Crackling Sound in Sinuses: Should You Be Worried?
Published January 14, 2022
Hearing abnormal noises or sounds from any part of the body is downright alarming. It’s generally a telltale sign that something isn’t quite right. So, when you hear crackling or popping sounds in your nose and sinuses, should you be worried? Let’s get to know the facts.
What causes the popping noises in your nose?
Crackling sounds and popping noises in the nose and sinuses are pretty common. You know that feeling where it seems like there are bubbles popping inside your nose and which usually happens when you’re lying down or even just breathing? This popping sound is usually a sign that your sinuses are inflamed. That’s why when you hear these popping noises, it’s almost always accompanied by other symptoms of sinus inflammation such as nasal congestion and sinus headache.
But how does an inflamed sinus creates that crackling noise in your nose?
You see, when your sinus passages swell up, it prevents your eustachian tubes from closing or opening properly. If you didn’t know, the eustachian tubes are passageways that connect your middle ear and nasal cavities. It’s responsible for maintaining the pressure in your middle ear. When your nasal cavities are clogged, it causes changes in pressure in your eustachian tubes. This causes that weird popping sound that probably feels very familiar to you right now.
A rarer condition that may also be causing that crackling noise is palatal myoclonus. Palatal myoclonus consists of two separate disorders, with essential palatal tremor causing a rhythmic clicking sound in the ear. This sound comes from the opening and closing of the eustachian tube. Palatal myoclonus may be the least likely condition, as it’s quite rare and uncommon.
What causes sinus inflammation?
There are many factors that can cause your sinuses to swell up. In most cases, it’s probably just allergic rhinitis or common colds. But if you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic sinusitis, it could be because of the following:
- sinus infections
- deviated septum
- nasal polyps
- immune system-related diseases
All of the above conditions require various treatments. For instance, most sinus infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. But a deviated septum and nasal polyps usually require surgery to prevent recurring sinus infections. This is why it’s important to know the underlying cause of your sinus problems to effectively treat them.
What should I do if I hear the crackling noises?
Most cases of crackling or clicking sound in noses and sinuses usually go away on their own, especially if your nasal congestion has resolved. But if it persists and the symptoms get worse, it’s better to schedule an appointment with an ENT physician. They are the ones best qualified to provide medical advice diagnosis or treatment for these types of conditions.
While there are a lot of available self-help guides on the internet, self-diagnosing isn’t really recommended. It can lead you to either over or underestimate your condition. It’s still best to get expert advice before taking any medications.
How to Treat Sinus Infections
If the crackling sound in your nose is accompanied by symptoms of sinus infection, some home remedies may work. While you shouldn’t self-medicate without your doctor’s advice, you can do a few things to alleviate sinus infection symptoms, including:
- Warm compresses to relieve sinus pain.
- Over-the-counter nasal sprays containing salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist while unblocking congestion and treating inflammation.
- Drinking lots of fluids and hydrating sufficiently to moisten your nasal passages and ease blockage.
- Humidifiers to add moisture to the air and decongest your sinuses.
- Take probiotics to boost your immunity against allergens. Make sure to take a probiotic supplement that’s specifically formulated for sinus issues like Bionaze.
But you need to remember that the above remedies only offer temporary relief. It won’t necessarily get rid of your sinus infection. If you want to put an end to your sinus issues once and for all, it’s always best to consult your doctor.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer based in the Philippines. Her commitment to communicating factual content in when writing is unmatched. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts.
