Every time there is an episode of sinus you feel the following- rising pressure in the forehead, stuffiness inside the nose, and throbbing pain in the head.
With each passing day, the pressure in the sinuses increases, and the symptoms get worse. Fortunately, there are 10 simple and effective remedies you can try at home to reduce the sinus pressure and ultimately, get relief from elevated pressure.
1. Breathing Moist air
Dryness in the nasal airways and the sinuses is likely to increase pressure as well as headaches.
To prevent nasal dryness, moisten the nasal linings as well as drain the mucus from the sinuses, inhale moist air. To make the air moist, place a humidifier in the room. Avoid breathing dry air or stay away from tobacco smoke.
2. Using Nasal Sprays
Spraying nasal decongestants in the nose can provide instant relief from blocked noses. There are various kinds of nasal sprays available. But the most effective one is the nasal spray containing nasal solution. These work by reducing the inflammation, keeping the nasal passages moist as well as breaking up the accumulated sinuses.
3. Irrigating The Sinuses
Nasal irrigation is the most effective method to get relief from sinus pressure. It entails cleaning the nasal passages with a saltwater solution. One has to pour the solution from one nostril and take it out from the other nostril. Meanwhile, the solution sweeps away the mucus, dirt as well as allergens.
It is a complex process hence, children should perform this procedure under adult supervision. The saline solution can also be prepared at home. You just have to boil water and add a ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt as well as a pinch of baking soda.
One can use a container such as a bulb syringe or neti pot to put the solution. Rinse the nose and sinuses a couple of times and see the results yourself.
4. Taking Lots of Rest
During sinusitis, it is important to take an ample amount of rest. This is because, during a good night’s sleep, the body’s immune system prepares to fight off the infection. While asleep, the body releases hormones that promote tissue regeneration.
Also, it produces more white blood cells required to fight off infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Before going to bed, don’t drink any beverages or practice any activities that over-stimulate the mind.
Additionally, the way of sleep also affects sinus pressure. Lying flat with chronic sinusitis increases mucus buildup thereby, increasing pressure in the sinuses.
With the head alleviated, some sinus symptoms of sinus pressure can also be treated. While asleep, put some extra pillows under the head to prevent the buildup.
Keep in mind both the points mentioned above when suffering from sinus pressure to breathe more freely.
5. Keep Yourself Hydrated
One of the factors that can increase sinus pressure and irritation associated with sinusitis is dehydration. A person suffering from sinusitis is not likely to drink anything that can increase the pressure on the face.
Hence, he/she must keep on sipping on fluids to keep themselves hydrated. Furthermore, it is recommended to increase fluid intake when suffering from sinusitis. The fluids will help to drain mucus from the sinuses and prevent any infection.
Other than water, one can also drink other fluids for hydration such as broths, ice cubes, tea, or water-based vegetables and fruits.
6. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the important components of the body that boosts immunity. If the accumulated mucus gets infected, eating Vitamin C foods can help in treating the same.
Also, it can reduce the duration of the infection hence, the sinus pressure soothes out faster. Some of the common Vitamin C-rich foods include- Guavas, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Kiwi, Red pepper, Broccoli, etc.
7. Apply Warm Compress
This is one of the most effective ways to alleviate severe sinus pain as well as pressure. This works the same way as breathing moist air. The warmth of the towel helps in reducing inflammation and thinning out the dry mucus from the sinuses.
Once the inflammation of the sinuses subsides, the headache and pressure on the face also reduce.
8. Eat Spicy Foods
Consuming spicy foods can help in thinning out the mucus from the sinuses. Therefore, the sinus pressure also decreases. It also cleans out the nasal passages. Some of the spicy foods to eat when suffering from sinusitis include wasabi, hot sauce, horseradish, or hot peppers.
9. Inhalation of Steam
An individual can also take a hot shower which can release steam from the body. Also, placing the head over a bowl of warm water can unclog the sinuses. For extra relief, a few drops of essential oils can also be added.
10. Take OTC Medications
For people suffering from acute sinusitis, taking some medicines that are available Over-The-Counter can reduce a headache as well as soothe out sinus congestion. An individual can try any one or a combination of the following medicines for sinusitis.
Remember, these medicines can only be taken by children over 13 years of age. Another thing to keep in mind is that these medicines should be taken only after proper consultation with a doctor.
● Painkillers
Pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help soothe headaches due to sinusitis. Once the headache subsides, the sinus pressure also alleviates. These painkillers can help in getting rid of sinus pressure instantaneously.
However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label of the medicines to minimize the risk of any side effects. Also, take pain relievers for not more than 7-10 days. If the pain and pressure don’t subside by then, consult with the doctor immediately.
● Antibiotics
When the sinuses are unable to drain mucus properly, there can be accumulation. The accumulated mucus can get infected with harmful viruses or bacteria. This can lead to an infection and make congestion worse.
Hence, if it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Azithromycin, etc. can treat the same. Hence, once the infection is treated, the sinus pressure is also alleviated.
● Decongestants
One of the medicines people suffering from chronic sinusitis relies on is decongestants. These medicines open up the blocked sinuses that can soothe out sinus pressure. Decongestants work by reducing the inflammation and post-nasal drip that occur due to sinusitis.
These are available in the form of nasal sprays as well as tablets. However, excessive use of decongestants can make sinusitis worse. Hence, it is recommended that you don’t use nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days at a stretch.
Also, don’t take tablets for not more than a week. Some sinus medications are produced in the combination of decongestants and pain relievers. So, ensure that you don’t take an excess of this medication also.
● Anti-allergic medicines
Allergies can also trigger sinus inflammations. Hence, taking anti-allergens or anti-histamines can help in avoiding triggers. Also, one who has not been diagnosed with any allergies should go for allergy testing. As a long-term treatment, take allergy shots that make the body less prone to allergens.
● Steroids
In severe cases, the sinus pressure can become very high that can cause extreme discomfort. In such instances, doctors prescribe inhaling steroids that can reduce the swelling of the sinuses. These are available in the form of sprays as well as tablets.
Conclusion
Several home remedies can reduce sinus pressure. These home remedies are very helpful in getting relief from symptoms of sinusitis. Furthermore, this can prevent the problem from getting severe.
However, sometimes the pressure can increase frequently due to factors such as structural deformity or development of nasal polyps.
Therefore, in such cases, as a general precaution consult with an ENT specialist who can prescribe more effective treatment options. In some cases, they may recommend undergoing surgery.
