In the winter season it is common for the sinus to dry out and get infected, which causes the sinuses to get clogged, not to mention all the cold and flu bugs that we can get during the winter season. Sinus pressure doesn’t just affect the nose but the ears as well since they are connected. When sinus pressure builds up it can cause a lot of pain in both the nose and ears. We then will look for ways to help reduce the pressure. What can you do when your ears feel muffled and they begin to feel clogged? ENT Specialists will share a few ways you can help unclog your ears and reduce the pain and sinus pressure.
There are over the counter decongestants such as sinus relief tablets and/or sprays that can help unblock the sinus. The pressure is then relieved which helps get the pressure off of the ears. However, it is recommended not to use a decongestant over three days or it can affect the nasal cavity which can cause the nasals to dry out and bleed. If severe congestion lasts over three days consider seeking medical help.
When there is pressure in the sinuses it can put a lot of pressure on the ears which leads to discomfort and even severe pain. It’s okay to relieve the pain by taking over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen, or Acetaminophen. If pressure or ear pain lasts more than a few days it’s better to seek medical aid to make sure there isn’t another underlining problem. The sinuses could be infected which is why the pressure won’t let up. You may need to treat a sinus infections.
Mucus extraction or blowing your nose with high force can actually make the pressure in the ears worse. This is a common problem when a person is sick and they can’t relieve the sinus pressure. They will begin blowing their nose hard. This doesn’t help. In fact, it makes things worse. When blowing your nose, blow softly. Block one side of the nose and then change sides. Go back and forth to prevent putting more pressure on the ears.
When you have sinus pressure it is important to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can help dehydrate you. Staying hydrated helps thin out the mucus, and helps the mucus drain better. By promoting better drainage it can help reduce the pressure and relieve the ear pain.
If the pressure gets really bad, and you want to help clear the sinuses fast, you can also do a saline rinse. A saline rinse flushes out the nasal passages and clears out all of the mucus that is causing the pain in the ears. You can get a saline rinse kit at any drug store.
Steam can help clear up the sinuses as well. You can boil water and then stick your head in the steam or take a hot shower. If you have a diffuser you can use Eucalyptus, Camphor or Menthol oil which can help clear away the mucus.
To completely relieve the pain, try more than one remedy to help drain and keep your sinuses clear. If congestion continues consider seeing an ENT Specialists. We provide quality medical care and can help treat sinus infections, ear pain and more. Schedule an appointment with ENT Specialists today.
