Ways to Stop Sinus Pressure at Home

Many people suffer from sinus pressure. Some people may have chronic sinus problems that cause regular pressure in their sinus cavities, while others deal with sinus pressure only during a cold or illness. Sinus pressure can be miserable, and the sooner you begin to treat it, the sooner you can begin to find relief. There are several ways in which to treat sinus pressure, and using a combination of the treatments may bring you rapid relief.

Steam

When your sinuses get full and begin to cause pressure, it can be a miserable experience. Many people develop headaches from sinus pressure. Your face may feel full and become tender to touch over your sinus cavities.

If you develop sinus pressure, there are ways to help alleviate the pressure with treatments you can do from home. Typically the sooner you start to treat the pressure problems, the sooner you will get relief.

One form of treatment you can do from home is using steam. Steam helps to break up thick mucus built up in the sinuses. One way in which you can get steam into your sinuses is by holding your head over steaming water in a pan. Breathe in deep to let the steam penetrate your sinuses. This treatment can be repeated as often as needed. The steam will help to thin the mucus in your sinuses and make it easier to drain. After each treatment, try blowing your nose gently to remove the mucus that has thinned.

Over-the-counter medications

There are several over-the-counter medications that can help with sinus pressure.

One is an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. Ibuprofen reduces swelling and can help shrink the tissue in the sinuses enough to help the mucus evacuate.

Sudafed and guaifenesin can also help relieve sinus pressure. These help to loosen and thin out thick mucus so it can drain more easily.

Sinus cleansers

Sinus cleansers or irrigation systems are designed to help clean your sinuses, and thin and remove mucus.

One type of irrigation system is called a neti pot. Neti pots are small pots with a spout in which you mix warm water and saline. They are easy and effective in loosening and thinning mucus so that it drains instead of remaining impacted.

To use a neti pot, fill the pot with warm water and mix in the saline crystals to create a warm saline solution. Saline helps to shrink sinus tissue and is soothing for the sinuses. Slowly pour the solution into one nostril. Tilt your head so that the fluid that runs into one nostril can flow out the other. Breathe through your mouth while using the neti pot so as not to inhale the solution. Once you have completed the treatment, gently blow your nose to remove loosened mucus.