13 tricks to relieve sinus attacks

Obstruction and nasal discharge, a feeling that the face or head is “heavier than normal”. These can be some of the symptoms reported by those who suffer from sinusitis, or, more correctly: rhinosinusitis, which is, in short, an inflammation that involves the sinuses.

The latter are bony cavities located around the nose, cheekbones and eyes. To understand better, it is necessary to know that there is a continuous flow of secretion in this region, which helps to eliminate foreign organisms to the body. However, when this process is interrupted (for different reasons), viruses, bacteria or fungi can concentrate and multiply at the site, resulting in sinusitis and causing very unpleasant symptoms.

Flávia Silveira Amato, otorhinolaryngologist at Amato Instituto de Medicina Avançada, comments that rhinosinusitis can be classified by duration: “as acute, when it lasts for less than 12 weeks and complete resolution of symptoms, and as chronic, when it lasts for more than 12 weeks”. weeks and has no complete resolution of symptoms.

In winter, sinusitis cases tend to increase a lot, especially due to the increase in flu and colds. In addition, the drier air and the possible agglomeration of people in less ventilated environments are also aggravating factors.

Anyone who suffers from the problem knows how uncomfortable it is. But some tips can help the person to better deal with sinusitis, without it harming their quality of life.

Tricks to relieve sinus attacks at home

Below you can see some ideas of “natural treatments” that can be applied in everyday life, helping to relieve sinus crises. It is worth noting that the following tips do not replace medical treatment guided by a professional you trust.

1. Apple cider vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar with hot water and honey and drink a cup (of tea) daily.

2. Mint. Mix water and mint and boil this solution. Breathe in the steam, which will likely help to decongest the nasal mucosa.

3. Grape seed extract. This extract is known to be a potent natural antibiotic. It can be bought in the form of a nasal spray or even made at home (just squeeze the seeds with a homemade juicer and then drip the liquid into the nose with a dropper).

4. Water and ginger. Boil some water with a ginger root. Then wet a towel with the liquid, and cover your face with it. (Make sure it is no longer too hot).

5. Spinach and mint. Make a juice containing spinach and mint (it can also contain coconut water and honey), as these are foods known for their anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

6. Carrot. Drink juices that contain carrots.

7. Eucalyptus. Drink tea made with eucalyptus leaves, which has antiseptic properties and helps to prevent inflammation of the nasal cavities.

8. Salt solution. Mix a teaspoon of salt to 1 liter of water. Inhale the saline solution or drip it into your nose, this will help dissolve nasal secretions.

9. Rinse your nose. Flávia explains that, first, it is necessary to see the type of rhinosinusitis and the probable cause. “But, in general, the habit of washing the nostrils with 0.9% saline solution, in abundance, every day, prevents secretion stasis and, consequently, also prevents rhinosinusitis attacks”, he says.

10. Increase your daily water intake. This measure will hydrate your body, helping to reduce sinus blockages. To get an idea of ​​the minimum amount of water that should be ingested, multiply your weight by 30. (For example, if you have 70 kilos, multiplied by 30, you get 2100, which is the approximate amount of ml of water you should consume throughout the day).

11. Stay away from cigarettes. It is highly irritating to the nose. Its smoke makes cleaning difficult and favors the concentration of secretions. Secondhand smoke (staying around people who smoke) is also harmful, be aware!

12. Avoid as much as possible the accumulation of dust in your house and/or in the places where you stay most often.

13. Take care of the air conditioner. This is because, in addition to removing moisture from the air and leaving the environment cold, it can favor the concentration of pollutants (if not subjected to regular cleaning).

Causes of sinusitis

Flávia explains that acute rhinosinusitis is the most common and its main causes are: viral infections (colds) and bacterial infections.

Chronic rhinosinusitis, according to the otolaryngologist, is rarer, and is defined as a persistent chronic bacterial infectious inflammatory process.

There are also fungal rhinosinusitis, in which fungi are the causative agents, as the doctor points out.

“As sinusitis is a multifactorial disease, the likely contributing factors can be infections, allergies and anatomical variations of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses”, adds Flávia.

The flu, for example, is a problem that, by lowering immunity, opens the way for bacteria. An air-conditioned environment or a very dry climate also helps to spread fungi. Thermal shock, certain smells, smoking and excess dust are also some aggravating factors.

types of sinusitis

Sinusitis is divided into different types depending on the sinuses affected, the duration of symptoms, and the cause.

