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Sinus Pressure
What You Need to Know and Do

Part I

Are you having very bad sinus pressure and other sinus issues and nothing seems to work permanently? One more question: How serious are you about getting you sinus pressure cured once and for all? There are three basic things that can make the difference between sinus health and sinus pressure misery. Two are, generally, rather unknown. The more you learn about sinus pressure the better position you are in to decide what is best for you

Sinus problems
You are probably reading this page, not so much because of its thrilling title or topic, but because you are probably facing some challanges with your sinuses right now. Thus I offer you a short cut to finding out what is perhaps the most important thing in addressing a sinus issue. Many sinus problems, including sinus pressure, can have a common denominator as their root cause: mucus producing foods. Albeit its importance this is unknown by the great majority of sinus sufferers. So keep this in mind, for it could be the key to solving your sinus issue(s).

Air-mucus-sinus pressure facts
The sinus cavities must constantly have air and mucus moving freely. They are lined with a membrane whose function is to produce mucus--about one to two pints a day. Mucus is a watery substance packed with an array of chemical elements--mucins, salts, germ fighting enzymes, water, etc--which protect the respiratory (breathing) system from undesirable invaders--such as harmful bacteria, viruses, dust particles, germs. If air and mucus stagnate--do not flow--the sinuses can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.

How sinus pressure is produced
This is a step by step description of the proximate causes and onset of sinus pressure:

• Pollutants, hay fever, allergies and viruses irritate the sinus membranes
• Excessive mucus is produced to wash away the irritant
• Sinus openings cannot drain mucus volume fast enough, or
• Sinus openings are blocked, mucus cannot flow out
• Pressure begins to build up in the sinus cavities
• Mucus stagnates and becomes infected
• Sinus cavity membranes become inflamed. Pressure peaks. Pain follows

Elements which can cause sinus pressure
Any one of these elements or a combination of them can irritate the sinuses and eventually build up sinus pressure:

• Infection in the sinus membranes
• Allergic reactions to the environment from:
  • House dust
  • Smog
  • Pollen
  • Viruses
  • House cleaning chemicals
• Colds, flu
• Mucus producing foods

Lesser known indirect causes of sinus pressure
Allergic reactions to the environment are sometimes the product of a weaken immune system caused by elements within ourselves, for example:

• Significant emotional stress: Caused by guilt, sorrow, work place and family problems. If permitted these strong emotions can cause muscular stress. This can restrict the sinus passages and cause mucus to accumulate, resulting in sinus pressure and infection
• Structural: When the nasal cavity is so structured that it impedes the free flow of air and mucus. Mucus accumulates, pressure, infection follows. Sometimes the latter causes phlegm to emerge in other areas
• Lack of exercise, deficient diet, constipation: The correlation between physical exercise and good health is common knowledge. The significant impact of certain foods on sinus health and sinus pressure is becoming obvious. Two categories of foods sinus sufferers should avoid--this is explained in detail in "Three Steps to Sinus and Mucus Relief"

Sinus pressure symptoms
While pressure can develop from a direct cause, for example, as a strong allergic reaction to the environment, often it is associated with other related sinus issues, for example sinus infection. On the other hand, many sinus pressure symptoms are similar to other maladies such as "colds," except that they do not react positively to regular cold treatment. Symptoms may vary according to the location of the particular sinus cavity involved. Pressure can eventually evolve into or relate to other sinus conditions and problems such as:

• Sinus congestion
• Sinus pain/headaches
• Excessive sinus drainage with bad breath
• Sinus infection
• Phlegm
• Coughing up yellow mucus
• Post-nasal drip
• Yellow mucus
• Green mucus
• Rhinitis - also known as hay fever
• Allergies

Post nasal drip and sinus pressure
Pressure in the sinus cavities can be the proximate cause of a sinus infection which may give rise to post nasal drip. By combating the sinus infection the latter should soon disappear. If allowed to continued unchecked, post nasal drip or excessive drainage, by irritating the membranes of the upper respiratory tract, could bring about a secondary infection. Thus sinus pressure should be promptly addressed before it sets in motion other upper respiratory tract infection which may include sinus drainage.

Mucus and its functions
Mucus is vital to keeping the entire body functioning smoothly. As with other bodily secretions, mucus can have lubricating and protective functions, and it serves as part of the body's defense mechanism against unwanted intruders, like dust particles, irritants, viruses, germs, etc. When it is colored or excessive it can be an indicator that something needs attention. For example, a sinus infection. Although secreted by the body all the time, we don't often notice it until it becomes thick. Phlegm, on the other hand, is a special type of mucus linked to our immune system mechanism. Unknown to many the amount of mucus we normally produce every day can reach a quart.

Yellow mucus
Sometimes yellow mucus is associated with sinus pressure which has developed into sinusitis. The sinus membranes swell and obstruct their openings connecting to the passages. Mucus accumulates, air can't flow an infection follows. Dark yellow mucus is often an indication of this condition.

