Blog

by Dr. Ghassan Kanj, MD

January 23, 2019

 1

Everyone goes through bouts of increased sinus pressure from time to time, some more than the others. Your paranasal sinus system essentially comprises four pairs of sinuses located in different areas of the face, namely:

• Frontal sinuses in the forehead
• Ethmoid sinuses between the nose and eyes
• Maxillary sinuses below the cheeks, above the teeth, and on the sides of the nose
• Sphenoid sinuses on either side of the nasal cavity, behind your eyes, and along the back of your head

These sinuses are lined with mucous membranes and minute, finger-like outgrowths called cilia, which serve as the first line of defense against airborne irritants. The membrane, which is made up of soft, pink tissue, secretes mucus, which helps filter the air we breathe by trapping dust and other respiratory allergens. Most of the sinuses empty into the nose through a small drainage channel called the middle meatus. The cilia help move the mucus along with the trapped particles into the nose and out of the sinuses for good.

Contents

Causes of Sinus Pressure

Whenever there is a breach in this security wall such that an irritant finds its way into the respiratory system, the smooth sinus drainage is bound to get disrupted. Respiratory infections such as the common cold as well as seasonal allergies can lead to an irritation or inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the insides of your nose. Subsequently, the body’s natural defenses go into overdrive to flush out the culpable irritants, and this results in an increased amount of mucus secretion. The swelling of the mucosal lining makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain out the excessive mucus, leading to nasal blockage and subsequent buildup of sinus pressure.

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Symptoms of Sinus Pressure

• As the mucus piles up in the sinus cavity and the inflammation continues, the mounting sinus pressure can be felt around the nose and cheeks and above the eyes.
• Moreover, these areas of the face may feel painful or tender.
• You may even experience pain over your teeth.
• The throbbing pain associated with sinus pressure tends to be at its worst during the morning.
• The pain gets aggravated when you look down or bend over.

Home Remedies for Sinus Pressure

Sinus pressure symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable to deal with, and it can take a toll on your daily life. While decongestants and pain relievers can help, they often come with unwanted side effects. Why put your body through the extra trouble when this relatively harmless problem can easily be treated by alternative home remedies by using some commonly available ingredients and easy healing techniques. Such all-natural home remedies work particularly well to ease mild to moderate symptoms and boost your recovery in the nascent stages of the condition.

Note: If you continue to experience sinus pressure symptoms after a week or if they begin to worsen, get help from a doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious infection that warrants antibiotics.

Here are the top 9 ways to relieve sinus pressure

1. Do Steam Inhalation

Dry air and dry sinuses can increase sinus pressure and lead to a headache. Steam inhalation is considered to be extremely beneficial in keeping the sinuses moisturized.

Steam helps to moisten your sinus passages and thins out mucus that may have thickened over time.

A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research reports that steam inhalation definitely improves nasal mucociliary clearance.^[1]

Another 2016 study published in CMAJ reports that primary care for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms cannot depend solely on the use of steam inhalation, but it did provide some symptomatic benefit nonetheless.^[2]

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You can either use plain water or infuse it with herbs or essential oils to promote sinus drainage.

• Fill a pan with water, heat it until it boils, and then turn the heat off. Add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to the hot water. Put a towel over your head, lean over the pan, and inhale the steam for a few minutes. Repeat this technique 2–4 times a day.
• Alternatively, close the bathroom door, run a hot shower, and breathe in the steam vapors for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this daily for a few days until the symptoms clear.

Caution: Steam inhalation is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, and those suffering from high blood pressure.

2. Try Saline Flush

Another common treatment for sinus pressure is a saline wash.

Gently flushing out your nasal passages with a sterile saline solution helps alleviate the congestion by thinning and dislodging the jammed mucus. Moreover, it increases the moisture in your nostrils, which in turn helps reduce the inflammation or pressure on your blood vessels.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection reports that nasal irrigation is an effective adjunctive treatment for acute sinusitis in atopic children.^[3]

Another 2017 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health adds further support to the merits of nasal irrigation as an effective treatment technique for several acute and chronic sinus conditions.^[4]

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1. Mix 3 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
3. Mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture into 1 cup of lukewarm boiled water.
4. Fill a bulb syringe with this solution.
5. Lean your head over a basin and gently squirt the solution into one nostril, while keeping the other one closed with your finger.
6. Allow the solution to drain from the other nostril by removing your finger.
7. Repeat the process with the other nostril.
8. Use this remedy once or twice daily.

