‘Tis the Season for Sinus Problems

The recent changes in the weather cause allergies in the nasal passage to swell, blocking sinus drainage, which leads to sinus pressure, runny eyes, congestion, and discomfort. If you have been experiencing burning or throbbing sinuses of late, you may be suffering from sinusitis.

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health issues in the country. Sinusitis is exemplified with symptoms like facial pain, congestion, and headaches caused by inflammation of the sinus lining. 

Every year, over 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis.  Acute sinusitis usually affects every age group causing pressure and pain in the head. 

‘Tis the Season for Sinusitis!

Springtime brings changes in the weather with sudden shifts in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity that can considerably affect your sinuses and cause sinusitis for those susceptible to this condition. Pollen from budding trees and bushes and the changes in the weather cause the nasal passage to swell, which blocks sinus drainage, leading to discomfort, sinus pressure and congestion.

The sinuses are small cavities located inside the nose. The pink mucosa that lines these openings humidify the air you breathe in and trap particles that might inflame the lungs. Most people aren’t aware of their sinuses until an allergy or illness causes a reaction in the mucosa. If you have been suffering from burning or throbbing sinuses lately, you may be suffering from sinusitis. Visit our team of chiropractors at Texas Spine & Rehab Center in Austin to determine the cause behind your problematic sinuses.

What are Some of the Causes of Sinusitis?

Reasons for sinusitis vary from very minor to severe health issues. Examining a simple case of sinus pain could help you catch a severe issue early for prompt treatment. The symptoms could be linked to conditions that include:

• Abnormalities in the sinuses such as a deviated septum
• Allergies to pollen or environmental factors such as exposure to second hand smoke
• Infected teeth or gum abscesses
• Infections ranging from a common cold or an upper respiratory infection
• Fungal infections due to long-term exposure to mold
  Smoking
• Tumors, Polyps, and ulcerations in the mucosa
  
  Symptoms of Severe Sinusitis Include: 
• Burning and tender sinuses
  Coughing that gets worse at night
• Difficulty breathing
• Discharge (green or yellow) in the nostrils and throat
• Headaches with pain around the eyes and on the face
  Stuffy nose
  Swelling in the lower forehead

Sinusitis Risks

It might be possible to resolve your persistent sinusitis with a few lifestyle changes to reduce the number of irritants you are exposed to every day. Wearing a dust mask could reduce pollen and irritants in the air and the chronic pain that may require medical attention to resolve. You may have a higher risk for the symptoms of sinusitis if you have other health issues like:

• Allergies

Daily exposure to irritants such as mold spores, pollen, chemical fumes, or smoke
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, which results in continual stomach acid contact with your sinuses and throat

• Immune system conditions that cause the body to attack the sinus membranes

Home Treatments That Will Ease the Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Bathe your nasal passages every day with a nasal irrigation device used to flush mucus, allergens, and debris from nasal passages using a saline solution, such as a Neti pot. Using a Neti pot also benefits your sinuses when the air dries out nasal passages.
• Drink lots of water. Drinking a lot of water thins out mucus and makes it easier to blow your nose. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages, which causes dehydration.
• Inhale steam. Breathing in steam helps by loosening mucus and sinus congestion in the lungs, throat, and sinuses. A hot shower or sitting over a bowl of steaming water with a towel over your head will help ease the sinus pressure and loosen the mucus.
• Elevate your head while sleeping. Propping up your head allows sinuses to drain and reduces the blood flow to your head. This position also prevents mucus from pooling in your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
• Blow your nose lightly, one nostril at a time. Forceful blowing can cause bacteria-laden mucus back up into your sinuses.
• Put a warm, damp towel around your eyes, nose, and cheeks to ease sinus pain.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the inside air you breathe.
• Avoid using antihistamines that can thicken your mucus making it harder to drain, which subsequently worsens your symptoms.
• Limit exposure to unfavorable conditions, such as cigarette smoking that can also contribute to sinus pain.
  
  

  Chiropractic Therapy for Sinusitis
  

  
  Many people have turned to chiropractic for sinusitis treatment. We provide numerous treatments for sinusitis for our patients in the Austin area that include:

   

• Allergy testing to determine if your pets or other interests are causing the problem
• Immune therapy to lower reactions to irritants you simply can’t avoid
• Massage to help your sinuses drain, which can help even if you just have a simple cold.
• Massage can enhance blood flow to the sinus area, promoting drainage. Gentle pressure on the sinuses can encourage the lymphatic system to help clear mucus buildup. Massage also helps decrease inflammation in the sinuses, leading to improved breathing.
• Prescription for nasal sprays with corticosteroids to soothe the irritation

Are You Suffering from Sinusitis?

There is no need to live with constant, low grade sinus pain and tenderness. Sinusitis can be relieved regardless of the cause, but only once we find the true cause of the problem. Schedule an appointment with Texas Spine & Sports Rehab Center when the symptoms appear, especially if the swelling hasn’t gone down in a few days or if other troublesome symptoms such as burning and discharge are interrupting your daily routine.

Contact Our Office for an Appointment

We’re proud to be part of a quality health care team and want to thank you for considering us to treat your sinusitis. It doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem; sinusitis is a fixable problem.

If you are suffering from sinusitis, there is no need to live with constant sinus pain and irritation. The team at Texas Spine & Sports Rehab Center is ready to help you feel better. We provide specialized treatment plans for sinusitis in Austin and can help you understand what it will take to improve your symptoms. Sinusitis can be treated or relieved by your chiropractor, regardless of the cause. Now is the time to make an appointment at Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center for an evaluation. Please call our office at (512) 806-0015 or contact us online for an appointment.