Nasal Irrigation & Sinus Rinses

Nasal irrigation and sinus rinses are something a lot of people don’t really know even exist – let alone could greatly help prevent them from getting sinus infections and without surgery.

Basically, all it does is help rinse out your sinus cavaties from mucous that gets trapped and causes all of your congestion and becomes a happy breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Once the mucous is cleared it is much easier for you to breathe and it becomes much less likely for you to get an infection.

There are a number of sinus rinse kits available at your local drug store or of course you can also choose from a wider selection and order one online.

Most people who are new to these types of things immediately have two questions: Are sinus rinses safe? Is nasal irrigation dangerous?

When done properly, there is not any unusual or major risk for danger. If done improperly, you may get some of the water stuck in your ear, and then you need to get that water out of your ear – leaving the water in your ear would obviously cause bigger problems.

You have to put whether or not it is dangerous into perspective. Riding in a car, a box made of metal and glass, at 65 miles per hour around other boxes of metal and glass going at the same speed is probably a lot more dangerous than using a sinus rinse or a neti pot. Yet we do it every single day. Millions of people die in car accidents each year – I have yet to hear of a death caused by a sinus rinse.

There are also a number of dangers associated with taking over the counter medications and even prescription drugs – and yet, most people don’t even think twice before popping a few pills in the hopes that they’ll solve the problem. So if you’re afraid of putting a little water in your nose and the risk you think outweighs the benefits, then by all means don’t do it. But, if you’re like millions of people who get in a car everyday or take medications, then you really need to think about this in perspective!

Now, there are a lot of things you need to know about sinus rinses and nasal irrigation systems before you get started, because there are a lot of things to consider.

The first thing to think about is the way you plan on rinsing out your nose. There are a number of kits, pots, gadgets, and more to help you put water through your nose. (Aren’t we so lucky?) Here’s a little overview of the different types and kinds:

The Traditional Neti Pot: The first type of system to use is the Neti Pot, which is basically just a pretty little pot, it kind of looks like a cross between a watering can and a gravy boat. Some people love this ancient method because it is simple – you fill the pot with your rinse, lean over a sink, and pour it through your nose. Others find it’s hard to control their breathing to ensure that the water goes up the right way. See all neti pots and read reviews.

Sinus Rinse Kits: These kits typically consist of a saline based solution in something that looks very similar to a nasal spray canister. Some believe this is slightly easier to use than a Neti pot, because basically you use it straight out of the bottle. Most kits range in price between $12-$27 in this range for a single use. See More Sinus Rinse Kits & Read Reviews

The Nasal Irrigation System: Technology has made it possible to use systems which regulate how much and how fast water goes through your nose. Many people find that this is a lot easier and more foolproof – basically you just place the wand up to your nose, press a button, wait about 15 seconds and you’re done. (Of course it’s a little more involved than that, but that’s the basics) This is the most expensive of options, ranging from $27 to $110. However, if you are someone with chronic allergies or sinus congestion and find that this is a comfortable solution for you, then this may be one of the better choices for you to use. See All Nasal Irrigation Systems & Read Reviews

The next important factor is what type of rinse will you use? Some swear by just plain water, others mix water with saline, others use premixed solutions such as the Himalayan Institute Neti Wash Plus. It’s all a matter of personal preference. Everybody likes different things, so it’s really hard to say this one or that one is the best. For most, it’s a matter of experimentation to decide which one they like and find the most effective.

Here’s my advice: If you haven’t tried using a nasal rinse or sinus irrigation system before, you might as well try it and decide for yourself if you should do it on a regular basis or not. You just might be surprised and find out that it works! And if it keeps you out of the doctor’s office, getting yet another prescription, and spending money on expensive over the counter drugs, you may find it’s well worth it, no matter how strange it may seem.

Olive Oil for Sinus Infection Problems

oliveoilA natural remedy that some have tried included using olive oil for sinus infection problems. There are two different ways of using olive oil for your sinus problems, both of which we’ll outline below.

