How to Treat Symptoms of Sinusitis

Most, if not all of us have suffered from sinusitis at some point, and the symptoms of runny, stuffy congestion and pressure in the head and face can be very uncomfortable and frustrating. The sinuses are air-filled pockets or cavities in specific areas of the face which basically function as air filters and help to warm, purify and moisten the air before reaching the lungs. When the sinuses are blocked or the cilia-lined membrane in the sinuses are dysfunctional, then bacteria and mucus can build up in the cavities and become stagnant, which can potentially become a place for infection and inflammation causing sinusitis.



This article will offer some tips and advice on how to relieve the pain and pressure from sinusitis and help you to breathe more easily.

Instructions

• 1

  See a doctor for prescription antibiotics if the sinusitis shows symptoms of serious bacterial infection and inflammation, for example: redness, pain and thick green/yellowish mucus drainage.

• 2

  Stand in a hot, steamy shower or use a homemade version of a facial steam bath with a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl to inhale the steam and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. If you like, add some aromatherapy oils such as lavender to the steamy water to help relax your facial muscles. Inhale deeply to allow the steam to permeate your nasal passages. Humidity is key in helping to moisten the sinuses and reduce the viscosity of the trapped mucus in the nasal passages. Moisture helps to move the cilia-lined membrane in the sinuses and increase the flow rate.

• 3

  Purchase humidifiers and place one in the bedroom and one in each of the other rooms in the house to help keep the air moist. There are various types and sizes of humidifiers available.

• 4

  Use a nasal rinse to clean out the nasal passages and to help unblock the sinuses. You can purchase sinus rinse kits at most local drugstores or pharmacies. Most of the kits contain a bottle of saline mixture which you can use to spray into your nose.

• 5

  Mix a half tablespoon of table salt into two cups of warm water, add a pinch of baking soda and mix well for an effective homemade nasal rinse. Pour the mixture into a medicine dropper or nasal sprayer. Tilt your head back slightly, press one nostril closed and spray the mixture into the open nostril while sniffing. Next, lean over the sink and blow your nose gently to remove the mucus debris and allow it to drain from the nose. Repeat on the other side of the nose.

• 6

  Maintain your fluid intake throughout the day and remember to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water. This will help to keep the nasal passages and the sinuses moist and thin the mucus, which will help to increase drainage from the sinuses.

• 7

  Try to apply some heat to the affected areas to temporarily help alleviate pain from pressure buildup in the sinuses. Use a warm face cloth and place it over your eyes and cheekbones. You will feel the soothing effect from the heat immediately.

• 8

  Apply pressure and rub the affected areas on your face which will help to increase blood circulation to the sinuses. This in turn will help reduce the pain and pressure and cause a soothing effect.

• 9

  Try decongestants. Over-the-counter versions can be a quick but temporary method to help reduce the symptoms of sinusitis. Avoid using decongestants containing antihistamine, as they can make the sinusitis worse by drying up the secretions and causing more blockage. Sudafed or Drixoral are examples of decongestants you can use.

• 10

  Try alternative ways to treat your sinusitis. Eating certain foods can help reduce symptoms. Eat garlic, horseradish or add chilly spices or peppers to your food. Garlic contains a chemical which reduces the viscosity of the mucus, thus helping to thin it down and horseradish contains chemicals similar to the compound found in decongestants.