a towel.
Take in lots of fluids; it thins out mucus thus preventing clogging up of the sinuses. Drink peppermint tea as it contains menthol. Menthol combined with the steam and warm liquid is great for thinning mucus
and opening nasal passages. Other herbal teas you can drink are sage, chamomile, ginger, blackberry, thyme and eucalyptus.
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Apparently studies have been conducted which suggest chicken soup may be very beneficial in reducing the production of mucus. As chicken soup is well-known as a cold remedy, this makes perfect sense. Spice up the soup with some garlic and pepper, and voila, you have one of the tastiest sinus congestion natural remedies!
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Another sinus congestion home remedy which is quite popular is to use a homemade saline nasal spray (this remedy is not recommended for
anyone who has nasal problems such as a deformity or with the septum – discus with your doctor first). Nasal sprays bring about the thinning of mucus; also soothes the inflammation in nasal passages.
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Diligent use of saline sprays can flush out bacteria or pollen which irritates the nose. Take 1 pint of boiled water (let it cool first) and add 2 to 3 teaspoons of non-iodized salt to it. Squirt the mixture into your nose towards the back of your head, and not upwards.
Make sure you get a good night’s sleep by trying this sinus congestion treatment at bedtime: Use ointments like Vicks or Tiger Balm. Apply a little bit to your throat, forehead and nose. Prop yourself up on more pillows so you sleep with your head in an elevated position.
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When to see a doctor Can sinus infection go away on its own? Yes, but you need to seek medical attention when
your symptoms do not clear up in 10 days
symptoms last for many weeks and keep on coming back
You run a fever (while not impossible, fever is not a typical symptom of sinusitis. An underlying condition may be the cause of your sinus infection)
headaches do not let up with over-the-counter pain relief medication
Hey there, my name is Sonia. I research minor illnesses, striving to bring you the best treatment solutions which won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For the full article on home remedy for sinus congestion as well as on some of the best treatment options for a hangover, acne, sore throat, overactive bladder, canker sores, constipation, morning sickness, etc. visit sickness and health. If however you believe laughter is the best medicine, get your daily dose click here…
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