Olive oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree. Commonly grown in the Mediterranean, olive oil and olives is a huge industry and contributes as a major export for many of the countries located there. Olive oil is made by first harvesting the olives from the tree and then ground into a paste. This paste is then put under pressure which separates the oil from water. The oil is then bottled.

Olive oil is known for many health benefits, especially in regards to it being high in antioxidants as well as its content of monounsaturated fatty acids. Many people recommend it for better health and being used to substitute other fats and oils in the diet, especially because it can help with cholesterol levels in some individuals. Other claims of health benefits and healing properties include colon cancer prevention, better resistance to infection, warding off infections, moisturizing properties, inflammation, arthritis, improved memory, and many others. Warmed olive oil is sometimes used as drops for ear pain (though it will not resolve an ear infection on its own and should never be used if there is drainage from the ears)

If you are using olive oil for sinus problems, there are two things you can try:

Mixing Olive Oil With Essential Oils/Herbs

There are a number of essential oils and herbs that can be mixed with olive oil that can help alleviate sinus pain and pressure. As most herbs and natural remedies are not FDA approved, it’s important to know that there is no research on how well they work and in some cases they may present side effects – so always research carefully and/or consult with your physician before trying these remedies.

Some of the popular herbs to be mixed with olive oil are these:

Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Tea Tree Oil

In general, you should only mix very small amounts and then using a cotton swab gently apply it to the inside of your nose. Be careful not to insert the cotton swab in too far. Too much of the herbs will likely cause burning!

Massage With Olive Oil

Some believe that applying olive oil (with or without herbs) to your skin where your sinuses are located can help with draining them better. This is easy to do as well, you simply need to take about a teaspoon or two of olive oil and gently massage into your face where your sinuses are located – which includes your upper cheekbone, the sides of your nose, between your nose, and your forehead. (Basically wherever you are feeling the sinus pressure!) If you have sensitive skin however you may want to do this one with caution, as it could cause the skin to be more oily and result in breakouts or potentially cause irritation if you are using different herbs or essential oils.

With the ease of these remedies and the wide availability of olive oil, this is a very simple remedy to try.

For more natural remedies in curing sinus infections and problems, you’ll also want to read the guide Natural Sinus Remedies That Work.

Jaw Pain and Sinus Infections

Many people wonder if jaw pain can be related to sinus infections.  In many cases, it sometimes can be a side effect and symptom of having sinus problems, however it greatly depends which sinuses are effected. We have four sinus regions and depending on which sinus becomes blocked with mucous, the side effects will differ for everybody.

As we listed in our list of sinus infection symptoms it is not uncommon to feel pain in your face because two of your sinus cavities are located right in the cheek region of your face. For many people this is where their jaw begins and so having pain in your upper jaw or teeth can happen.

Most sinus infections can be treated naturally at home with no need for antibiotics – using antibiotics for sinus infections unnecessarily can cause worse problems for you later on, or put you at risk for developing chronic infections more often.

It’s important to remember however that jaw pain or teeth problems can also sometimes cause sinus problems – for example if you have a bad cavity in your upper mouth, the pain may radiate upwards toward your sinuses. Also, many people suffer from a disorder in their Temporomanidibular joint (that’s basically the joint that controls you jaw movement) which can cause a lot of pain.

If you are unsure of what to do about jaw pain, there are some things you can do to help:

1. Clear Up Your Sinuses: Clearing your sinuses of blocked mucous is critical in becoming well again. This can be done in a variety of ways, whether through steam treatment, saline solutions, or using a Neti Pot and Wash to clear your nasal passages.

2. Boost Your Health: The more healthier you are, the less likely you are to be a candidate for becoming sick often. This includes eating a healthy diet and following any recommendations by your physician to improve your immunity to such diseases.

