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Chronic Sinus Congestion Self Help

Sinuses are so sensitive. And chronic sinus congestion can really put a damper on life. Not only can congested sinuses cause pain and headaches, they can rob you of one of the most under-appreciated senses, the sense of smell. There are some things you can do, however, to help yourself overcome chronic sinus congestion.

  1. Blow Your Nose

    • It may seem like an endless task, but blowing your nose is your body's way of clearing out germs and bacteria from the sinus cavities. Mucus works like a liquid pipe-cleaner, carrying out all sorts of nasty little viruses and bacteria. If the area right under your nose gets sore, simply put some petroleum jelly or moisturizer on it as often as necessary so that you can keep on blowing. One word of caution: Blow gently and through one nostril at a time. Blowing your nose too forcefully can send contaminants through your eustachian tubes and cause ear infection.

    Homemade Nasal Wash

    • A nasal wash can either be a homemade saline solution made or just some warm water shot up into the nose and then blown out. Two to three drops per passage should do the trick. The easiest way to get the water up there is through a dropper. If you don't have a dropper you can get almost the same productivity from a hot shower. Water up the nose will help soften dried mucus. Then, you can put your advanced nose-blowing skills to the test. Try plugging one nostril and blowing out the other until the congestion is relieved, then switch nostrils. To make a saline nasal wash, add a half teaspoon of table salt or sea salt to 8 ounces of warm water and stir until dissolved.

    Neti Pot

    • Nasal irrigation has been standard practice in India for thousands of years. The neti pot is the subcontinent's contribution to clean and properly washed sinuses. Once again, the practice can be done with simple warm water, or you can use saline solution described above. A neti pot looks a bit like a little teapot, only with a longer spout. The end of the spout is placed inside the nostril, the pot is tipped and water flows up and through the nasal passages.

    Moisture

    • Showers are one of the ways you can moisturize your body during the day. If you live in a dry climate, try using a cool-mist humidifier to keep the air in the house, and your nasal passages, moist. You should also be sure and drink plenty of fluids during the course of the day. Water is great for hydration and helps to cleanse the body of germs and bacteria through the kidneys.

    Over-the-Counter Congestion Relievers

    • There are virtually a million and one over-the-counter congestion remedies available without a prescription. Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and oxymetazoline can help with the worst chronic sinus congestion. These remedies should only be tried in the event that a nasal wash doesn't do the trick.

    Herbal Remedies

    • For centuries, herbal remedies have been used to treat chronic sinus congestion. Putting a tablespoon of cardamom seeds on a bed of hot coals and inhaling the smoke is an ancient way to clear the sinuses. Hot liquids, like herbal tea, can also help relieve sinus congestion. Add oil of eucalypus or peppermint to humidifier water or dab a bit under your nostrils to help open the nasal passages.

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