Ashford Clinic Blog
Sinus Ear Pressure Tips
Pain from sinus pressure is bad enough when it affects your eyes, cheekbones, nose, and forehead. When that pressure is also causing pain in your eyes, you just want it gone, and fast. When it comes to ear pain from sinus pressure, the trick to pain relief is generally the same as treating other forms of sinus pressure. This is because the pain itself is due to how close your ears are located to your sinuses. Here are some ways that you can treat and relieve that sinus ear pain.
Over the counter pain medications are a great way to start when treating ear pain from sinus pressure. Medicine cabinet staples like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all useful when it comes to pain relief. If you aren’t sure which to use, check with your doctor.
Congestion is a common cause of sinus pressure and pain, so if that is the cause of your pain then Decongestants can help release that blockage. They come in the form of sprays or tablets, but shouldn’t be used for extended periods of time.
If you can’t or don’t want to use medications, saline sprays or rinses are another treatment option. The saline can help thin out thickened mucus, or soothe and hydrate dry, irritated sinus tissues.
If you are uncomfortable with sprays or rinses, warm steam can also help loosen congestion from mucus and soothe nasal passages. This could be from taking a hot shower, standing over a pot of simmering water, or even breathing in the steam off of a hot mug of tea.
Whatever method you choose to try, it’s also important to stay Hydrated. Your body will try to clear the congestion on it’s own, but if you’re dehydrated then you’re just making things difficult on yourself. So drink plenty of water - this will allow your body to thin the mucus in your sinuses, so that it drains on its own.
One other thing that can help is to gently blow your nose, one nostril at a time. You can do this by pressing on one side of your nose at a time. This should be done with caution though, because using too much pressure as you’re blowing could actually cause more pain.
If you try these methods, but still can’t find relief then you should make an appointment with your doctor. This is especially true if you’re experiencing sinus pressure and running a fever. Extended pain with fever is often a sign of a sinus infection, and that is something that you should seek treatment for immediately. Give us a call at 706-248-6860.