3. See a Dentist: Most people do not go to the dentist every six months as recommended. If you haven’t been to the dentist recently, you should certainly schedule an appointment. Your dentist can then determine if you have any cavities which may be causing sinus problems.

4. Determine if You Have TMJ: If you have TMJ which is usually characterized by jaw pain, grinding of the jaw, popping of the jaw during eating or chewing, feeling that your mouth doesn’t open or close right, then you may need to see a specialist who can help you determine what the best course of action may be.

While jaw pain and sinus pain may be caused by very different things, it is not uncommon for when one is experiencing problems to effect the other. Talking to your doctor and/or dentist is the only way to be certain for sure to know exactly what the culprit of the pain may be.

If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, you will also want to check out Natural Sinus Remedies to help get rid of those chronic sinus problems for good!

Could Sinus Problems Cause Hearing Loss?

earMany people wonder if sinus problems could cause hearing loss. Because the sinuses are closely located beside the ear canal, it is not uncommon for a sinus infection to also lead to an ear infection. Because the ear canal becomes blocked, hearing can sometimes be affected. Recurring ear infections can also cause damage to be done to the ears which can also result in hearing being affected.

For questions about hearing loss and sinus problems, it is best to do a few things:

1. Clear Up Your Sinus and Ear Infection Problems: You will likely need to see a doctor who can determine whether or not you should take Antibiotics. If it is a viral infection and/or recurring ear infections and sinus problems happen frequently to you, then you should also consider trying natural sinus remedies to see if that helps any. If treating your ear infection and sinus infection causes your hearing to return to normal, then likely it was just due to a blockage and no damage has been done. However, if after your sinus problems have been addressed and you are still noticing hearing problems, continue on to the next steps below:

2. Have Your Hearing Tested: Having your hearing tested can be done quite simply and rather quickly. You may remember having your hearing screened when you were in grade school or as a child visiting the doctor. It’s relatively easy to do and pretty much painless. This will confirm whether you are having hearing problems or not, as well as to what degree and how much hearing loss you have. This test can be performed by a variety of people, from general practitioners to even local clinics who have the right equipment. If you are positive you have hearing loss, you may want to skip directly to the next step.

3. Consult With Your Audiologist: An audiologist is a doctor who specializes in hearing loss. If you have hearing loss, a specialist will be able to best examine why it has occured as well as what the best treatment options would be or if a hearing aide would be appropriate. There have been significant advances in medical technology that can often help hearing problems. While often damage cannot be reversed, there are a wide variety of things to make it easier for you to deal with any hearing loss.

4. Consider Other Possible Causes: Sinus infections do not typically act as the sole reason behind hearing loss, though occasionally it can be related. You should carefully consider other factors such as genetics, your personal health history, medications you are taking which could have potential side effects, as well as any environmental factors (such as working with heavy and loud machinery on a daily basis). Your audiologist will be able to help you identify why you may be having problems.

If you suspect hearing loss, following the above steps and talking to your doctor will help you identify the problem and better determine the next course of action.

Antibiotics for Sinus Infection

A common question that many people ask is this one: Do I need antibiotics for sinus infection? The next common question is “What antibiotics are best in treating sinus infections?”

Now, it would be nice if we could give you a very easy answer yes or no and rattle off a miracle drug name that will cure all your problems for good, but like most things in life it’s a little bit more complicated than that.

For starters, not everyone who has a sinus infection knows whether it is bacterial or viral (and therefore whether an antibiotic would be necessary or not) – and secondly there are many different opinions in the health and medical community about the use of antibiotics for treating sinus infections. Many people are concerned that by prescribing antibiotics to treat sinus problems, the result could be an overuse of antibiotics and thus cause bacteria to become resistant to these medications.

With so many differences in opinion not only on the general consumer level but also in the professional medical field, it’s no wonder so many people end up frustrated and confused. Who can you trust? How do you know who is right? Could taking antibiotics end up being worse for you? What if you let the infection go untreated? What would happen?

