How to Get Rid of Sinus Pressure Naturally

Sinus pressure can cause debilitating headaches that can rival migraines in pain and frequency. The pressure starts at the bridge of your nose and eventually works its way throughout your head, causing facial tenderness and sensitivity to movement. Nasal decongestants and sprays are among the most-often used remedies for sinus pressure, but they can cause the user to become dependent. After first removing household irritants, such as cigarette smoke, which could be the source of your irritation, use natural remedies to relieve remaining pressure.

Use a Humidifier

• A humidifier will give you almost instant relief from sinus pressure. Run a humidifier in your bedroom as you sleep to avoid morning sinus pressure, which is caused by mucus pooling and draining throughout the night. If you need immediate relief, and you don’t have a humidifier, use your bathroom. Run a steaming hot shower and allow the steam to collect in the closed room; breathe in this warm, hot air two to four times a day.

Use a Heating Pad

• Using a heating pad against your face is an effective way to break up compacted sinus secretions. An electric heating pad set to its lowest setting works well, as will the hot/cold packs available at your local drugstore. After treating your face with heat for five minutes, blow out the loosened mucous into a tissue. While applying heat directly may help to break up clogged mucus, a heated home will not. Keep your home's temperature cool enough to avoid dry air, which will dry out the membranes in your nose.

Irrigate Your Nasal Passages With a Neti Pot

• Nasal irrigation washes away the built-up secretions and bacteria that are causing the pressure in your sinuses. Neti pots, spouted devices available at most drugstores, are made especially for nasal irrigation. To use it, add a mixture of 8 ounces of sterilized water, a 1/4-taspoon baking soda and a 1/2-teaspoon salt to the neti pot. Hover your head over the sink or a large bowl and angle your head to about 45 degrees. Pour the solution into the higher nostril, and the solution will stream out of the lower nostril. Blow out any remaining solution or mucous and repeat with your other nostril. Always keep your neti pot clean and dry; bacteria can build up inside unclean devices.

When Natural Isn’t Enough

• Try using natural remedies before resorting to medications, but if the cause of your sinus pressure is sinusitis, the best treatment may be antibiotics. If you are running a fever or the pressure and pain doesn’t respond well to irrigation and removal of allergens, then you should see your primary care provider for a professional diagnosis.