Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure is also associated with sinus headaches and can be a sign of not only sinus problems but also a more serious condition known as a sinus infection or sinusitis.
Sinus pressure is caused when air and mucus becomes trapped in your sinus cavities. Your sinuses are the hollow pocket of air that are located in your forehead, behind and in-between your eyes, and on both sides of your nose. Your sinuses produce mucus that moistens and cleans the lining of your nose and throat. Each sinus has an opening into the nose. When you nose becomes clogged due to a cold or allergies, it restricts the free flow of mucus and air. This causes sinus pressure. The mucus cannot free flow and can become clogged in the sinuses, which allows bacterial to develop. When a bacterium develops, you are just days away from an acute sinus infection.
Sinus pressure can be a sign of something more serious such as aforementioned. You may feel sinus pressure in the way of pain or stuffiness in your nose, in your eyes, behind your eyes, or in your cheekbones. You may also experience a pounding in any of the areas mentioned above. Sinus pressure is also one of the symptoms of a sinus infection and should not be ignored. If you are experiencing sinus pressure you may realize that you are not functioning like you normally would, you may be more irritable, may be having restless nights, and not be as alert at work or while driving. You may feel that every small task especially when moving your head brings on more pain.
There are a few things you can try in order to relieve sinus pressure before visiting your doctor.
Many people have had success drinking hot liquids such as tea or chicken soup. You should drink enough that your urine is light in color. Hot drinks aid in moistening the sinuses and helps the free flowing that is needed.
Wet warm cloths applied to the face, eyes, and cheekbones also helps with sinus pressure. Remember, you need to get the mucus to start draining in order to relieve sinus pressure. You can also try hot showers, breathing in hot steam or using a humidifier.
Over the counter medications such as decongestants to reduce congestion, antibiotics to control the infection, pain relievers to relieve some of the pain, and nose sprays or nose drops can also be used to help with sinus pressure.