3. Proper Hydration

Whenever you suffer from sinus pressure or nasal congestion, keeping your body optimally hydrated acquires even greater importance.

Proper hydration helps keep the mucous membranes in the sinuses adequately lubricated, thus helping dislodge the mucus more readily. On the other hand, insufficient fluid intake can cause dehydration and ultimately lead to thickening of the mucus, which then becomes too consolidated for proper drainage.

A review article published in the Canadian Family Physician upholds the textbook recommendations of maintaining adequate hydration in order to loosen mucus secretions, which is imperative for tackling symptoms of acute sinusitis.^[5]

While water is the best choice to remain hydrated, you can also retain fluids through other foods and beverages such as broth, soups, herbal tea, and water-based vegetables and fruits.

At the same time, it’s just as important to cut back on alcohol and caffeine as both are renowned diuretics that contribute to dehydration. Alcoholic and caffeine consumption near bedtime is particularly detrimental and can exacerbate your sinus strain greatly.

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4. Cayenne Pepper- A Natural Decongestant

Cayenne pepper is another good remedy to relieve sinus pressure. Being a natural decongestant, it helps loosen mucus and promote sinus drainage.

The natural chemical capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps relieve the swelling and inflammation that is narrowing your nasal passages.

A study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that a nasal spray containing an ingredient derived from hot chili peppers may help people “clear up” certain types of sinus inflammation.^[6]

• Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to 1 cup of boiling water. Sip a cup of this tea a few times a day.
• Another option is to use a nasal spray containing cayenne pepper; this is readily available over the counter at pharmacies. Use it as directed.

5. Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil can help relieve sinus congestion.^[7] Possessing strong anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, this natural tonic may be what you need to get rid of sinus pressure.

Eucalyptus oil has emerged as an effective and safe treatment for sinusitis, mainly due to one key component: 1,8-cineole.^[8]

• Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to hot water and inhale the steam. Repeat the process a few times until you get complete relief.
• Also, dilute a few drops of eucalyptus oil with some carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil. Rub this gently on the affected areas – around the nose, forehead, temples, and cheeks.

6. Warm Washcloth Compression

Applying heat to the sinus area can also help to relieve pressure. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a warm washcloth.^[9]

The warmth from the compress also provides comfort from any pain and helps relieve the inflammation in the nostrils.

• Soak a towel in a bowl of hot water. Squeeze the excess water out of the towel. Fold it and place it over your nose and forehead. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary until all the mucus has cleared.
• You can also pace warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks, and eyes to ease facial pain.

7. Massage Therapy

To aid sinus drainage and reduce sinus pressure, massaging the nostrils is a simple yet highly effective remedy.^[10]

Massage improves circulation to the area, helping thin out the mucus and facilitating its movement out of the sinuses. This is perhaps one of the most hassle-free ways of getting quick relief from sinus pressure.

1. Warm up some olive oil and add a few drops of peppermint oil to it.
2. Sit in a semireclining position and apply the oil on your nose.
3. Using your left thumb and index finger, massage both sides of your nose and the bridge of the nose for 1 minute.
4. Take a break of 1 minute and do it again.
5. Repeat the cycle 5 to 7 times.
6. Do this several times daily.

When performing this massage, make sure to breathe through your mouth and not through your nose.

8. Raise the Humidity

Increasing the humidity in your home or the room in which you sleep can aid in sinus drainage and thus help in reducing sinus pressure.

The sinuses need a moist, warm environment to function properly. Moist air can soothe irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels in your nose and sinuses.

On the other hand, lack of moisture in the air can irritate the sinus cavity further, causing more congestion.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery recommends keeping your breathing environment adequately moist to prevent drying out your sinuses.^[11]

Hence, it is recommended to run a humidifier and maintain a humidity level of 45 percent to 50 percent.

Instead of a commercial humidifier, placing a bowl of hot water on your bedroom floor can increase the moisture in the air. Be sure to place it in a safe place where you won’t accidentally tip it over or step into it.

Irrespective of what you prefer to use, keep your humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

9. Proper Rest and Sleep Posture

Sleeping peacefully can be quite challenging when you feel like your head is going to explode due to mounting sinus pressure. However, getting enough rest and shut-eye is extremely important for timely healing.