In general you should call your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Swelling or Painful Face
Fever of 101 degrees F or higher
Nausea
Severe Headaches
Thick Green/Yellowish Mucous
Ear or Eye Pain
Drainage from the eyes or ears

Sinus infections can typically be cured by natural homeopathic remedies quite successfully. In fact, even the CDC (Center for Disease Control recommends that antibiotics not be administered for the majority of sinusitis cases, especially because they are often due to a viral infection. However, there are rare circumstances when someone can have a severe bacterial infection that could cause major consequences if left untreated, especially because the sinuses are located in such close proximity to your eyes and your brain. Most sinus infections and problems are not always bacterial in nature, nor do they always require antibiotics – but unless you are a doctor and unless you test to see if it is necessary for antibiotics you would never know. There’s also the possibility that what you think is a sinus infection could be something else entirely – and so talking with a doctor is certainly important. As wonderful as the internet is, no website can accurately diagnose and treat any medical condition – not yet at least!

If the CDC says that most cases should not be treated with antibiotics, then it’s pretty safe to assume that you can avoid a visit to the doctor’s office as long as you are not experiencing any major symptoms such as fever or eye drainage.

Here are some reasons why many medical professionals and the CDC are against antibiotics for sinus infections:

1. Most Sinus Infections Are Viral: You’ve likely heard the difference between viral and bacterial infections. Viral infections are caused by viruses, whereas bacterial infections are caused by bacteria. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, and so there is really no reason to take them because it has no effect on whether you get better or not.

2. Increased Risk for Chronic Sinus Problems: Antibiotics typically cause mucous to dry up, but it doesn’t make problems causing the pain and pressure to go away. For this reason, even if you do have a viral infection you may end up finding relief from antibiotics. Unfortunately, when you dry up mucous, it does not really go away, it just “shrinks” (which relieves the pain and pressure) – but guess what? Within a few weeks or months moisture is going to cause problems to flare up again. Many people end up falling into this trap over and over again, some people having problems for months or years.

3. Resistance to Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics when you don’t really need them can cause problems for when you really DO need them. Instead of bacteria being stopped they may instead mutate and then multiply and not respond to the medication. This is a great fear that many doctors have about the use of antibiotics when they are not absolutely necessary.

4. Kill off the “Good” Bacteria: Our bodies naturally have “good” bacteria that help keep our body healthy. For example, there are bacteria in your digestive track which help you digest food. When you take antibiotics, you risk killing off the good bacteria in your body – which could cause digestive problems or increase your chances for yeast infections.

5. Unnecessary Side Effects: Some antibiotics can cause strong side effects. If you have a bacterial infection that needs treated with antibiotics, than obviously for most people the benefits far outweigh the potential side effects you might experience. However, if you don’t need them, why would you subject yourself to having those side effects for no reason and to only make them worse?

Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics and therefore you will be taking the medication unnecessarily which could then later cause bacteria to become more resistant of that medication later. While it is good practice for doctors to first test patients to ensure a bacterial infection exists, that does not usually happen – most doctors are more than happy to just give you a prescription and send you out of their office as fast as they can. While we can’t emphasize the importance of talking to a doctor enough – be sure before your doctor writes you a prescription that your problem is indeed bacterial, otherwise not only will it not really solve the problem, but it can also make things worse than ever.

Click Here for Natural Sinus Remedies

Sores in Nose: Blisters & Pain

Chances are if you are chronically sick with allergies, stuffy and runny nose, and sinus congestion there’s a very good chance that you have developed at some little red sores or blisters around the edges or inside your nostrils.

A common misconception is that these red blisters come from too much nose blowing or using scratchy and rough tissues. While that could potentially cause some dry or chapped skin, it does not contribute directly to having sores or blisters develop in your nose.

The majority of those who experience these symptoms have likely developed a condition called Impetigo which happens when bacteria decide they like living in your nose just a little too much and get out of hand.

