Congestion, a sore throat and a headache might plague you when you’re fighting a sinus infection. But your appearance can reveal your health problems, too. Puffy, swollen eyes can accompany sinusitis – and when you’re trying to fight the impression that you’ve been crying all night, there are a few simple swollen eye treatment remedies to get your eyes back in shape.
Swelling from Sinusitis
Why does a sinus infection lead to eye swelling? The sinuses, positioned just beneath the eyes, become inflamed and infected during a sinusitis attack. As a result, you might notice extra pressure and puffiness in the eye area.
When you’re fighting sinus-related eye swelling, consider these swollen eye treatment for relief.
- Take a decongestant. An over-the-counter medication can fight mucus buildup in the sinuses – and help reduce eye puffiness in the process.
- Drink extra water. Staying properly hydrated can prevent your body from hording extra liquids in all the wrong places.
- Try a simple massage. With your eyes closed, gently move your ring finger in a half-circle from the inside to outside corner of your eye area. Complete the motion 10 to 15 times and repeat on the other side.
- Turn to tea bags. Steep two tea bags in hot water for about five minutes, then let the bags cool until they’re comfortable to touch. While lying down with your eyes closed, place one tea bag over each eye area, and lay a soft cloth on top. Black or green tea can help constrict blood vessels, and herbal teas can sooth inflammation and redness. Take your pick!
Whether you’re fighting eye swelling or another symptom of sinusitis, a doctor’s help can make your trouble seem more bearable. Especially when sinusitis becomes a chronic problem, longer-term medical solutions can help you cope.
For a consultation or advice specific to your symptoms, please contact us anytime. And as always, check with a doctor to be sure these (and any) at-home solutions are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sinus infections cause swelling around the eyes because the sinuses located just beneath the eyes become inflamed and infected. This inflammation increases pressure in the area, leading to puffiness and swollen eyes.
Taking an over-the-counter decongestant can help reduce mucus buildup in the sinuses, which in turn relieves pressure and puffiness around the eyes caused by sinusitis.
Staying properly hydrated by drinking extra water prevents your body from retaining excess fluids in areas such as around the eyes. Proper hydration can reduce puffiness caused by fluid retention linked to sinus infections.
Yes, gently massaging the eye area with your ring finger in a half-circle motion from the inside to outside corners can improve circulation and help reduce swelling. Repeating this motion 10 to 15 times on each eye may provide relief.
Placing cooled black, green, or herbal tea bags over closed eyes can help constrict blood vessels and soothe inflammation and redness. The natural compounds in tea reduce puffiness and relieve discomfort from sinus-related eye swelling.
If sinusitis symptoms, including swollen eyes, become chronic or severe, you should consult a doctor. Medical evaluation can provide longer-term treatment options to better manage your condition and reduce eye swelling.