A good night’s sleep can help the body to heal as, when you’re at rest, your body is able to produce more white blood cells essential for combating the viruses and other bacteria that may be at the root of your respiratory discomfort.

However, for sleep to be effective in alleviating sinus symptoms, you must do it right. Certain sleeping positions can end up adding to your discomfort and are to be avoided. These include lying flat on your bed as it can increase mucus buildup in your nasal passages and augment sinus pressure. You may be jolted out of sleep due to hampered breathing on account of the congestion, which can considerably disrupt your sleep cycle.^[9]

Instead, prop a few pillows under your head to keep it raised above your heart. This will help prevent sinus buildup and can help you to breathe more comfortably.

To enjoy better sleep, refrain from indulging in overstimulating activities or consuming sugary or caffeinated beverages too close to bedtime.

Additional Tips

• Practice deep breathing and meditation to achieve relaxation and reduce sinus pressure.
• Physical activity can increase blood circulation and temporarily relieve congestion to ease breathing.
• Avoid chlorinated pools as it can irritate your nasal passages.
• Acupressure, a key part of traditional Chinese medicine, may also ease symptoms.
• If allergies are to blame for your sinus pressure, consider taking an antihistamine before bed.
• Blow your nose to reduce mucus before bed, but avoid aggressive blowing as it can increase irritation and move harmful bacteria into your sinuses.

Resources:

1. Gujrathi AB, Ambulgekar V, Handal A. Effect of Steam Inhalation on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance in Normal Individuals and Nasal Disease Sta. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/322558148/Effect-of-Steam-Inhalation-on-Nasal-Mucociliary-Clearance-in-Normal-Individuals-and-Nasal-Disease-Sta.
2. Little P, Stuart B, Mullee M. Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026511/. Published September 20, 2016.
3. Wang Y- H, Ku M- S, Sun H-L. Efficacy of nasal irrigation in the treatment of acute sinusitis in atopic children. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S168411821200179X. Published September 30, 2012.
4. Principi N, Esposito S. Nasal Irrigation: An Imprecisely Defined Medical Procedure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451967/. Published May 11, 2017.
5. Worrall G. Acute sinusitis. Canadian Family Physician. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093592/. Published May 2011.
6. Bernstein JA, Davis BP, Picard JK. A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial comparing capsaicin nasal spray with placebo in subjects with a significant component of nonallergic rhinitis. Plum X Metrix. https://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(11)00383-8/fulltext. Published August 2011.
7. Kehrl W, Sonnemann U, Dethlefsen U. Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis With Cineole: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial. Wiley. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1097/00005537-200404000-00027. Published January 3, 2009.
8. Hendry ER, Conway BR, Lambert PA. Antimicrobial efficacy of eucalyptus oil and 1,8-cineole alone and in combination with chlorhexidine digluconate against microorganisms grown in planktonic and biofilm cultures. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy . https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/64/6/1219/743860. Published October 16, 2009.
9. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sinusitis. Published December 2008.
10. Kecskes AA. Lymphatic Drainage and Facial Massage can Help Sinus Infections and Allergies. Pacific College. https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/10/12/lymphatic-drainage-and-facial-massage-can-help-sinus-infections-and-allergies. Published December 18, 2017.
11. ENT Health. https://www.enthealth.org/nose-landing-page/.

by Cynthia M. Shepherd, MSN, FNP-C

Reviewed by Steven Thomas Kmucha, MD – Otolaryngologist

Having an incessant itch in the ear that no amount of scratching can shake off can take a real toll on you. It keeps you from concentrating on anything else, sucks the fun out of everything, and makes you want to rip your ears off.

Sounds a bit extreme for a little harmless itch in the ear, but those who have suffered from it will vouch that it’s anything but little or harmless.

The human outer ear canal is very sensitive; as a result, even a sudden change in the environment in the ear canal can lead to the onset of itchy ears.^[1] The ear canal is innervated with sensitive nerves, which make the ear canal just as responsive and prone to itching as any other part of the human body.

Additionally, the fact that we cannot view our own ear canals can cause uneasiness and drive us to probe the ear recklessly and too invasively.

