Natural Sinus Relief
Allergic reactions and sinus congestion hinder everyday productivity for allergy sufferers. However, many people have come to accept this hindrance as merely a part of life; something that they can't change and just have to learn to live with. While a permanent allergy relief and sinus relief "cure," so to speak, is not a realistic option, there are ways to make life with allergies more manageable.
What is Happening?
When you experience sinus congestion or an allergy attack, your immune system is responding in an abnormal, over the top way to a typically innocuous allergen in your environment. During this reaction, your body produces an antibody called IgE. This antibody is designed to bind the allergen. IgE antibodies attach themselves to your mast cells. Mast cells are a type of blood cell. When this happens, a reaction is triggered and your mast cells release a chemical cocktail including histamine. These chemicals cause you to experience the symptoms of an allergy attack including the dreaded sinus congestion and sinus pain.
Sinus Specifics
Sinuses are the four parts of bony cavities located behind your nose, cheeks and forehead. When sinuses are blocked, mucus backs up in the nose, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and even viruses. A wide spectrum of things can cause chronic sinus inflammation and sinus pain. Typically this condition is the result of several causes combined. While you can't necessarily eliminate the causes, you can be proactive about natural sinus relief solutions and take a few preventative measures that will decrease the occurrence of sinus congestion.
Strategies for Sinus Relief
Some natural oils, such as eucalyptus and thyme, have antibacterial properties. You can add a few drops of either of these two oils to a pot of near-boiling water and breathe in the steam. You can also add these oils to a commercial steam inhaler. Doing this 2 to 4 times a day will soothe inflamed sinuses and aid in easing sinus congestion. This is a great natural sinus relief technique. Keep in mind that steam is extremely hot and can cause severe burns, so be careful!
Akin to this natural allergy relief solution is using a hot washcloth. Place the hot washcloth over your eyes, nose and cheekbones (where your sinuses are located) for at least 10 minutes at a time. This convenient remedy will break up mucus congestion and improve drainage, thus eliminating the block and relieving pressure. This will also soothe inflammation, which will ease sinus pain and provide effective natural sinus relief.
Dryness irritates your sinuses. Using a saline nasal spray works like a portable humidifier to help relieve irritation and provide sinus relief on the go. The nasal spray will moisten and heal your nasal passageways. You will breathe easier and feel better.
Some sinus congestion is caused by food allergies. Milk and wheat are both common sinus offenders that cause allergic reactions and boost mucus production. You can find out if one of these two ingredients is causing sinus congestion by cutting one of them out of your diet for a period of 4 to 8 weeks and then reintroducing it, taking careful note of how your symptoms respond. Make sure that you cut one out at a time (otherwise you won't know which one is affecting you) and be careful to read labels carefully to make sure that you aren't accidentally eating something containing the ingredient that you have cut out. Also, be sure to avoid strong chemical odors (like bleach or paint), smoke (both from tobacco and from a fireplace) and other air pollutants. These can inflame your sinus membranes and cause sinus pain.
Sinus infections can be caused by exposure to common allergens such as pet dander, dust, fungi, mold or pollen. You can dramatically reduce the amount of these allergens that are in the air by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter like the IQAir HealthPro Plus. This air purifier combines a medical grade HEPA filter with 5 lbs. of activated carbon impregnated with potassium permanganate. What that means for you is the highest most efficient HEPA air purifier on the market working around the clock to rid your environment of airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores, tobacco smoke, dust, pet dander and even microorganisms. In addition to that, the IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA air purifier removes ammonia, formaldehyde and other dangerous vapors that are emitted from household cleaning products, detergents and cleaning materials. With your air virtually free of irritants, your sinus congestion will ease. You will sleep better, have more energy throughout your day and spend less time fusing over sinus congestion and sinus pain. This natural sinus relief is a must have addition to your sinus congestion attack plan!