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What Can I Take for Sinus Pressure?

When a sinus infection occurs it can make it feel as if you cannot even think clearly: Sinuses become inflamed, tender and sore, and when they swell it can increase pressure in the nasal passages. You might experience a headache and pain around the nose, eyes and forehead, as well as in the cheeks.

  1. Where Sinus Pressure Originates

    • You have four different sets of sinuses, all of which can become irritated, infected, filled with mucus, inflamed and sore when you have a cold, infection or allergies. One is located directly in the region of your forehead, identified as frontal sinus passages; those directly behind each of your cheek bones are called maxillary sinus passageways; and ethmoid and sphenoid passages, which are positioned between and behind your eye sockets, respectively.
      Built-up mucus and inflammation brought on by increased histamine levels or illness can cause pressure on nerves in the area surrounding sinus passages, resulting in pain or discomfort.

    Effective Treatments for Sinus Pressure

    • Keep your sinus passages moistened at all times to help reduce the thickness of mucus and promote the natural removal of the bodily fluid. Drinking lots of water each day will help maintain hydration of your body and sinus passages. Consuming hot liquids such as soups and teas also helps keep nasal passages open and moist, as the steam naturally relieves pressure and pain and helps loosen mucus.
      Keeping the air damp, whether by boiling water in a pot or using a humidifier, will help you breathe with less pain, as will using a vapor rub that contains eucalyptus.

    Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Always consult with a doctor to determine if it is okay to use an over-the-counter medication, but popular products include Mucinex and Robitussin, both of which are expectorants that thin out excessive mucus in your lungs and nasal passages, enabling your sinuses to drain. Medications such as Tylenol Sinus can also be used to help dry up excessive mucus in the lungs and nasal passages and reduce sinus pressure. Consult the packaging for proper dosage information and for any precautions before taking any over-the-counter sinus remedy.

    Vitamin C

    • Consume 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C supplements daily while you are suffering from a sinus-related illness, as it will strengthen your immune system and allow your body to fight off infection.

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