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Despite being a commonly reported nuisance, most people who suffer from ear canal itching often find themselves at their wit’s end when dealing with this distressing problem. Often, they end up aggravating the problem by using unsterile and sharp objects such as bobby pins, toothpicks, and coat hangers to relieve their itch.

Forceful insertions of such abrasive tools into an area as sensitive as the ear canal can cause skin scraping and eardrum ruptures. These will, in turn, provide free entry to bacteria as well as other foreign particles and debris to lodge deeper into the skin, paving the way for a far more serious infection.

Contents

Causes of Itchy Ears

Some of the most common causes of itchy ears are:

• Allergic reactions^[2]
• Ear infections
• Ear dryness due to insufficient or no secretion of ear wax
• Compulsive and intrusive ear cleaning with cotton buds that rids the cavity of the natural wax and the subsequent buildup of flakes of dry skin within the ear canal
• Earwax accumulation, as the wax tends to get pushed deeper into the ear canal by the constant probing with cleaning tools
• Water trapped in the ear canal
• Hearing aid- or headphone-induced irritation
• Ear canal dermatitis
• Insect bites

At times, even psoriasis, eczema, or acne can involve the skin of the ear canal.

A 2011 study published in BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders reported that temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can have many symptoms, and an itchy ear is one of them.^[3]

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A 2015 study published in Otolaryngology Online reported that there need not be an underlying bacterial or fungal infection to cause itching as evidenced by a condition called asteatosis. The study stresses the fact that it is important to consider asteatosis as one of the differential diagnosis for chronic and persistent itching when all other causes have been ruled out.^[4]

Signs and Symptoms of Itchy Ears

Aside from the obvious (itchiness), an itchy ear can also present with the following symptoms:

• Redness on the outside
• Discharge or a type of drainage that comes from your ear
• Pain or tenderness to the touch
• Fever
• Swelling

Simple Ways to Treat Itchy Ears at Home

Here are some home remedies to treat an itchy ear.

1. Use Gravity to Remove the Fluid Buildup

If you feel like water has entered your ears during swimming or while taking a shower or bath and this is the reason behind itchiness in your ear, allow gravity to take its course and work its magic.

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Gravity will help remove all the fluid buildup in the affected ear.

1. Tilt the side of your head with the affected ear parallel to the ground.
2. Put a clean finger in your ear.
3. Now, try to create a vacuum to help dislodge the fluid.
4. Use a cotton bud or towel to clean up the discharge.

You can also simply lie down on your side with a towel under your ear.

This remedy can also help to cope with a case of swimmer’s ear.

2. A Little Amount of Warm Water

Flushing your ear with warm water is one of the best ways to get rid of excess earwax that can cause itchiness in the ear. The gentle force of the water will dislodge the wax, making it easier to remove from the ear. Be sure to use only distilled water; never use tap water.

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Laryngology & Otology documented that only distilled water should be used for softening earwax. The study found distilled water to be comparatively much more effective than water mixed with sodium bicarbonate or an oil-based solution for the purpose of disintegrating earwax.^[5]

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1. Fill a rubber bulb syringe with slightly warm distilled water.
2. Tilt your head upright and pull the outer ear up and back to straighten the ear canal.
3. Use the syringe to gently put a small amount of water into the ear canal.
4. Leave it for a minute, and then drain it out by tilting your head to the opposite side.
5. Clean away the water and earwax with a clean cloth.
6. Repeat the process on the other ear.

3. Olive Oil can be Beneficial

One of the most well-known home remedies to relieve an itch in the ear is olive oil.

Olive oil helps remove excess earwax and keeps your ear canal adequately lubricated. It can soften the rigid ear wax, thereby facilitating its expulsion from the ear. It also has antiseptic properties that may reduce the risk of ear infection.^[7]

A 2013 study published in Practice Nursing reported that regular olive oil lubrication may reduce itching and dryness of the ear canal skin, which often contributes to itching but may also assist in the ear’s natural cleaning ability and may help with the ear’s natural wax removal.

1. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
2. Gently pull the outer part of your ear up and back.
3. Put 2-3 drops of lukewarm olive oil in the opening of your ear using a dropper.
4. Gently massage the skin at the front of the ear to help the oil work its way in.
5. Remain on your side for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Wipe away any extra oil that drips from your ear when you sit up.
7. Repeat in the other ear if needed.

