How To Sleep With Sinus Infection

Blood Flow Means More Inflammation

One possibility is that the change in blood flow may increase inflammation.1,2,3 When you lie down, blood pressure changes and blood may remain in the upper body longer than it does when you sit or stand. In addition, the pull of gravity on the bodys internal tissues can compress blood vessels in the sinuses. This can cause tissue to swell up, leading to worse sinus symptoms.

We tend to lie down toward the end of the day, particularly when we go to bed. Its the change in physical position that can contribute to a worse sinus infection at night.

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Why Do You Have Migraines

While there is no clear evidence about what causes migraines, experts believe environmental factors and genetics play a big role in the development of migraines. Some studies show that any change in the brainstem and the way it interacts with the trigeminal nerve may lead to migraines. Similarly, any imbalance in brain chemicals such as serotonin may also be the underlying cause of migraines serotonin levels usually drop when you have a migraine attack and that makes your trigeminal system to release neuropeptides that may trigger headaches.

Even though there is no clear information about the real cause of migraines, there are certain known triggers to avoid. You may experience migraines when there are any hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy. Other common triggers include food additives, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, certain foods, change in sleep-wake cycle, and changes in the environment. Stress and certain medications, such as vasodilators and oral contraceptives may also trigger a migraine attack.

Making Proactive Changes To Your Sleeping Environment

Do you have a blocked nose at night only? If you do, making the following adjustments in your bedroom may help alleviate your congestion.

• Keep your pets out of your bedroom, especially if you are allergic to pet dander or dust.
• If the air in your house tends to be dry, purchase a humidifier. This suggestion is especially relevant during the winter months when the air is often drier.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before bed. Both can make you dehydrated, which can aggravate your sinuses.
• On that same note, do what you can to stay hydrated. Hydration will help you feel better overall, but it can also work to alleviate some sinus pain.

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Dos: What To Do When You Have A Sinus Infection

When you have sinusitis there are specific things you can do to reduce inflammation and pain, and to recover faster. Our doctors at Detroit Sinus Center recommend the following:

• Stay hydrated: be proactive about drinking fluids. Your body needs to be fully hydrated in order to recover from a sinus infection. Also, drinking hot liquids like tea or soup can help break down the stuffiness and mucus in your nasal cavities.

• Use a humidifier: the cool mist of a humidifier can help you feel less stuffy and release some of the built up mucus and pressure. Make sure you always use clean water and you routinely clean your humidifier to avoid further infection.

• Use a warm compress: applying a warm compress like a washcloth to your face and allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes can also help break up the mucus and alleviate the pressure when you have a sinus infection.

• Sleep: make sure you are getting plenty of sleep when you are fighting sinusitis. Your body needs to be well rested in order to fight the infection and recover properly.

• Rinse your sinuses: using a neti pot or nasal spray can help clean out your nasal cavities and alleviate the pressure build up. Remember to always use distilled, sterile, or boiled water to cleanse your sinuses.

• Over The counter drugs: if you have mild pain or pressure, over the counter drugs can help with this. We recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Ear Infections

Sometimes ear infections can go unnoticed, and you only notice once you start to experience some pain. So, what are the signs and symptoms of ear infection

• Pressure feeling inside your ear
• Discomfort with mild pain inside the ear
• Ear drainage resembling puss
• Fussiness in your infant

Some of these systems might occasionally manifest, while others might persist. It depends on the type of ear infection you’re ailing from. Additionally, these symptoms might appear in one or both ears. In a double ear infection -both ears are infected the pain might be severe.

Compared to acute ear infections, chronic ear infections might go unnoticed. With this in mind, note that children are most susceptible to ear infections. Commonly ear infections are associated with fever in children aged six months and below.

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What Causes Nighttime Nasal Congestion In Children

Children and infants have narrower nasal passageways than adults, making them more susceptible to nighttime congestion caused by inflammation or excess mucus. Very young children and especially infants, who mostly breathe through their nose, cannot blow their noses as adults can. For adults, nasal congestion is a serious annoyance that can keep us from getting a good nights sleep, but for children, it has the potential to lead to even bigger health risks. For example, Stanford Childrens Health states that a stuffy nose could affect your childs hearing, in addition to keeping them from getting the sleep that they need for their still-developing bodies. Other long-term effects of nasal congestion in children, as described by the NIH, include speech development, while mucus drainage could lead to ear and sinus infections.

