When you catch a cold , it's really annoying to have a stuffy nose and a runny nose, like you've just turned on a faucet? Not only that, but the sides of your nose, under your eyes, and forehead feel tight, heavy, and throbbing. Many people are familiar with this experience. This is what we call sinus pain. So today, let's talk about why this happens and what we can do about it.
Why does this pain come with a cold?
Simply put, the same virus that causes the common cold is responsible for this. Imagine, inside your nose and in your head, there are small cavities. These are what we call sinuses. These cavities are lined with a thin membrane.
When the virus that causes a cold enters your body, it attacks the delicate membranes in these sinus cavities. In response to this attack, those membranes start to swell. Not only that, but they also suddenly increase mucus production. Now look, what happens when the swollen membranes and the extra thick mucus come together? All the little passages inside the sinus cavities get blocked. The mucus has nowhere to go.
That congestion is what causes pressure to build up inside the sinus cavities and you start to feel that pain, heaviness, and tightness.
The most important thing is that taking antibiotics is useless for this. Because antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. Since a cold is a viral infection, these medicines will not work for it. So don't harm your body by using antibiotics unnecessarily.
So what can be done about this annoying pain?
Even though a cold will go away in a few days, the sinus pain that lasts for those few days can be very uncomfortable. But don't worry, there are some simple and effective things we can do to reduce this pain and find relief.
| Remedy | Description and things to know |
|---|---|
| Over-the-counter medications | Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose. This helps relieve nasal congestion, reduces pressure, and allows mucus to drain . They come in the form of tablets, lozenges, and nasal sprays. Some medications also contain a pain reliever or antihistamine. |
| Important tips you need to know about this medicine! | |
| Nasal Sprays | Do not use nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days at a time. Doing so can cause your nasal congestion to worsen after you stop using the medication. This is called 'rebound congestion'. |
| Other illnesses | If you have high blood pressure , be sure to ask your doctor before taking this medication. Decongestants can make your blood pressure even higher. Also, be sure to seek medical advice if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, thyroid disease, or heart disease. |
| Painkillers | Painkillers such as Paracetamol/Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can help relieve the pain caused by sinus pressure. However, keep in mind that other cold medicine packages may also contain these painkillers. So read the label carefully to avoid accidentally taking an overdose. |
| Adding moisture to the air | To make breathing easier, use a humidifier while you sleep. Or take a steamy shower for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the thick mucus that is trapped. You can achieve a similar effect by holding a warm cloth over your nose or by holding a bowl of hot water over your nose. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can burn you. |
| Rinsing the nose with salt water | A saline solution can be sprayed into the nose or poured into the nostrils with a Neti pot to remove mucus and dirt. The salt water loosens the mucus and also washes away some of the germs that caused the illness. When rinsing the nose, be sure to use distilled, sterile, or boiled water. Do not use regular tap water. |
| Drinking fluids | Fluids help loosen mucus stuck in the sinuses. Hot tea, cilantro, ginger tea, and chicken soup are all great. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. |
| Sleeping with your head up | Rest is essential when you're sick. When you sleep, keep a pillow or two to elevate your head. This will help the mucus drain down and make it easier to breathe. |
When should you see a doctor?
Most colds clear up within 7-10 days, but sometimes it is necessary to seek medical advice.
Be aware of the following situations:
- If your symptoms last more than a week or 10 days .
- If the symptoms (fever, headache, runny nose) get worse after about 5 days of having a cold.
- If you have a severe headache or facial pain .
- If you have had a high fever for several days.
- If your headache gets worse when you bend over .
If you have these symptoms, it may be more than just a common cold, it could be a bacterial sinus infection (Bacterial Sinusitis). In such a case , be sure to see your doctor for treatment. He or she will examine you and prescribe the appropriate treatment if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- Sinus pain caused by a cold is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are ineffective.
- Decongestants and pain relievers may provide temporary relief. However, if you have other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking medication.
- Do not use nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row.
- Simple things like inhaling steam, rinsing the nose with salt water, and drinking fluids can provide a lot of relief.
- If symptoms last more than a week, or get worse in 5 days, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න