Relief for Sinus Trouble

When sinuses become inflamed and you begin to feel the pressure mount, headaches, breathing problems and a general unwell feeling are sure to be left in the wake. Finding treatment for this sinus trouble is something that you will want to do quickly so you can get on with your day. In most cases, you can get relief almost immediately from a variety of sources. The local drug store or anywhere that sells herbal supplements should provide all you need to deal with your sinus issues.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

• There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications designed for sinus problems. Decongestants and pain relievers are typically enough treatment even for acute cases of sinusitis. Decongestants such as Sudafed, Actifed or Drixoral will help open up sinuses and relieve pain by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to allow for easier breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pseudoephedrine can have negative side effects and should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Check with your doctor if you are taking other medication, as some decongestants may interact with it.

Saline Remedies

• Saline is simply a salt water solution used, in this case, to irrigate the sinuses and clear out congestion. OTC nasal sprays are often saline-based and can work to relieve symptoms almost immediately. There are corticosteroid-based nasal sprays available as well (such as Flonase or Nasonex) that clear the sinuses effectively for up to 12 hours.

  Salt and water can also be used in a neti pot that can be bought at pharmacies. The pot is used to pour water into one nostril in order to rinse the sinuses and drain out the other. This is an old method used to irrigate sinuses and provide relief to those suffering with sinusitis, according to Healingdaily.com.

Herbal Remedies

• The use of herbs to relive sinus trouble is fairly common and teas are probably the most widely known home remedy. Peppermint tea is especially effective for sinus trouble as peppermint has natural soothing qualities and anti-inflammatory properties.

  The use of echinacea to boost the immune system is also a widely used herbal supplement that may not immediately relieve symptoms but will likely shorten the duration of the overall sinus irritation, especially in the case of sinus infections.

Sinus Infection

• Sinusitis can be triggered by bacterial or viral infections. In the more common case of a virus, antibiotics will not help. Viruses are not responsive to antibiotics, and the infection is usually not serious enough to warrant harsh antiviral medication. Most sinus trouble will go away in a reasonable amount of time on its own and the focus should be on the treatment of symptoms.