Green mucus
Green mucus is sometimes connected with sinus pressure and often begins with an allergic reaction to the environment. The nasal and sinus membranes become irritated and sometimes inflamed. A virus can also irritate those membranes with a sinus infection following.

Rhinitis and sinus pressure
It is a persistent irritation and inflammation of the nasal cavity which is also referred to as "runny nose". Remaining unchecked it can contribute to sinus infection and lead to sinus pressure. But it goes beyond the production of excessive amounts of mucus. It has been shown that it can contribute to ear and sleep disorders and also affect brain activity. What is one of the most common causes of rhinitis? Hay fever--irritation caused by seasonal pollens of certain plants--accompanied by a high production of histamine. This can lead to nasal and sinus congestion and sinus pressure. An allergy specialist can determine which specific allergen(s) may be causing the problem. Desensitizing therapy can then be administered, if desired.

Nasal Cavity and Upper Respiratory Tract
a - vertebrae, b - esophagus, c - trachea
d - cricoid cartilage, e - laryngopharynx, f -
pharynx, g - nasopharynx, k - tongue,
l - hard palate, o - superior turbinate,
p - middle turbinate, q - inferior turbinate

Allergies and sinus pressure
One of the main causes of sinus pressure is allergic reaction to the environment, pollens being one of the most common specific causes, as already seen. Excessive sinus drainage can also accompany an allergic reaction. And the home environment can also be the cause of allergies. For example, animal dander, house dust, dust mites droppings, cleaning and washing chemicals. Performing the simple test of taking a good sniff close to the suspected item and seeing what happens can be revealing. It can give us a good clue as to how sensitive, allergy wise, we may be to a particular item. Allergies and hay fever are often exacerbated by certain foods we eat, and we should be aware of this. The simplest approach to dealing with allergies and hay fever is to stay away from the source of the allergenic that bothers us; but this is often not possible. Thus I figure out other strategies to deal with this problem.

Part II

Early detection of sinus pressure-sinusitis
Sinus pressure has built up. A clear, watery mucus appears followed by light and then dark yellow when the infection has set in. The mucus sometimes turns green toward the end of the infection. Should this condition persist for several days those membranes will become very susceptible to viruses and bacteria entering the respiratory system. It is, therefore, a must to address an allergic attack right away, before sinus pressure builds up and an infection sets in. Nip sinus pressure and a possible infection in the bud.

How to obtain sinus pressure relief
Sinus pressure can be very successfully treated. A combination of natural and OTC remedies is often the best solution. This is what I would do:

1. My primary objectives are:
   • to relieve sinus pressure
   • avoid a sinus infection
     • sickness and fever
     • yellow or green snot
     • other undesirable symptoms
2. Draining the nasal and sinus cavities is a must. This is how I would do it:
   • For quick relief I would use a:
     • neti pot or:
     • other sinus rinse with a saline solution
     • follow label instructions
   • I keep the nasal and sinus passages clear
3. Do sinus acupressure (also known as sinus pressure points) B5 and A2; for sinus pressure headache do acupressure B6 and others if needed
4. Consider steam inhalations, if acupressure does not bring quick relief. I would keep this is mind:
   • keep steam temperature within prescribed level to prevent damaging the cilia :
   • water can be medicated with:
     • thyme leaves or
     • eucalyptus oil
5. Alternatively you can do a nasal irrigation
6. Avoid histamine and mucus producing foods
7. Use herbs G and EB in liquid form; they are probably the best antiviral natural remedies available
   • to avoid getting a virus
   • to help stem a potential sinus infection
8. Consider using OTC antihistamines, for example: Benadryl, Zytec, Loratadine, for quick symptoms relief
9. Drink a large glass of water at room temperature about every 1 - 2 hours
10. Rest all I can, this gives the immune system a chance to recharge itself
11. Take a warm bath and induce profuse perspiration to detoxify the body and help the immune system
12. Other OTC remedies I may consider--after carefully reading the labels for side effects:
    • Guaifenesin
    • Sudafed
    • Afrin
    • Neo-Synephrin
    • Tylenol--if headache is persistent and severe
    • again, I would read the labels before deciding whether to use any of then
13. If sinus pressure recurs often I would:
    • check for allergies
    • have myself checked to make sure nerve energy is not being impeded--this is explained in the publication being offered, click here
    • consider fasting
    • check the servical area for pressure on nerves which cuts down on the nerve energy flow

Orders shipped directly from factory.

Additional information on remedies
These remedies are mostly natural and have worked effectively to reduce the contributory causes of the pressure problem.

Botanicals
For long term benefits I take proven herbals regularly to prevent rather than have to cure. If sinus pressure begins to raise its ugly head I double or triple my herbal intake for at least 3 days and add other potent herbals. It is extremely important that you start the latter immediately after the first indication of sinus pressure being built up. While a viral infection lasts 1 to 2 days, a bacterial sinus infection already developed can stay on for a long time. Phlegm, whether yellow or green, is a sign that the immune system is overloaded because of a bad sinus infection. Whenever a fully developed infection is already in place a doctor should be seen. t.

