Relief for Sinus Pain

Whether you suffer from allergies or have had a head cold, chances are you have had to deal with sinus pressure. Although sinus pressure can be uncomfortable, the pressure can be alleviated both medicinally and with home remedies. Follow these basic, inexpensive tips to get the most out of your treatment.

Triggers

• Before you set out on a sinus-relief journey, try to avoid the triggers that could make sinus pressure worse. For example, avoid allergens such as dust by waiting to clean your house until after your sinuses feel better.

Humidify

• Humidifying your environment, especially if you live in a dry climate, will help move mucus through your sinuses. One easy way to create humidity is to stand in a warm to hot shower. The steam will loosen up thick mucus that might be causing pressure. You may also stand a slight distance away from a boiling pot of water and inhale the steam. Another option is to use a room humidifier while you sleep. Adding menthol to the steam also might help open your sinuses.

Use a Neti Pot

• According to a study performed by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, nasal irrigation is an effective adjunctive therapy for relieving sinus issues. Using a tool such as a Neti pot, which looks a bit like a teapot with a straight spout, can help irrigate your nasal passage. To get the most from a Neti pot, you should fill it with warm water, add non-iodized salt (read the instructions on the pot) and let it dissolve. Bring the pot to a sink or other water basin, insert the tip of the pot's spout into one nostril, tilt your head, and the warm salt water will flow into your sinuses and ultimately come out your other nostril. Doing this cleans out irritants and mucus and moisturizes your sinuses.

Sinus Massage

• By placing pressure on certain points along your sinuses, you might get relief, according to "Natural Solutions" magazine. These points are generally on the forehead, around the cheekbone and along the nose.

Nasal Spray

• Nasal sprays come can be medicated or simple saline sprays. Saline sprays add moisture and help remove irritants, plus they contain no addictive properties. Mediated nasal sprays such as Afrin and Dristan help decongest nasal membranes that are swollen. They also help treat the beginning stages of the common cold or even a viral infection. However helpful they might be in some cases, they should not be used for longer than three to five days because your body stands the chance of becoming addicted to them.

Oral Medication

• There are many over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines that help relieve sinus problems. If you have a sinus headache as well as other cold symptoms, take a combination product (for example, Advil Cold and Sinus or Tylenol Sinus). If you have allergy-related sinus problems, use an antihistamine (such as Benadryl), which can help relieve drainage connected to the allergic inflammation. Finally, if you have problems like allergic drainage plus congestion, use a medication that combines an antihistamine with a decongestant.