This bacteria that causes these blisters are either typically streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus bacteria and are responsible for many other problems and infections, such as strep throat and other related illnesses.

These sores, also called blisters or lesions are usually red in nature and are often “crusty” with a yellowish pus. They can be large or they can be small. They’re not only gross looking, but you’re going to need to see a doctor to get them to go away because they are cause by bacteria and thus need antibiotics or the infection will likely get worse. Some doctors may try oral antibiotics in conjunction with an antibiotic cream to help combat the infection.

If you’re suffering from this becoming a recurring problem, especially in the months where your cold and allergy symptoms are at their worst, the best thing to do is try and prevent it as much as possible after you see a doctor for treatment. It can be difficult to keep your body free of germs, especially during cold and flu season, but if you follow some of the tips below you’ll see that it may potentially help:

Eat Well: The first thing to do is eat a healthy and well balanced diet to help your body resist infection more easily. Your ability to fight infection relies heavily on your body getting the nutrients it needs. Talking to your doctor can help you determine what vitamins may be helpful, but usually it is best to eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy to ensure all of your dietary needs are met.

Avoid Allergy Triggers: You will also want to try and avoid or eliminate and potential triggers which may be causing a lot of allergies and therefore mucous to build up in your sinuses and nose. Because impetigo develops from mucous, the less you trigger your allergies the better.

Practice Hand Washing: Many people do not realize the importance of hand washing or making sure you wash your hands properly. Always use hot water and soap and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Some parents teach their kids proper hand washing by having them since a song while they do it.

Talk to Your Doctor: Recurring infections can sometimes be a sign of another problem – for example you may have hair follicles in your nose which are becoming infected or it could even potentially be due to the herpes virus. If need be, visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist (also known as an ENT) who may be able to pinpoint the exact cause of why it continues to happen.

Mangosteen for Sinus Problems

mangosteenAnother popular natural remedy is using the herb Mangosteen for sinus problems.  When so many people suffer from chronic problems and traditional medications and nasal sprays seem to no longer be effective or cause conditions to seem as if they worsen, trying a natural herbal remedy for some is very appealing.

Mangosteen is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to the Sunda Islands and Indonesia. The plant produces a purple and green colored fruit which is pictured above. (photo credit) This fruit is high in antioxidants and is believed to help boost the immune system making your body less likely to catch colds and illnesses which could result in sinus infections.

There are a multitude of ways to enjoy and use Mangosteen for treating sinus problems. The most effective thing to do is to enjoy the fruit either in its natural state or drinking it as a juice since all of its natural properties remain intact this way. However, depending on where you live it can be difficult to get this, especially because the plant requires tropical conditions to grow. (For example it would not survive well if grown in Canada and most parts of the United States, Europe, and Russia)

You can also often find many juices made from concentrate or in powdered form available to buy online. This is a much easier option to consider as you can then enjoy the juice regardless of your location or the availability of imported tropical fruits.

More recently, Mangosteen has also been sold in tablet and soft gel form to take as a dietary supplement. For some this is a better solution, especially if they do not like the taste of the fruit or the juice and it is also more economical for shipping since tablets and capsules do not weigh the same as liquid juices do. However it is important to realize that it is very difficult to keep the natural properties intact when turning it into a dietary supplement so in most cases finding it in its most purest form is the best.

There are a few precautions to consider when eating or drinking Mangosteen, and that is to remember that doing anything in excess is typically not good for you. Use any products you purchase as directed and remember that in the case of a severe sinus infection you should always seek the advice of a qualified professional. Drinking Mangosteen is not going to cause instant relief or results, though it may be helpful as a preventative measure for some who chronically suffer from sinus problems.

Where Can I Get Mangosteen?

If you’d like to try it, there a number of things you can try and do. If you want to try the 100% Juice, not from concentrate, we found the best price for it to be at Amazon.com – Click Here for 100% Pure Undiluted Juice ~ 30,000 mg Pure Fruit Pulp Per Serving!