Taking into account the region of the breasts in which it manifests, it can be classified into:

• Jaw (cheekbones)
• Ethmoidal (between the eyeball and the nose)
• Front (forehead)
• Sphenoidal (causes pain on the side or apex of the head or sometimes at the height of the canine tooth).

When it comes to the duration of symptoms, according to Flávia, sinusitis can be:

• Acute: when it lasts for less than 12 weeks and complete resolution of symptoms.
• Chronic: more than 12 weeks without complete resolution of symptoms.

When evaluating sinusitis by causes, it can be classified as:

• Viral sinusitis, if caused by a virus.
• Bacterial sinusitis, if caused by bacteria.
• Allergic sinusitis, if caused by an allergy.
• Fungal sinusitis, if caused by fungi.

Symptoms and diagnosis of sinusitis

Flavia highlights as main signs of sinusitis:

• Obstruction and nasal secretion;
• Postnasal secretion dripping (behind the nose, swallowing the secretion);
• Pain or pressure in the face;
• Headache;
• loss of smell.

It is worth noting that chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have very similar symptoms, but the latter is a temporary sinus infection (often associated with a cold, for example). Chronic, on the other hand, has a prolonged duration (greater than 12 weeks) and nasal obstruction or nasal secretion may be associated with some more symptoms, such as: pain in the upper jaw and teeth, cough, sore throat, fatigue, irritability.

Each case is unique and must be evaluated by a specialist so that the best treatment is indicated after discovering the cause of the problem.

“The diagnosis is clinical, through history and physical examination. Imaging tests are only necessary when complications are suspected”, highlights Flávia.

How to prevent sinusitis?

Check out the top tips that can help you avoid sinusitis:

1. Nasal washing, according to the otorhinolaryngologist, contributes greatly to prevention. The nostrils should be flushed with plenty of 0.9% saline solution daily.
2. “We must also consider the control of possible causal factors, such as treatment of allergic rhinitis and correction of possible anatomical nasal alterations”, highlights Flávia.
3. Seeing a doctor to monitor flu and colds is also an interesting measure.
4. Following a balanced diet (with all food groups) is essential to strengthen immunity.
5. Keeping yourself well hydrated (drinking about 2 liters of water a day) helps prevent infections from occurring.
6. Not going many hours without eating is an important habit, because, otherwise, the body prioritizes the maintenance of vital functions and, with that, the fight against infection becomes secondary.
7. Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before handling food or putting them in your mouth, as they are always prone to coming into contact with the flu virus and other allergens.
8. Beware of excess pet hair, house dust, insects, etc.
9. Avoid strong smells such as candles, flavoring sprays.
10. Protect yourself from the cold by using, for example, a scarf, scarves, in addition to outerwear.
11. Do not smoke and avoid being around people who are smoking.
12. Practice physical exercises, as they promote the improvement of the cardiorespiratory system, in addition to being good for the body in general.

The most important thing, in the case of those who have already had sinusitis, is to strictly follow the guidelines given by the professional who accompanies them.

treatments and surgery

Flávia explains that, for acute viral rhinosinusitis, the treatment is symptomatic and local, with nasal lavage. “In bacterial, we need to use antibiotics”.

“For chronic rhinosinusitis, most of the time, surgical and topical and oral drug treatment (nasal wash, oral antibiotics) is necessary”, adds the otolaryngologist.

Below are key considerations and examples of treatments that may be recommended to help relieve sinus symptoms:

• Nasal lavage is important in both the prevention and treatment of sinusitis.
• Nasal corticosteroids may be indicated.
• Oral or injected corticosteroids may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve severe sinus inflammation. When used for long periods they can cause serious side effects, so they are only recommended to treat severe symptoms.
• Decongestants can be found in the form of pills, liquids, or nasal sprays. They should also only be used with medical advice.
• Antibiotics are usually indicated in the case of bacterial sinusitis.
• Surgery: “We recommend surgery when there are changes in the anatomy of the nose that predispose to rhinosinusitis, usually in chronic and acute cases of repetition. Surgery is also indicated in cases where there is a complication of rhinosinusitis (for example, when the infection reaches the eye)”, explains otorhinolaryngologist Flávia.

It is worth noting that the best type of treatment should be indicated by a doctor you trust, after all, self-medication is very dangerous and can worsen the case instead of improving the symptoms.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.