What Are the Treatments for Sinus Congestion?

Nasal congestion, or rhinitis, is one of the most common and frequent ailments man faces. Whether it is allergy-related or a symptom of influenza, most of us will one day face rhinitis. Thankfully, and partially because of its frequency, there are many different remedies for sinus congestion. Some treatments are natural and some are very unnatural, some target just the symptom while others attempt to fight the cause. Experimentation is the key in finding what will cure your "stuffed up" nose.

Just Flush It Out

• There is no more a direct way to treat sinus congestion than simply flushing it out. For centuries, the neti pot has been used in traditional Indian medicine. The neti pot works by using water to push mucous out of the nose. Simply fill the pot, which is shaped like a teapot with a tapered, conical tip, with a lukewarm saline solution. Insert the tip of the pot into one nostril and gently tilt your head backward allowing the solution to flow into your nose. Relax and breathe through your mouth as the solution gently pushes the mucous through one nostril and out the other. Blow your nose a few times to ensure your nose has been flushed and then repeat with the other nostril.

Food, Herbs and Lifestyle

• Have you ever noticed how some foods make your nose start to feel a bit tingly? Spicy and hot foods, such as cayenne pepper, horseradish, hot sauce or Chinese hot and sour soup may open up the nasal passageways for a brief time. Avoid foods with chemicals or ones that you may have a possible allergy to, as rhinitis is commonly caused by allergies. Eucalyptus and menthol oils have both been long used in vapor treatment to clear the nose. Simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding cigarette smoke or chlorine, can also have an affect on chronic sinus congestion. Outdoor pollution, pollens, molds and dust mites might be the cause of some sinus congestion. Try eliminating these irritants from your life to see if they are the culprits.

Medicinal Remedies

• There are many over-the-counter medications for sinus congestion. You may want to take an analgesic, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to treat the pain that comes with congestion. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, which relieve congestion, or antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, which help with dry excess mucous, are usually found in common cold, flu and allergy medicines. The expectorant guaifenesin actually removes mucous, not only from the nose, but from the throat and ears as well. Topical nasal decongestants that are generally applied through a nasal spray, such as asoxymetazoline and phenylephrine should not be used for more than a couple of days. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength pain reliever or an antibiotic such as amoxicillin if your sinuses become infected. Generally, corticosteroid nasal sprays are used for inflammation and if the congestion becomes highly problematic, surgery might be used.