Sinus pressure points (acupressure) therapy
Acupressure points are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bio electric impulses and conduct these impulses readily. These points are considered to be special pathways that carry human energy chi, according to traditional Oriental knowledge. This procedure not only can relieve pain, but it can dissolve tension and stresses that keep the body from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. This means that the body can more readily adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. There are at least 5 sinus clearing points that can prevent sinus pressure and several others that help the immune system. Especially one of them can be very effective and can clear the sinuses in a few minutes. Acupressure therapy is:

• Natural
• Self-administered
• Simple
• Free of charge
• Just takes a few minutes
• No side effects
• Good for a host of other common ailments

Irrigations
I would consider saline solutions. They can be beneficial for the sinus problems sufferers. If I would want to prepare my own solution, the right kind of salt and soda as well as the right proportions should be used. On the other hand, there are a large number of OTC irrigation products on the market. I avoid those containing steroids. Unless the the doctor finds them absolutely necessary I would not recommend them, because of their side effects.

Inhalations
Steam inhalation treatments--both warm and cool--have been very helpful to me. Proper know-how is very important. Special care should be exercised not to harm the cilia in the nasal and sinus membranes by steam that is above a certain temperature--otherwise the cilia could be paralyzed and mucus would not be moved by the latter to relieve the sinus pressure. I have noted that inhalations can relieve sinus pressure quickly in the sinus cavities and loosen phlegm, mucus. I put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the water and it will help to open and relieve sinus passages and sinus pressure and also act as a disinfectant. This can help keep sinus infections and phlegm out.

Elimination of some foods and drinks
Frankly, food and drink, I discovered, can have significant impact on the sinuses, specially sinus pressure and drainage. For example, I discovered that, let's call it "G"--a common food--has tremendous infection fighting properties. While foods "S" and "D" can produce mucus. After some empirical--by practical observation--experimentation, I became convinced of the very critical role food plays on sinus pressure and other sinus issues . Sinus sufferers whom I have met on the internet and have tried my healing approach have told me basically the same thing.

OTC drug remedies
While I do not choose drug remedies as my first choice of relief, nevertheless they can have their place, specially when natural remedies do not seem to do the job. Some other OTC remedies for sinus pressure I would consider are:

• Sudafed PE - for temporary relief of: sinus pressure, congestion, nasal congestion. I follow the instructions on the label of the container
• Benadryl D - for basically the same symptom relief as the one above
• Tylenol Sinus - same as above, plus sinus headache relief

The main ingredient of these OTC remedies is: phenylephrine, a decongestant. Tylenol Sinus has, besides, acetaminophen which can help eliminate a sinus pressure headache, so I would consider these items

Keeping sinuses clear always
My personal observation is that many sinus problems can be greatly reduced by keeping the sinuses clear at all times, without using OTC remedies--which in some cases can damage the sinus membranes, etc., in the long run. The best way to keep the sinuses clear for myself is by using acupressure. This is explained and illustrated in detail in Three Steps to Sinus Relief . If I yearn for permanent sinus pressure relief the contents of this publication has helped me achieve this goal.

Fasting for 2 to 3 days to detoxify the body
I have done fasting and it is an excellent way to cleanse and detoxify the body and give it a much needed rest. This helps the body to concentrate its energy on the immune system to better fight for me against threatening infections. Sinus pressure can be helped when the body's own defense mechanisms are enhanced as by fasting. It is also an excellent way to remove old mucus from your system. If I was not sure as to whether I should fast because of some other health issue, I would consult my doctor.

Prevention
Better than to cure with the best treatments available, I found out, is to prevent the sinus pressure problem from taking place. In this area of prevention life style holds the key. This means for me, foremost:

• Our eating and drinking habits
  • abstention from mucus, histamine producing foods
  • eating more healing foods
  • drinking lots of water daily
  • abstention from substances that dry the breathing system membranes
    • alcohol
    • coffee
    • leisure drugs
• Physical exercise
• Relaxation
• Sleeping habits
  • getting enough sleep
  • use of a humidifier
• Be aware of environmental sources of allergens which can trigger adverse reaction
  • outside the house, e.g., pollens, contaminants, smog
  • indoors, e.g., house dust, pet, dander, household cleansing chemicals
• Faith and confidence

Relieve Sinus Pressure: Solution Summary

The ideal goal is indeed to find a permanent solution. So to the cry: relieve sinus pressure, this is what I found out was the three key elements in my cure:

1. Elimination of some foods - I cut back significantly or eliminated completely mucus, phlegm, histamine producing foods

2. Keeping sinuses clear -I used acupressure techniques, natural remedies. Checked for allergies

3. Allowing nerve energy to flow unimpeded - I removed a common--mostly unknown--impediment for full nerve energy flow

Of course, if I were a smoker I would have quit.

This three-pronged approach led to my healing 3 years ago and are fully explained in Three Steps to Sinus & Mucus Relief, offered below:

Part III