You can also try the supplements, also available from Amazon.com. See All Mangosteen Products at Amazon

Sinus Pressure Points and Massage

Sinus Pressure Points are the places in your face and forehead where you can massage them in the hopes of helping relieve pressure and loosen blockages which are causing your problems and how infections begin developing. If you’ve been exposed to an environment that has a lot of common allergy triggers (pet hair, smoke, dust, etc.) it is believed that this can also help relieve congestion so you don’t get sick. While it won’t treat a sinus infection from happening entirely, it can help with prevention or with dealing with congestion after being exposed to common allergy irritants.

Using sinus pressure points for massage is something that comes of the practice of Shiatsu, an ancient Japanese holistic therapy using pressure points in the body. To relieve sinus pressure, most of these pressure points are located in the face area.

In general, it helps if you have some experience and background in doing pressure point therapy and Shiatsu, because without knowing what you are doing at best you will not see any results and at worst you may actually end up hurting yourself or someone else if you’re not careful. (While you want to apply firm pressure, you certainly would not want to apply enough pressure to break someone’s nose for example!) You can always check your local area to see if there are any locally available Shiatsu practitioners who could either teach you to do it yourself for the first time or allow you to watch a demonstration to have a better understanding of how to do it properly. However, there are some basic things you can try at home on your own without really any experience.

The sinus pressure points are basically all located where your sinuses are. Remember, your sinuses are not really anything more than empty space (a cavity) between the bones and tissues in your face and behind the eyes.

Your upper cheek bone is where you generally have two sinus cavities, right below the eyes and to the side of the nose. Here you can take your index finger and gently massage this area moving your fingers in a circular motion while apply a small amount of pressure.

The other thing you can do is to massage the area directly between your eyes and nose, though you will want to exercise care to not apply too much pressure. You can then massage your forehead, again using your fingers in a circular motion right above and between the eyebrows.

Below is a video of a Shiatsu specialist explaining some of the things you can do at home to help alleviate sinus pressure and promote drainage:

Again, this should not be done as a sole treatment if an infection is present, but it can help you alleviate sinus pressure after consulting with your doctor or as a preventive measurement to take when you have been exposed to trigger environments that cause your sinus problems top worsen.

If you want to learn more about pressure point therapy or Shiatsu, I definitely recommend finding someone locally near you who can teach you more about it, since this is the best way to learn the art of acupressure. Now that you know the sinus pressure points, you’ll be able to give yourself or a friend a massage anytime they need one!

Neti Wash Plus by Himalayan Institute

Neti Wash Plus by the Himlalayan Institute is a popular choice for sinus and nasal rinses and irrigation systems. It is available from a wide variety of vendors and can typically be found pretty inexpensively at sites such as Amazon.com.

Click Here for Neti Wash Plus with Zinc for Sinus and Immune Support

Neti Wash Plus is made by a company called the Himalayan Institute. Founded in 1971, the Himalayan Institute specializes in holistic health solutions and global humanitarian projects. World renowned as a leading source in yoga they also produce many different natural products for health and wellness. They are the innovator and creator of the Neti Pot, a common and simplistic irrigation device which can be used for cleaning the nasal passages. The pot, which looks somewhat like a genie lamp is highly recommended by many doctors and physicians to help ward off sinus infections from recurring.

The Neti Wash like most solutions found for nasal irrigation systems comprises mostly of a saline water solution as well as other natural ingredients. Here are some of the key factors in which set it apart from many of the other different available saline solutions available:

Zinc Acetate: Some studies have suggested the zinc acetate when used in a saline solution can help reduce inflammation and act as a drying agent for helping to alleviate excess mucous. While pro-longed exposure of zinc can cause a loss of sense of smell, this greatly depends on the the amount and type of zinc and currently no incidences of lack of smell from using this product have been reported.