4. A Few Drops of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Hydrogen peroxide is very effective in dealing with itchiness in the ear due to wax buildup. In fact, many commercial ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide or a similar compound as one of the main ingredients.^[9] However, too frequent use of hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal may worsen ear canal skin dryness.

Hydrogen peroxide helps dilute the consistency of the wax and causes it to bubble up and move out of the ear.

1. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water.
2. Fill an ear dropper with this solution.
3. Tilt your head sideways and put a few drops of this solution into the ear. Maintain this position for some time.
4. Then, tilt your head to the opposite side to drain out the solution.
5. Wipe away the earwax using a clean cloth.
6. Repeat this process for your other ear.

5. Trust the Healing Potential of White Vinegar

White vinegar is another effective ingredient to get rid of an itchy ear.^[10]

However, it works best when combined with rubbing alcohol. While the vinegar helps dissolve the earwax, the rubbing alcohol serves as a drying agent and helps evaporate any residual liquid from the ear.^[11]

Moreover, vinegar also prevents the ear from any kind of infection by maintaining an acid balance in the skin of the ear canal.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl.
2. Soak a cotton ball in the solution.
3. Tilt the affected ear upward, pull the outer ear up and back, and then squeeze 2-3 drops of this solution into the ear.
4. Wait for 5 minutes, and then tilt your head to the opposite direction with the treated ear down so that gravity can exert its action and pull the solution and the wax out of the ear cavity.
5. Remove the earwax from the outer ear with a tissue.

6. Apply Warm Compress

If the cause of itchiness in the ear is acne, then a warm compress can be extremely useful as it dries out the acne. Once the acne is healed, the itchiness will be gone^[12]

The heat from a warm compress helps reduce inflammation and irritation, which in turn can soften the acne to bring the pus to the surface. Plus, the warmth helps reduce any pain.

1. Soak a washcloth in warm water and squeeze out the excess.
2. Apply the warm compress on the ear for 5 minutes.
3. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the ear.
4. Use this remedy twice daily for a few days.

7. Use Blow Dryer

To help evaporate moisture in the outer ear canal, which can occasionally be the reason behind the itchiness, a blow dryer can come in handy.

The warm, dry air will promote the natural evaporation of the moisture from the ear canal and speed up the drying of a wet canal.

1. Pull your earlobe away from your body.
2. Hold a blow dryer about 10 to 12 inches away from your ear.
3. Set the dryer heat to warm and air flow to low.
4. Turn the dryer on and aim it directly into the ear canal.
5. Hold the dryer in position for approximately 30 seconds.
6. If required, repeat the process again.

Note: Do not expose your ear to the dryer heat for more than a few minutes to avoid burning.

8. Keep Your Ears Dry

Whether it is trapped moisture or an infection of the skin of the ear canal that may be causing the itchiness in the ears, keeping your ears dry as much as possible will help a lot.

Any moisture in the ear can cause irritation, inflammation, and infection.

• Dry your ears thoroughly after exposure to moisture from swimming or bathing. Dry only your outer ear, wiping it slowly and gently with a soft towel or cloth. Tilt your head to the side to help water drain from your ear canal.
• To prevent getting water in your ear canals when bathing, coat 2 cotton balls with petroleum jelly and put 1 in each of the outer ears; swimmers’ earplugs and a shower cap may also be helpful.

9. Maintain Good Ear Health

The maintenance of proper ear health is very important in preventing any kind of ear problems, including itchiness in the ears.^[13]

• Don’t use cotton swabs to clean the inside of your ear canal. It can ultimately cause more damage than good.
• Regularly clean the outside of your ears using a cotton ball, some warm water, and mild soap. Keeping the outside clean will help keep debris and allergens out of your ear canal.
• Always wear earplugs when swimming to keep water and debris out of your ears and to reduce the risk of an infection in the outer ear canal.

