Home Remedy for a Sinus Obstruction

Sinusitis occurs when your sinuses become infected. When swollen, it becomes difficult for mucus to drain properly and the nasal passage can become blocked. Common symptoms of a sinus obstruction include difficulty breathing, headaches and pressure in the face. Though sometimes antibiotics are needed to cure sinusitis, a few good home remedies may be enough to get rid of it.

Care

• The most important thing when treating a sinus infection is to take good care of yourself. You need to make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. Resting is the best way to allow your body to fight off any sort of infection. Also important is making sure you drink plenty of water or juice. Drinking fluids will dilate the parts of the nasal cavity that produce mucous and allow for it to drain better. While you have sinusitis, do not drink alcohol or coffee. These drinks can dehydrate you and alcohol also promotes swelling of the nasal lining.

Heat

• Using heat and steam is another good way to treat a sinus infection. Place some boiled waiter in a large bowl, put a towel over your head and lower it over the bowl, trapping the steam inside. The hot vapor will help loosen the blocked mucus. Also, the application of a warm compress around the nose is a good way to relieve pain. Covering your nose and eyes with a wet, warm cloth can help stimulate drainage and lessen pain.

Other Treatment

• The use of a Neti pot or a squeeze bottle can help you rinse out the blockage in your sinus cavities. Using salted water, inhale the solution in one nostril and allow it to drain out the other side. This remedy, also known as nasal lavage, also works as a preventative measure for future infections. Finally, when sleeping, make sure your head is elevated. This can be accomplished by placing two pillows under your head. If tilted downward, the sinuses then get a chance to drain during the night.