There are many ways to achieve sinus pressure relief on your own without having to involve a doctor. This can be particularly important for people who suffer with chronic sinusitis because their sinus infections can be a constantly returning problem, and sometimes doctors can't totally cure them. For other people, these techniques might offer some relief while waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
Vapor
One of the most popular home remedies for dealing with a sinus infection is to use water vapor. This can be done in a couple of different ways. Some people boil water on the stove, and lean over the pot while hanging a towel over their heads to trap the vapor like a tent. Another approach is to take a hot shower, or even close yourself up in the bathroom with the hot water running for a few minutes. This technique works because breathing in vapor moisturizes your sinuses and this can help to break up any obstructions causing pressure.
Take a Hot Drink
Try drinking a little coffee or tea. This may not be enough to cure you completely, but it’s another way of getting some water vapor up into your sinuses, and stimulating a little drainage. This is the kind of thing you might try if your symptoms are relatively minor.
Change Positions
Sometimes sinus pain can affect one side of the face or head much more than the other. When this happens, you may want to try lying down on one side or the other and see if your pressure lessens after a few minutes. Sometimes it may even help to lay on your stomach or your back. This doesn’t always work, but it can be particularly effective when the pain is unevenly affecting one side of the head.
Hot Pepper
One of the most useful methods for stimulating sinus drainage is to consume cayenne pepper. The most effective approach is to take the cayenne directly in a drink with hot water. A typical recipe would involve using a spoonful of cayenne in a cup of water. This will be so hot that you’ll probably find it uncomfortable, but it’s scientifically proven to stimulate blood flow, and it usually causes your sinuses to drain very quickly. People who rely on this remedy for sinus pressure relief usually do it once every two or three hours until their symptoms dissipate. Sometimes you can get a lot of relief almost instantly using this remedy.
Ibuprofen
The best medicine to take for sinus pain is generally ibuprofen. It will usually help to relieve inflammation, and can temporarily help with pain. Sometimes it can even help stimulate drainage by reducing the swelling of tissue around the sinus openings. The effect is subtle, but it’s very beneficial.
Nasal Irrigation
A lot of people relieve their sinus pressure by using a neti pot for nasal irrigation methods. These are often sold in drug stores, and they gently cleanse the inside of your sinuses. The procedure involves pouring a gentle saline mixture into one nostril with your head turned sideways, and it comes out the other nostril. During the process, it moves through your sinuses and loosens up dried bits of mucus. This can actually be a cure, and it’s relatively inexpensive to try, but it can take a little getting used to for many people.
Don’t Take Antihistamine
Using antihistamine medicines is one of the most common mistakes people make when suffering with sinus pressure. These medicines might give you temporary relief, but they can actually make your problems worse in the long run. This is because they inhibit your immune system, which means that you produce less mucus in your sinuses. In the short run, this can relieve pressure, but it also dries out your sinus cavities, which can lead to much more severe obstructions.
Sources:
Healthcare South: Ask The Doctor: Sinus Pressure often Is Not A Sinus Infection
WebMD: Do Neti Pots Really Work
Health911: Sinusitis Tips Remedies
Jacob Queen - I'm an amateur filmmaker, movie buff, and a guitarist/songwriter with more than 20 years of experience on the instrument. Freelance ...
