How to Make Sinuses Drain

Sinusitis means your sinus cavities are inflamed. The inflammation can cause mucus buildup. Mucus is normally pushed out of your nose, but if you have sinusitis, mucus can become clogged. When mucus clogs the cavities, this can result in an infection. The sinus cavities are located above your eyes, behind and on both sides of the top of your nose, and beneath your eyes. There are several home remedies you can try to drain the sinuses.

Things You'll Need

• Pot of water
• Cream with medicated vapors
• Expectorant
• Decongestant
• Drinking water
• Echinacea tea
• Antibiotics

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Instructions

• 1

  Boil a pot of water. Remove the pot from the stove, place it on a safe surface, and lean over the pot. The steam can help drain the sinuses. You can also add a cream with medicated vapors, such as Vicks VapoRub, to the pot to aid in draining your sinuses.

• 2

  Stand under a hot shower. The steam can help to loosen the mucus and clear sinus passageways.

• 3

  Take an expectorant or a decongestant to help thin the mucus and expel it from your sinus cavities. Examples of common products are Mucinex and Robitussin. Follow the directions on the labels.

• 4

  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Hot liquid is helpful, such as hot tea. Echinacea tea may be particularly helpful, as it helps to stimulate the immune system.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve with home remedies. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic such as amoxicillin to treat the bacterial infection in your sinuses.