Prevention of Itchy Ears

Because the ears are largely self-cleaning, you must refrain from indulging in unwarranted ear cleaning yourself. All of the following objects that are usually employed for maintaining ear hygiene can be detrimental to the integrity of your eardrum:

• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Paper clips
• Bobby pins

Other preventive ways to stave off ear irritation and itching include the following:

• Be careful when choosing ear jewelry, and avoid jewelry made of metals that might result in an allergic reaction that leads to itching.
• If you are a frequent swimmer, use a solution to rid the ear of excess water.
• Manage overproduction of earwax by using doctor-approved approaches, such as ear drops or a bulb syringe.
• To save your ear cavity from excessive moisture, wear a shower cap while bathing.
• Use mild shampoos and shower gels that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
• If you use a hearing aid or earplugs regularly, make a point to disinfect them from time to time and insert them gently so as not to irritate the ear.
• Always keep your cell phone and earphones clean, as they can contribute to an ear infection.
• Avoid touching your ears with dirty fingers.

When to See a Doctor

An itchy ear that is not rooted in some underlying infection or ailment is rarely a cause of concern and tends to clear on its own within a few days. However, if you encounter problems such as bleeding or drainage from your ears or a sudden loss of hearing, please visit your doctor at once.

Also, if the itch fails to subside within a week despite proper home care, medical help will be warranted to identify the underlying cause and address the symptoms. Understanding the cause behind an itchy ear is the key to a successful treatment plan.

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Minor itching related to dry ears, too much earwax, or a mild infection can be successfully managed at home with the help of some simple and effective remedies.

Additional Tips

• Yawning or chewing motions can also help get water out of the ear canal by changing the shape of the ear canal.
• Clean only the outer ears regularly to prevent oil, dead skin cells, and other debris from collecting in the opening of the ear canal.
• Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear, especially cotton swabs.
• Protect your ears from irritants by putting cotton balls in your ears while applying products such as hair sprays and hair dyes. Be sure not to insert them too deeply.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to your home environment if you suffer from dry ears.

Resources:

1. Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery . https://med.uth.edu/orl/online-ear-disease-photo-book/chapter-15-miscellaneous/itchy-ears/.
2. Bernstein DI, Teper A, Gopalan G, Gates D. Effects of intranasal mometasone furoate on itchy ear and palate in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22541408. Published May 2012.
3. Kitsoulis P, Marini A, Iliou K. Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Related to the Degree of Mouth Opening and Hearing Loss. BMC Ear Nose & Throat Disorder. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117795/. Published May 25, 2011.
4. Rai S. Microbiology of itchy ears. Orontology Online Journal. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Microbiology-of-itchy-ears-Rai/f56a59e9238cf7637bcfea1ce423b7486f945ad8. Published January 2015.
5. Saxby C, Williams R, Hickey S. Finding the most effective cerumenolytic. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-laryngology-and-otology/article/finding-the-most-effective-cerumenolytic/94EA5C9F4BCF30FCFE3F43470A6B102E. Published November 2013.
6. Hidir Y, Ulus S, Karahatay S, Satar B. A comparative study on efficiency of middle ear pressure equalization techniques in healthy volunteers. Auris Nasus Larynx. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21216116. Published August 2011.
7. Rodgers R. Does olive oil prevent earwax build-up? An experimental study. Practice Nursing. https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/pnur.2013.24.4.191. Published September 29, 2013.
8. Hand C, Harvey I. The effectiveness of topical preparations for the treatment of earwax: a systematic review. British Journal of General Practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1324923/. Published November 1, 2004.
9. Otitis externa: Get rid of swimmer’s ear. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. https://uihc.org/health-topics/otitis-externa-get-rid-swimmers-ear. Published June 2017.
10. Collier S, Beach M, Brady M. Swimmer’s ear a mild but burdensome illness. AAP Gateway. http://www.aappublications.org/content/32/6/1.2. Published June 1, 2011.
11. Stenfors LE, Henriksen AO. Treatment of earache among the Lappish people. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2324615.
12. Conductive Hearing Loss. ENT Health. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/conductive-hearing-loss/.

by Mahesh Karandikar, MD – Neurosurgeon

 July 11, 2019

 0

A sudden tingling sensation overtaking your hands, feet, or face is a fairly common complaint reported by people in the United States. It may be a result of either sleeping for prolonged hours on either of your limbs or sitting in the same position when reading or writing.

Medically termed as paresthesia, a tingling sensation is usually an outcome of trauma or injury to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is a component of the nervous system that connects the brain to the various organs of the body through a network of nerve fibers. It transmits information back and forth in the form of nerve impulses or signals.