It can be difficult to determine just why your child is experiencing nasal congestion at night because children cannot always clearly explain the type and severity of symptoms that they are experiencing . Overall, the NIH lists some of the reasons behind your childs stuffy nose around bedtime are similar to those for adults:

• Common cold or flu, which can fill the nasal cavity with mucus
• Sinus infection
• Hay fever or other allergies
• Nonallergic rhinopathy

However, with younger children, more sudden nasal congestion may also be caused by a foreign object obstructing the nasal cavity.

Acute Subacute And Chronic Bacterial Sinusitis

Bacterial sinusitis can be grouped into the following subtypes based on the duration of symptoms:

• Acute, which lasts for less than four weeks
• Subacute, lasting for between four and 12 weeks
• Chronic, lasting for more than 12 weeks
• Recurrent acute, occurring four or more times a year, for more than seven days, with symptoms resolving completely in between bouts

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Killer Sinus Infection How To Tell If Yours Is Viral Or Bacterial

You know the symptoms: nasal congestion, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. Ugh. Its probably another sinus infection.

But is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria and does it really matter?

It does matter. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infections differently. Here is what you need to know about both kinds of infection and how to treat them.

Viral or bacterial?

Most sinus infections are viral, and most are caused by the virus that causes the common cold. How can you tell, based on symptoms, whether your infection is viral or bacterial?

Normally, you cant.

Symptoms like bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever and headache are not reliable signs of a bacterial infection. They can be present with viral infections, too. Even your doctor cant tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.

Instead, your doctor looks at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.

4 steps you can take

Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive care:

What to do for chronic sinusitis

Medication: How To Alleviate Sinus Congestion While Pregnant:

Medications used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Acetaminophen is also regarded as safe to use during pregnancy for pain relief and/or headaches. Additionally, short-term use of decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, and cough suppressants for upper-respiratory infections are generally regarded as safe during pregnancy in limited amounts.However, you will need to avoid aspirin, and ibuprofen . You may want to talk with your doctor for specific information on which medications pose the least risk for you and your baby. Overall, while there are some safe medications to take during pregnancy, it is best to limit your use of medication while pregnant and opt for other safer remedies.

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Is My Sinus Infection Making Me Tired

You feel worn-out, no matter how much sleep you get. Youre sluggish throughout the day. On top of that, every little thing seems to bug you. So whats going on? In some cases surprisingly it might be sinus infection fatigue.

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, have long been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, a health condition in which no amount of sleep seems to keep you your normal, alert self.

Sometimes, the fatigue that comes with a sinus infection can be extreme, and other sinusitis symptoms can lead to trouble sleeping, making the situation worse.

If you know youre dealing with a sinus infection or if you just cant shake that tired feeling get the advice of a doctor. There are certain home remedies, medicines and surgical options that could offer help.

In the meantime, if youre trying to get some much-needed shuteye while dealing with a sinus infection, here are some tips.

• Sleep on your back, propped up with a few pillows. Elevating your head and neck can help your sinuses drain easier.
• Use a humidifier. Dry air can worsen sinusitis symptoms, so keep those moisture levels up.
• Try herbal teas. Caffeine-free teas like chamomile, eucalyptus and lavender can soothe you and your sinuses. Plus, inhaling a bit of steam from your cup can help loosen your nasal passages.
• Resist technology. It can be tempting to jump on your phone, tablet or laptop when your symptoms are preventing you from sleeping, but the light can disrupt your system and keep you up longer.

Problem #: Lying Down Gravity And Blood Pressure

Many patients who come in asking, Why are my sinuses worse at night? are surprised to discover what a strong role gravity and blood pressure play in worsening sinus issues. While youre sitting up and standing during the day, your blood circulates throughout your body, with bloodpressure and the forces of gravity affecting how how easy it is for your blood to reach your head and sinuses. Additionally, while youre vertical, gravity also helps your sinuses drain naturally down your esophagus and into your stomach.

When you lie down, however, your body doesnt have to fight as hard to send blood to your head. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels of your sinuses can, in turn, cause sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. Furthermore, gravity is no longer helping your sinuses drain, which increases the likelihood of experiencing those same problems.

These nighttime sinus circumstances can affect people who exhibit little to no sinus symptoms during the day. If youre also dealing with sinusitis, GERD, or allergies, these circumstances can worsen already inflamed blood vessels and exacerbate other related issues.

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Nasal Congestion Relief At Night

Experiencing periods of nighttime nasal congestion does not mean that you have to resign yourself to nights filled with restless sleep. No matter the reason that you or your children experience a stuffy nose around bedtime, there are steps that you can take to help you and your family breathe more easily during the night and get better, more restful sleep.

