Sinuses are air-filled empty spaces in the skull. Sinus pressure is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensation that occurs when the membranes lining the nasal passages become inflamed or irritated. Swelling of the sinus passages will block the flow of air and mucus. The mucus gets trapped and the airways become blocked, leading to sinus pressure and pain (this is sometimes called sinusitis). Whatever the cause, there are several things you can do to relieve sinus pressure and relieve discomfort.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Relieve Pressure and Discomfort with Over-the-counter Products
Step 1. Use a saline nasal spray
A saline nasal spray helps clear mucus and moisturises the nasal passages. Use this spray according to the directions given, and be patient. The first few uses may be useful, but you may have to repeat it several times to get the full benefit.
Step 2. Use neti-pot
A neti-pot is a device similar to a small teapot. If used properly, neti-pots can remove trapped mucus and irritants, as well as moisten the sinus passages. This device is used to inject distilled water or salt water into one nostril, which will come out of the other. This will remove unwanted irritants and germs, as well as provide soothing moisture to the sinuses. Neti-pot can be obtained without a prescription at a low price.
Step 3. Take an oral decongestant
If you suffer from certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension and glaucoma), consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter products. These products can be useful, but not everyone should use them.
- Oral decongestants contain the active ingredients phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Some of the side effects that often arise from this product include dizziness, nervousness, a feeling that the heart rate is increasing, blood pressure is slightly elevated, and sleeping problems.
- The way oral decongestants work is to narrow the blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby helping to shrink swollen tissue. This will improve the flow of mucus to reduce pressure and airflow allowing you to breathe more easily.
- Products containing pseudoephedrine (originally marketed under the name Sudafed®) are available without a prescription. However, these products are usually placed behind the counter for fear of being misused.
- You must present an identification card (eg SIM), and the purchase will be recorded. This is done as a safety measure so that pseudoephedrine is not illegally abused.
Step 4. Use a nasal spray
Decongestants in the form of drops or nasal spray can also be obtained without a prescription, but must be used with caution. Although it can help clear sinus passages and relieve pressure quickly, this product will have a rebound effect if used for more than 3 days.
Rebound effect is a condition when the body adjusts to the medication being used, which makes the blockage and pressure in the sinuses come back (or even worse than before) if you stop using it. The rebound effect can be avoided by limiting its use to no more than three days
Step 5. Take an oral antihistamine product if sinus pressure is caused by allergies
Sinusitis, or pressure and blockage of the sinuses, can be caused by allergies. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines (eg Zyrtec®, Claritin®, or similar medications) can help control your allergic response and relieve your symptoms.
Step 6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort due to sinus pressure. Naproxen or ibuprofen can also help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Some of the other symptoms that can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers include headaches associated with sinuses and discomfort that is usually described as a pain inside the tooth
Part 2 of 4: Relieve Sinus Pressure with Home Solutions
Step 1. Apply a warm compress on the face
Place a warm, damp towel over your face to help reduce pressure and get mucus and air moving again.
Try applying hot and cold compresses alternately. Do this by placing a hot towel on the sinus area on your face for three minutes. After that, change to a cold wet towel or cloth for 30 seconds, then switch to a hot towel again. Repeat this procedure alternately between hot and cold compresses for 3 sessions. Do this treatment about 4 times a day
Step 2. Drink plenty of fluids
By drinking fluids, mucus will be thin and not clog the sinuses. Enjoy something warm (such as a cup of tea or hot soup) to help relieve congestion and pressure. In addition, drinking fluids can help with sinus dryness that occurs after you take an over-the-counter decongestant.
Step 3. Eat spicy food
Some people find it beneficial to eat spicy foods (such as chili peppers) to help reduce discomfort associated with sinus pressure.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about bromelain and quercetin
Bromelain is an enzyme obtained from pineapple, and quercetin is a plant pigment. Both of these ingredients can help relieve inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms of sinusitis. However, this product can interact with certain medications so you should consult your doctor before taking it (or any other herbs) to make sure that they are safe for you.
- Bromelain can increase the risk of bleeding so those taking blood-thinning medications may not take it.
- Bromelain can drastically lower blood pressure when taken with ACE inhibitors.
- Quercetin can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics.
Step 5. Ask your doctor about Sinupret
Several studies have shown that Sinupret (also known as BNO-101)-a patented formula containing several herbs including European elder, sorrel plant, cowslip, European vervain, and gentian-can significantly reduce sinusitis symptoms. Consult with your doctor to find out if this herbal remedy is suitable for you.
Step 6. Sleep in a propped position
Get enough rest and get into a position where you can breathe. This means that you can sleep on your side if this position keeps your nasal passages open. You may feel better when you sleep upright (or propped up) because it allows you to breathe more comfortably.
Step 7. Apply pressure to certain areas of the face
By pressing certain areas of the face (above the main sinus area), it can sometimes give you temporary relief.
Some of the points that can be pressed include the area between the eyes, the two sides of the nostrils, the bridge of the nose, around the eyebrows, under the cheeks, and the area above the lips and under the nose. Gentle pressure, massage, or tapping on this area can help relieve sinus pressure
Step 8. Avoid the trigger
Chlorine used in swimming pools is often the cause of sinusitis for many people. Other triggers may be more subtle, such as pollen or dust on sheets and pillows. Wash bedding regularly with hot or warm water to reduce irritants you may inhale while you sleep.