When a nerve is pinched or compressed, the transfer of signals may be delayed, slowed, or hampered, affecting the brain’s capacity to interpret signals and send back responses. In order to cope with this phenomenon, the brain responds by associating the sensation to numbness and tingling. These are the first symptoms of a nerve injury.

A mild or temporary tingling marked by a “feeling of pins and needles” can be relieved as soon as the pressure on the associated nerve is relieved. In cases of transient paresthesia, usually caused by a mild nerve compression, the symptoms resolve on their own.

Tingling and sensory problems are common in patients suffering from neurological disorders, chronic painful conditions such as fibromyalgia, and other diseases, complicating the diagnosis at times. However, there is partial clarity in cases of facial tingling.

In nearly all facial injuries, the trigeminal nerve is mechanically compressed, stretched, or inflamed.^[1] Facial tingling affects the facial skin region as a numb tingling or a skin crawling feeling often coming without pain in the initial stages. If the predominant symptom is facial pain, then the disorder is called trigeminal neuralgia, a relatively well-characterized neurological disorder of the trigeminal nerve.^[6]

Contents

What Can Cause Facial Tingling?

Facial tingling is not a disease per se but a symptom of diseases inflicting the nerve or nerve function.

It may be caused by:

• A psychiatric disease
• Damage inflicted on the upper spinal cord or posterior part of the brain stem
• Dehydration around 5–6 percent
• Improper circulation of blood
• Vitamin B₆ deficiency
• Individuals receiving chronic hemodialysis
• Malnutrition in chronic alcoholics
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Medications such as penicillamine, isoniazid, or phenelzine
• Medical conditions related to the nervous system such as:
  • Stroke
  • Transverse myelitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Injury to the dental and facial region
  • Compression of the trigeminal nerve
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Autoimmune disorder
  • A tumor or vascular lesion putting pressure on the brain or spinal cord

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Facial Tingling?

Facial tingling is marked by a characteristic numbness and tingling sensation on the face. It may also be accompanied by:

• Skin sensitivity over the affected facial region
• At times, pain

How Is Facial Tingling Diagnosed?

Evaluating a patient’s medical history is of utmost importance to ascertain the exact problem. Several patients may interpret the loss of sensitivity or any other neurological damage as a case of tingling.

The objective here is to determine the areas with reduced or lost sensations and the perimeters surrounding the affected facial region suggesting nerve damage on a particular point.

Your doctor may prescribe either of the following to ascertain the exact cause:

• MRI or CT scan if the suspected cause is a stroke
• Blood tests if an underlying illness is the cause
• A referral to a psychiatrist if the cause is psychiatric in nature

What Is the Medical Treatment for Facial Tingling?

The treatment for paresthesia will solely rely on diagnosing the cause of your condition.

Mild conditions are generally harmless, involving little or no pain, and tend to resolve spontaneously. However, patients with severe conditions riddled with pain need to seek professional help. The consultant neurologist may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the tingling sensation.

If severe anxiety, panic attacks, or a psychiatric cause is behind the tingling sensation in your face, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional.

Natural Ways to Reduce Facial Tingling

Let’s take a look at the natural ways to help you brave through the tingling sensation in your face.

1. Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focused on sensory training can help the affected patient understand the alterations in the nerve impulses being transmitted.

Sensory reeducation can help the patient relearn his touch perceptions in the case of facial tingling. This form of CBT educates the senses to make out the difference between the moving touch sensation and constant touch sensation. It also helps the patient evaluate the location of the touch on the affected skin.^[1] However, the stimulus to trigger the touch perceptions must never be so intense as to inflict pain.

2. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation combines the attentiveness of meditation with the self-contemplation of the present.

Practicing mindfulness meditation captures your attention in the present, opening the door to consciousness, sensation, your ambiance, acceptance, and being forthright without any room for judgmental thoughts. This will help calm your mind in the process, by combating stress and stimulating the relaxation response of your body.

Mindfulness-based interventions can help relieve the perceptions of pain and also reduce the symptoms of depression in individuals suffering from chronic conditions.^[4]

Although there is no direct link between facial tingling and meditation therapies, practicing mindfulness meditation can help manage stress and depression, two of the causes of facial tingling.

3. Consider Vitamin B₆ Supplements

A deficiency in vitamin B₆, also known as pyridoxine, is associated with nerve damage and tingling, which can be remedied with its supplementation.