For adults, here are some common home care tips adapted from the NIH:

• Arrange your pillows so that you can sleep with your head elevated.
• Use a humidifier to keep the air from becoming too dry in your bedroom. This will help keep your nasal cavity from drying out.
• Drink clear fluids throughout the day, especially those without sugar, alcohol or caffeine, to keep mucus thin and help drain it from your nose.
• Remove mucus with the help of a nasal wash, using a saline nasal spray

If you have allergies, you can avoid allergy triggers by decreasing the presence of allergens in your room with regular cleaning. Additionally, an air purifier like Molekule may help reduce the levels of airborne allergens in your bedroom.

Home Remedies For Chronic Sinusitis And Sleep Apnea

If you regularly deal with chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea, we highly recommend seeing your doctor. However, there are steps you can take on your own to find some relief. These steps include:

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Your Sleepwear And Sleep Environment

Everyone likes a cozy sleep environment. But, sometimes, theres a fine line between being cozy and overheating.

Dr. Ram says that the most common reason for night sweats are:

• Bedding, sleepwear or even a mattress that doesnt breathe
• A sleep environment thats too warm

In fact, if youre sweating excessively at night for these reasons, we dont actually consider it true night sweats, says Dr. Ram.

Dr. Rams tips for avoiding overheating while sleeping:

• Keep your bedroom cool. Lower your thermostat and/or leverage a fan.
• Dress light. Dont overdress and choose moisture-wicking materials if you need to.
• Choose lightweight bedding. Avoid fleece, flannel, down and synthetic fibers.
• Consider your mattress. Foam materials can limit airflow.

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Donts: What Not To Do With Sinusitis

Of course there are certain activities you should do when you have a sinus infection and things that you should not do when you have a sinus infection. We recommend avoiding the following activities to have a speedy recovery.

• Dont fly in an airplane: The pressure on an airplane can increase the pain in your ears and nasal cavities. If you can avoid it, we suggest not flying when suffering from sinusitis.

• Dont drink alcohol: You shouldnt consume alcohol with a sinus infection. Alcohol dehydrates the body and can cause your nose and nasal cavities to swell when dehydrate, in turn exacerbating your symptoms.

• Dont swim in a pool: chlorine in swimming pools can irritate your nose, especially in higher doses. If suffering from sinusitis, avoiding returning to the pool until youve fully recovered from the infection.

• Dont breathe irritating materials or smoke:avoid breathing in harmful materials or fumes when you have a sinus infection. You should not smoke cigarettes or cigars. And, you should avoid high pollution areas. Try to breathe in clean, fresh air. This will be the best for your sinuses and your recovery.

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How Does My Sleep Position Affect Sinus Pain And Congestion

Sinusitis refers to a sinus infection caused by sinus swelling and excessive mucus buildup. It is common in the general publicespecially for those who have allergiesand can cause a number of painful symptoms. These include sinus pressure, headaches, pressure below the eyes, and nasal congestion, among other uncomfortable side effects. Ear, nose, and throat doctors recognize that your sleep can impact sinusitis and other respiratory conditions. For example, many find that allergies tend to worsen while sleeping. Others complain that sinuses become clogged while lying down. While there are other factors that can affect your sinus health at night, sleep posture is an important consideration.

Youve Got A Sinus Infection

Plagued by morning congestion along with facial pain or tenderness, thick green or yellow snot and bad breath? Chances are, a sinus infection is the culprit. These infections, which often develop from a common cold or allergies, happen when bacteria, viruses, or fungi irritate the sinuses, causing them to swell and become blocked, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Fix it: Most sinus infections will clear up on their own within seven to 10 days, says Minyoung Jang, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. In the meantime, you can find relief with natural remedies for sinus infections like a nasal saline rinse.

While it does not cure the problem, it helps clear out any irritants inside the nose or sinuses, preventing buildup that can exacerbate symptoms, Dr. Jang says.

But if youre still dealing with symptoms after a week or two, call your doctor. You may have a bacterial sinus infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.

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Implement A Sleep Hygiene And A Nasal Care Routine

If youre lying awake all night, suffering from a cold, the flu, or maybe just your fall allergy symptoms, theres a good chance that youre losing sleep from the uncomfortable post nasal drip, the runny nose, and the persistent wheezing and coughing.

Your first reaction may be to head over to the pharmacy and pick up some over-the-counter meds and some vitamin supplements. And, although those may provide some temporary relief, there are some alternatives you may want to consider that will not only improve your sleep when you ill but also help you rest better on a daily basis.