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Relief From Sinus Pressure

Everyone has experienced it at one time or another: pain and pressure behind the eyes and nose, the classic symptoms of sinusitis. The leading causes of this condition are allergies and infections from viruses, bacteria and fungi. Fortunately, there are several remedies that can help bring relief.

  1. Treatment for Sinusitis Caused by Allergies or Viruses

    • You may need to see an allergist if you have severe and/or chronic problems. An allergist can give you prescription-strength antihistamines like Allegra, nasal sprays like Nasacrom, and even shots, if necessary. Otherwise, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines such as Claritin and Alavert; nasal sprays like Afrin, and decongestants containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

    Treatment for Sinusitis Caused by Bacteria

    • Bacterial infections will require your doctor to prescribe oral antibiotics. You may even be given prescription nasal sprays and painkillers, as needed.

    Treatment for Sinusitis Caused by Fungal Infections

    • The Mayo Clinic discovered that the majority of chronic sinusitis cases are caused by fungal infections. If you or your doctor believes this is the case, you will need tests such as an MRI, and most likely you will need surgery.

    General Treatments for All Sinus Pressure

    • For all cases of sinus pressure, try carefully inhaling steam from a simmering pot of water or a hot shower, and/or you can place warm, moist compresses over the face. Adding a touch of eucalyptus oil to the simmering water can also help. Drink plenty of fluids and also warm beverages like broth and bouillon. You can use a simple saline solution for nasal irrigation, which you can make yourself by adding a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda to a cup of warm water or buying a pre-made mixture from the drug store. You can also try a Neti-pot, an irrigation device found at most drugstores.

      For supplements, try vitamin C and other herbs such as garlic, horseradish, hot curries or peppers (in food) and ginger (in food or capsules) for inflammation. NSAIDS such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also help with pain and inflammation. You can use a humidifier to help keep your sinuses from drying out, but only if you live in a dry climate. Extremes in heat and humidity one way or the other can make sinus symptoms worse.

    What to Avoid

    • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to drying and thickening of the mucus, blocking the sinuses so they can't drain properly. Avoid chlorinated pools, as the chemicals can damage the delicate mucus membrane linings of the nose. Don't use nasal sprays or use decongestants for more than five days, as this can cause a rebound effect, making symptoms worse. Avoid flying, if possible. Flying with sinus problems can prevent the equalization, or equilibration, of pressure and result in pain, temporary hearing loss or tinnitus, and even a ruptured ear drum.

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