Head Congestion

Head Congestion

There are four pairs of paranasal sinuses. Frontal sinuses are located above the eyes in the forehead bones. Your maxillary sinuses are the largest. They are found in the cheekbones and under your eyes. Ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes and the nose. The sphenoid sinuses are in the center of the head, behind the nose and eyes.

Your sinus cavities have a specific job. They are there to warm, moisten, and filter the air that we breathe. Healthy sinuses will allow your mucus to drain and air to circulate. When they become blocked, they can’t do their job properly. Millions of people suffer from blocked sinuses. This often leads to head congestion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of head congestion are very common. You may notice nasal stuffiness. Pain and/or pressure in your head, face, and eyes. You may have a cough and/or runny nose. Your eyes may water and itch. Some people notice that their ears feel clogged.They have a low sense of smell. You may notice increased fatigue. Some people say they feel dizzy at times.

What causes head congestion? There are a number of possibilities. Check with your doctor for a positive diagnosis. There are some common and well known causes for head congestion. A cold or a flu will often cause congestion. Allergies are on the rise, a vast number of people suffer from nasal symptoms because of an allergic reaction to certain substances.

A deviated septum can cause sinus symptoms. Your doctor can determine if this is the case for you. Certain medications may cause nasal symptoms. If this becomes bothersome, check with your doctor. A sinus infection is a common ailment. People with a sinus infection will notice facial pain and sensitivity. They may notice a yellow or green nasal discharge. A sinus infection is known to cause severe head congestion.

There are other possible causes for head congestion. Some of them can make your syptoms worse:

Head Congestion? Get Remedies Fast!

• Lack of sleep. If you are prone to sinus symptoms, it is important to get plenty of sleep.
• Lack of water. Try to drink plenty of fluids throughout your day. Water, juice, and tea are all good choices. Stay away from caffiene. This can make your symptoms worse.
• Lack of exercise. Believe it or not regular exercise will help with your head congestion.
• Some people have blocked sinuses. Your doctor may order a CT scan or an MRI. This can help determine if there is a blockage in your sinuses. Your doctor can offer you treatment options.
• Food allergies may be the culprit. Most people think that their symptoms come from airborne allergens. They may not realize that the problem could be their diet. If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to your diet, try keeping a food diary. Note any reactions to what you eat.
• Having a cold or flu can cause head congestion. If you have a fever, it is likely to be the flu. If you think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible.
• New research suggests that there may be a link between head congestion and gastroesophageal reflux. If your reflux is severe enough, it can reach the nasal area. Over the counter Proton Pump Inhibitors have been known to relieve congestion.

Treatment

• There are a number of remedies available to treat head congestion. The choice is yours.
• Pseudoral (Sudafed)– This works to shrink blood vessels and swollen membranes in your nasal passages. It helps nasal congestion. Choose a non-drowsy formula. Take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours.
• Nasal Sprays Can be effective but if used too often they can lead to rebound congestion which may make your symptoms worse. Use with care.
• Tylenol Cold and Head Congestion is an analgesic, decongestant, and cough suppressant. It helps reduce swelling in your nasal passages. It also helps with pain and ends a dry cough.
• Nasal adheisive strips can be placed on your nose, to make breathing easier. This can be helpful at bedtime.
• You may want to try a gentle saline nasal spray. These are safe and can be used several times a day.
• Increase the humidity in your home. Find a good vaporizer or humidifier. Moist air helps to loosen mucus. You may also find it helpful to take a warm bath or shower.
• Nasal irrigation will help clear your nasal passages. This is a fairly inexpensive option. You can choose from many different brands. Check your local drugstore, many people swear by these products.
• Zinc lozenges are known to help reduce the duration of cold symptoms. However, there is no proof that it can help head congestion.
• Vitamin C– A daily dose can help relieve head congestion and help reduce your risk for a cold.
• Garlic. Many cultures use garlic as a cure all. It is known to have anibacterial and antifungal properties. In order to get the full effect you should make sure that the garlic is chopped or crushed and raw.
• Honey mixed into your tea may help you get over a cough or cold.
• Aromatic and herbal tea, chicken soup, or a salty liquid can help with a dizzy feeling and head congestion.
• Inhale some steam. You can use a pan of water, a tea kettle, or a hot shower. This will help to loosen thick mucus and open your nasal passages. You should plan to do this for ten minutes, 3 or 4 times a day.
• Get plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids. Adding this to your diet can reduce your risk of developing alllergies. You can find Omega 3 in fish, fish oil capsules, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

Acupuncture

People who suffer from chronic head congestion may benefit fromAcupuncture. There is a school of thought that states that accupuncture can help with a variety of medical conditions. It has been know to help with the immune system and the entire body.

Acupuncture involves the use of very thin needles. They are inserted into specific parts of the body in order to regulate the immune response to allergens. Many people believe that acupuncture can restore the body’s natural balance.

If you suffer from head congestion you are in search of a remedy. It may take some time to find the method that works best for you. You have a lot of options. From over-the-counter medications to natural home remedies, you can find relief for your symptoms.