Goldenseal Root Extracts and other Berberines: Goldenseal Root is a flowering pereniel herb that contains Berberine. It is a member of the Buttercup family. It is believed to have both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: Grapefruit seed extract is also often referred to as “pure liquid gold” because it is believed to have many benefits which can help with fighting off and preventing infection from happening.

Like all products, you should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the ingredients found in something you are using. This wash due to the natural herbs in contains should be used only by adults. Pregnant and nursing woman should also take care because some studies have shown that products containing Berberines can have some adverse potentially toxic effects infants.

You should also exercise caution if you currently show signs of a severe respiratory or sinus infection, such as fever, chills, nausea, and swelling. In that case you should always seek the professional advice of a physican. However, for those who are looking for an all natural saline solution to use for regular weekly nasal rinsing, this product in generally mild and can be helpful in keeping sinus passages clear.

All in all, this is a great wash to try if you are looking for something new to try. You can always make your own sinus rinse mix but many find that the herbal properties found in this particular rinse can help them in keeping their sinuses clear.

Click Here for the Lowest Price on Neti Wash Plus with Zinc for Sinus and Immune Support

Sinus Infection Symptoms and Signs

Wondering whether you have sinus infection symptoms or not? Each year millions of people world wide suffer from stuffy and runny noses which can lead to making your sinuses a great place for bacteria to live and grow. When bacteria becomes trapped because of a blockage, an infection is likely to occur. Sinusitis occurs when these cavities in your nasal passages and your head become irritated and inflamed, causing mucous to become trapped and leading to a lot of discomfort!

Here are some of the symptoms of a sinus infection to look out for:

Headaches: Sinus headaches typically occur in the front of your head, because two of your sinuses are located right within your forehead. You also have sinus cavities behind and between your eyes, which can also cause some pressure to occur in those places as well. You can take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetametaphine to reduce this pain, but if it occurs frequently then you should talk to your doctor because it can be a cause of a more serious problem or a sign that you have a sinus infection which could lead to further complications.

Face Pain: One of the common complaints with a sinus infection is face pain, especially in the cheekbone area right below the eyes. You may also feel pain around your eyes, because there are sinus cavities in these places as well.

Fever: A fever should not be ignored and if you find that you’ve had a cold for a few weeks and then come down with a fever, it is usually necessary to seek professional medical care as antibiotics are likely needed to help fight the infection. In children between the ages of 1 year to to 5 years old, you should be very watchful of any fever that occurs that goes over 101 degrees Fairenheit. Fevers can also be a symptom of other underlying medical illnesses and conditions, so don’t ignore it – call a doctor right away.

Coughing: A deep cough can sometimes occur due to a sinus infection, especially if you have a lot of problems with post nasal drip. For some, this coughing can be a lifelong chronic problem until a solution is found for their sinuses, and for others it may be a symptom of a different infection or underlying disorder. Coughs typically worsen at night because you are laying down and the mucous has a better path into your throat and lungs. Again, if you are experiencing any coughing or wheezing, you should seek medical care immediately.

Eye Drainage and Pain: You may notice that occasionally goop will form in your eyelids, especially while sleeping. Some may wake up to find that it is difficult to open their eyes, especially if swelling also occurs. This is another symptom that signals immediate medical attention as antibiotics are usually prescribed before the infection becomes worse and there is any damage done to the eyes.

Extended Cold Symptoms: Many sinus infections are caused by the viruses that cause the common cold. Most colds can last anywhere between 7 to 14 days, but the worse of the symptoms typically end after 5-7 days. If you notice after two weeks you still aren’t feeling any better then it may be time to talk to your doctor.

Serious complications can occur from an untreated sinus infection. Your sinuses are located in close proximity to your eyes and your brain and if an infection occurs and goes untreated it can result in problems such as seizures, blindness, and even potentially be fatal.

If you think you have an infection, you should call you doctor. If it is still in the early stages (no fever present for example) you may be able to help the situation through using many of the natural home remedies for sinus infections we have available through our website.