Contributed by; Healthians Team
Introduction
While monsoon is often mesmerising, it can turn into a nightmare for some people. Its arrival can have a profound effect on your sinus pain and pressure.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive and constant sneezing
- Blockage of one or both nostrils
- Weakness
- Throbbing headache after waking up in the morning
- Runny nose
- Facial pain and sensitivity
- Pain in teeth and upper jaw
- heaviness while bending the head
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Cough that becomes severe at night
Here are a few tips to overcome nasal congestion or stuffy nose during this monsoon season!
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the healthiest spices that help to fight against sinus infection. Its anti-inflammatory property helps to clear the mucus in the lungs and clears the blockage of airways caused by inflammation.
Turmeric has an active compound called curcumin present in it, that is very effective in controlling bronchial asthma and restoring standard breathing patterns.
Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and drink this 2-3 times a day. Warm milk helps to remove mucus and serves as a decongestant.
The optimum time to have turmeric milk is right before bed. For additional flavour and health advantages, you may add a few drops of honey to this glass of turmeric milk.
Steam inhalation
From curing sore throat to nasal congestion, steam inhalation is a technique that always comes to the rescue in order to provide relief from various conditions.
When it comes to sinusitis, The warm, moist air helps thin out the mucus and opens the passages in the nose to relieve sinus pressure.
Tea tree oil
In addition, it offers a host of other wonderful health benefits, this essential oil helps in reducing inflammation and sinus swelling due to its antimicrobial properties.
Researchers have found that topical treatment of this oil is helpful in relieving symptoms of congestion such as a runny nose or sinus headache.
Spicy foods
Believe it or not, eating spicy foods can help is a natural way to open nasal passages and get mucus flowing. Some evidence suggests that spicy foods like ginger, raw garlic and onions, chillies and spicy mustard can be an effective way to clear sinus congestion, providing sinus headache relief.
This is because capsaicin, an active compound found in spicy foods irritates mucous membranes, which results in a runny nose, thereby softening any nasal obstruction.
Water
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps to thin nasal secretions, hence making your sinus passages less congested.
It has been medically validated that when you are dehydrated, your sinus passages tend to dry out, leading to increased pressure, discomfort and pain.
Pineapple
More than just a delicious fruit, Pineapple is a great decongestant. Pineapple is rich in antioxidants and also contains enzymes called bromelain.
A study conducted by German researchers found that bromelain is effective in breaking down the junk that builds up in the sinuses and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Chicken soup
Various studies support the benefits of chicken soup in helping ease congestion and reduce inflammation associated with sinus congestion and colds.
Although scientists haven’t been able to identify the exact ingredient in chicken soup, they speculate that the steam combined with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the soup’s ingredients are what help clear the sinuses.
Garlic
Garlic is a versatile spice that helps reduce inflammation and pain in the sinus passages. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to dilute mucous secretions and promote drainage.
Ginger
Ginger is another fantastic herb that is a powerful cure for sinus ailments. It has excellent anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols and shaogals.
Drinking a concoction of ginger tea made by adding a few pieces of ginger to one cup of boiled water, thrice a day, provides instant relief from the sinus.
Warm compresses
Apply moistly, warm heat may help soothe facial pain due to sinus. One of the easiest ways to do this is to place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks, and eyes to clear the nasal passages from the outside. You may alternate hot and cold compresses for quicker relief.
Final thoughts
Suffering from sinus congestion can be very uncomfortable and may impact the quality of life. In addition to using decongestants and pain relievers, alternative home remedies mentioned above can also boost your recovery.
However, if you continue to experience sinus pressure symptoms after a week, or if they begin to worsen, it is recommended that you should visit your doctor.