The dietary supplementation of pyridoxine is imperative because of the body’s inherent inability to synthesize it. Although our dietary intake is sufficient to cater to our vitamin B₆ needs and its deficiency is rare, some individuals are prone to a deficiency of vitamin B_6.  Adult individuals deficient in vitamin B₆ may experience tingling in the hands, legs, and eventually the face.^[5]

• Consider taking vitamin B₆ supplements upon your doctor’s approval.

4. Drink Turmeric Milk

Turmeric is bestowed with a polyphenol called curcumin that can help resolve facial tingling due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Peripheral nerve damage is initially manifested in the sensory fibers and experienced as pain and tingling. As the nerve fibers are injured, various biological processes come into force and the damage appears in the form of pain, tingling, and numbness. Oxidative stress and inflammation are among the many processes that contribute to nerve damage.

A study has highlighted the supplementation of an adjunct treatment containing turmeric with alpha-lipoic acid to reduce the numbness, pain, and tingling experienced in peripheral neuropathy.^[2]

The anti-inflammatory nature of the bioactive ingredient curcumin can help reduce the production of molecules that trigger inflammation. Its antioxidant activity can help combat the oxidative stress that causes the pain, tingling, and numbness in the mechanically compressed nerves.

1. Add ½ to 1-inch piece of turmeric to a pan.
2. Add 8 ounces of milk to the pan containing turmeric.
3. Let the mixture boil for about 15 minutes.
4. Strain the milk and drink 1 cup of it daily.

5. Take Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been accredited with antioxidant and neuroprotective activities that can help fight oxidative stress and reduce nerve damage.

Its medicinal value stems from its ability to prevent oxidation-induced injuries and its positive effects on nerve regeneration, cerebral insufficiency, and peripheral vascular disease.

A study has demonstrated the effects of GBE on the numbness and tingling sensation associated with a compressed nerve. The results highlighted that GBE could inhibit the paresthesias and also facilitate the recovery process for motor function after an injury to the facial nerve.^[3]

• The recommended intake of GBE for adults is 120–240 milligrams a day.

Complications

Tingling has been associated with many diseases. Prolonged tingling in the face can lead to severe complications. Appropriate treatment is required to reduce any potential risks:

• Brain damage, if the cause of your tingling is a stroke
• Paralysis
• Permanent nerve damage

When to See a Doctor

There are varied reasons that can cause a tingling sensation in your face. Consider getting an opinion from a neurologist if you experience:

• A sudden appearance of the tingling sensation
• Tingling that is restricted to one side of the body
• Persistent tingling sensation

These might be signs of an impending stroke.

Prolonged tingling can be a harbinger of other medical conditions, which may be a serious cause of concern. It is important to seek the opinion of a medical professional if symptoms persist beyond minutes.

End Note

Facial tingling most often appears as an aftermath of an injury or trauma to the trigeminal nerve. There are several causes that can induce facial tingling and must be addressed accordingly.

Mild cases can be overcome on their own. However, seek immediate medical evaluation in case of prolonged loss of sensation to avoid any adverse consequences.

Trying CBT and practicing mindful meditation can help refurbish your sensory judgments and reduce the tingling sensation in your face.

FOR MORE HOME CURES https://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/facial-tingling.html

Resources:

1. Phillips C, Blakey G, Essick GK. Sensory retraining: a cognitive behavioral therapy for altered sensation. Atlas of the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics of North America. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3073500. Published March 2011.
2. Di Pierro F, Settembre R. Safety and efficacy of an add-on therapy with curcumin phytosome and piperine and/or lipoic acid in subjects with a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy treated with dexibuprofen. Journal of pain research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3704545. Published July 3, 2013.
3. Jang CH, Cho YB, Choi CH. Effect of ginkgo biloba extract on recovery after facial nerve crush injury in the rat. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23021527. Published December 2012.
4. Edenfield TM, Saeed SA. An update on mindfulness meditation as a self-help treatment for anxiety and depression. Psychology research and behavior management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500142. Published November 23, 2012.
5. Hammond N, Wang Y, Dimachkie MM, Barohn RJ. Nutritional neuropathies. Neurologic clinics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4199287. Published May 2013.
6. Majeed MH, Arooj S, Khokhar MA, Mirza T, Ali AA, Bajwa ZH. Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Clinical Review for the General Physician. Cureus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30800555. Published 2018.