- Some foods are thought to contribute to sinus pressure and mucus formation, such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Other foods that can also cause problems include pasta, white rice, and white bread. Not everyone experiences negative effects when eating these foods. Try to find out what foods can trigger sinus pressure in you.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages when you have sinus pressure. Consuming alcoholic beverages can make the swelling in the sinus passages worse.
Part 3 of 4: Adding Humidity and Water Vapor to the Room
Step 1. Keep the air moist
Moist air helps keep the nasal passages moist so that mucus can move freely and reduce pressure. Breathing dry air can make mucus thick and irritate the sinuses.
Step 2. Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are sold in various sizes with different features. The basic humidifier has a feature to dispense cold or warm mists. Use a humidifier that fits your needs and budget. This device increases the humidity in the air to help treat and prevent dry nasal passages that can cause pressure and blockage in the sinuses.
- Cold mist humidifiers usually have a filter that should be checked every few months to avoid mold growth. Many types of cold-mist humidifiers can provide sufficient humidity for the entire home, and can be a safe option if you have children.
- A warm mist humidifier has a heating element that produces steam. The advantage of a hot mist humidifier is that it kills mold and bacteria because it produces steam when adding moisture to the air.
Step 3. Bring the water to a boil using the stove over low heat
Place a small pot half filled with water on the stove and let it boil. This method is great for adding humidity to the air, but requires additional focus and attention to maintain safety. Always pay attention to safety when you perform this method to avoid damage and injury.
Step 4. Breathe in the steam coming out of the heated water
Carefully place the towel over your head and position yourself over the boiling water. Next, breathe in warm, steam-filled air to relieve sinus pressure. Steam inhalation is very effective at moisturizing your sinuses, but it can cause injury. So, you should try another way first. This method requires serious attention and must be done with extreme care to avoid injury.
Step 5. Place the water near a heat source
Place the heat-resistant container safely near a radiator or other heat source to allow the water to evaporate, thereby increasing humidity and moisture in the air. You don't need to place the container directly over the heat source. Just place it near where it will allow the water to evaporate.
You can use a wet towel as a water source, which is placed over the heat source hole. When the heat is on, the wet towel will add moisture to the air. Be careful not to damage the floor, or permanently block the vent
Step 6. Turn on the shower
Run hot water in the shower. Close the shower door, bathroom door, and door to an adjacent room for 5 minutes. After that, turn off the water and open the door. This method can increase the humidity of the air. Not everyone is suitable for this method because in certain areas, excessive use of water can add to the monthly costs.
Step 7. Dry the clothes indoors
Try using a clothesline or stand that can be brought into the house. Drying clothes this way can increase the humidity in the air in the house. Place a wet towel between hanging clotheslines.
Step 8. Spray the curtains with water carefully
Wet the curtains with a spray bottle, then open the windows to let air flow to add humidity to the room. Be careful not to damage the fabric. Do not open windows if your sinus pressure is caused by pollen or other irritants coming from outside.
Step 9. Bring in ornamental plants
The United States Geological Society recommends that you place ornamental plants to increase the humidity of the air. When the plant is watered, the moisture will move from the roots to the stem and leaf pores, adding moisture to the room air.
Step 10. Add water all over the house
Even a few bowls filled with water can add moisture to the air. Place small bowls or containers filled with water (perhaps faux flowers or marbles) throughout the house. Try placing the container near a heat source, such as a radiator.
Add an aquarium or indoor fountain. By adding something that contains water (such as a fountain or aquarium), you can add moisture to the room air. In addition, an aquarium or fountain can provide a calming atmosphere or add decoration to your home. This method costs money, and depends on personal taste
Part 4 of 4: Getting Medical Help
Step 1. See a doctor if your symptoms don't go away after more than 7 days, get worse, or you have a fever
Continuous sinus pressure, blockage, pain, or fever could indicate that you have a sinus infection.
When the sinuses become blocked, mucus and bacteria that are normally produced are trapped there. If the blockage and pressure are not relieved, the trapped bacteria can cause a sinus infection. You can also get a viral sinus infection if the blockage and pressure are caused by a cold or flu
Step 2. Take antibiotics as prescribed
If your doctor says you have a sinus infection, you may be given antibiotics. Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed, and finish the medication. Even if you feel better sooner rather than later, take the antibiotic until it runs out as the bacteria may still be stuck in the sinus tract.
Step 3. Recognize the difference between sinus pressure pain and migraine
The discomfort caused by sinusitis is very similar to a migraine headache. In fact, some studies show that about 90% of people who seek medical help because of headaches due to sinus pressure actually suffer from migraines.
Talk to your doctor if you have headache symptoms for more than 15 days each month, if you frequently take over-the-counter headache medicine, if over-the-counter medicines are no longer working, or if your symptoms interfere with your daily life (e.g. unable to go to school or school). workplace). These are all typical signs of a migraine headache
Tips
- If possible, avoid being around smoke or smoke-filled rooms. Smoke can be irritating and dry out the sinus passages.
- Do not use nasal decongestant sprays for more than three days to avoid the rebound effect, which makes sinus congestion and pressure worse.
- Do not hesitate to go to the doctor if the sinus pressure does not go away. You could have an infection that requires antibiotics, or a more severe condition.
- Don't drink alcohol if you have sinus symptoms. Alcohol can dry out the sinuses and make inflammation worse.
