About Me

Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

Search

Latest Posts

Tags

Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

2 Tips For Dealing With The Symptoms Caused By Your Sinus Infection

by Francisco Arnold

If you have started having facial pain, pressure, and nasal discharge, you may have a sinus infection. Even if you are currently being treated medically for the cause of the infection, there are additional things you can do at home to relieve your discomfort. Use the following tips to help you deal with the symptoms caused by your sinus infection.

1.  Use Warm Compresses to Reduce Facial Pain and Pressure

When you have an infection in your sinus cavity, one of the main causes of the pain and pressure you feel is the buildup of mucus. Even if you feel as though you are constantly blowing your nose, the sinuses will still produce this mucus as your body attempts to flush out the bacteria or fungi responsible for the infection.

One way you can help facilitate the expulsion of the mucus from your sinus cavity is to apply warm compresses across your face so that they cover your cheekbones, eyes, and the lower portion of your forehead. You can use a washcloth soaked with hot tap water that has been wrung out. However, do not use water that is too hot to lower the risk of burning your skin.

The heat will not only relax your facial muscles, but it will also help break up the mucus to make blowing it out easier. As more mucus comes out from the cavity, the more relief you will feel as the pressure inside your sinuses is reduced. 

2.  Moisten the Air Your Breathe

Another way to help break up the mucus and relieve the pressure inside your sinuses is to make sure the air you are breathing stays moist. When the air is dry, the drainage inside your sinuses becomes thick, which makes it difficult to expel and increases your discomfort.

If you have a humidifier at home, make sure you keep it running, especially at night while you are sleeping. If you do not have a humidifier, you can take long, hot showers while breathing in the steam.

Or, you can pour boiling water into a bowl and breathe in the steam coming off of it. Just make sure you do not put your face too close to the water, as the water or the intense steam could burn you.

While the above tips can help relieve some of the discomforts you may be experiencing, they will not get rid of the infection. Make an appointment with your doctor so they can examine you and discuss options to help treat the symptoms and get rid of your sinus infection.

Share