How To Relieve Severe Sinus Congestion

What Causes Sinus Headaches

How to Relieve Sinus Congestion with Acupoints

Sinus infections cause sinus headaches. Anything that makes mucus buildup in the sinuses can lead to a sinus infection, such as:

The common cold is most often to blame.
Seasonal allergies trigger mucus production.
Nasal polyps, abnormal growths in the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps can block mucus from draining.
Deviated septum, which is when the line of cartilage and bone down the center of the nose isnt straight. A deviated septum can prevent mucus from properly draining.

Too much mucus gives germs an opportunity to grow. As germs build up, they irritate the sinuses. In response, sinus tissue swells, blocking the passage of mucus. Swollen, irritated sinuses filled with liquid make your face feel tender and achy.

Sea Cucumber Drops Yes Thats Right

Sea cucumber is a perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and a wide stem. The fruit is elongated. When reaching maturity, the seeds drop when in contact under pressure. The plan grows along the Black Sea and in a wide variety of regions in Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania. It blooms from June to September.

Required Ingredients:

Sea cucumber tincture.

Process:

1-2 drops in each nostril, 3-4 times a day. When applying the drops, hold your head to the side. You will have a stinging sensation, which is normal. After applying, let the drops pass through the sinus pathways and flow out to avoid an unpleasant sensation in the throat.

Use the drops until your sinuses clear. If the congestion returns, start using them again until it clears.

The tincture is a strong extract from the plant, but nonetheless natural, so you can use it without any problem if you are pregnant.

Note: Do not apply more than instructed as it can have a host of adverse effects. For instance, sea cucumber tincture is a drastic purgative laxative, used to treat edema, jaundice and hepatitis, rheumatism, sciatica and neuralgia in different amounts.

Consult your doctor before treating children with it.

Effective Home Remedies For Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion is extremely annoying and aggravating, especially if its chronic. Some people are just born with narrower sinus pathways and doomed to barely breathing for a couple of weeks every time seasons change. This condition also seems to run in families.

If you suffer from it, the home remedies for sinus congestion in this article, which include nasal infusions with salt water and treatment with sea cucumbers, are going to help you as long as you can get past that eeewwww moment.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Medicine For Sinus And Chest Congestion

When Should I See A Doctor

These home remedies for sinus infections are great for acute infections in the upper respiratory system.

But if five days or so pass and youre not seeing any improvement, or if things are getting worse, its probably time to see an ENT doctor.

If you feel a lot more pressure behind your cheekbones and eyes or your nasal drainage has changed to yellow or green-tinged, its likely your sinus cavity has gotten infected from the blockage.

If you have symptoms like a fever, body aches, chills, chest congestion, or a cough, something more serious could be going on. Especially in this era of COVID-19, its a good idea to get checked out just to be safe.

If youve tried these home remedies without luck, contact ENT Associates of Lubbock to see what your next steps should be.

How To Treat Sinus Pain

If you experience sinus pain, there are over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and lifestyle strategies that may be helpful.

If your symptoms last more than a week or keep recurring, see a healthcare provider. It could be a bacterial sinus infection, also called sinusitis, that requires a course of antibiotics or it might be migraines or another condition that requires medical intervention.

Fungal sinus infections can also occur and require surgery and/or antifungal medications.

You May Like: Whats In A Sinus Cocktail Shot

What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home

Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. I have patients who swear by Neti pots and use them daily or weekly to keep their sinuses flowing well. Remember to use distilled water only.

Spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Some sprays, like Afrin®, can only be used for a maximum of three days. If you exceed three days, you will get “rebound” or worse nasal congestion. Other nasal sprays, like fluticasone, are more effective the longer you use them.

Hydrate. Drink a lot of fluidswater and/or juiceto help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.

Rest. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.

Steam. Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.

Natural Remedies For Sinus Congestion

When you’re feeling stuffed up and miserable, getting to the drugstore seems almost impossible. Fortunately for you, there are a number of home remedies for sinus congestion relief, here’s three:

1. Humidity:Keeping your nasal passages moist when you’re experiencing sinus congestion may help to relieve that “stuffy” feeling. To do this, apply a warm, wet towel against your face or run hot water in the shower to unblock the sinuses. You could also use a humidifier for the same purpose.

2. Neti pot: A neti pot looks like a miniature teapot with a long spout. With the help of saline or a saltwater solution, these tiny nasal irrigation devices are used to treat congested sinuses, allergies, and the common cold. You can purchase a neti pot online or at your nearest health food or drugstore. Note of caution: Tap water isn’t safe to use as it’s not filtered or treated and may contain material that could cause infection or irritation.

3. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to reduce pain or improve sleep. While there’s still research that needs to be done, some studies suggest specific essential oils may relieve symptoms of sinus congestion. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy , 1,8 cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil, has been proven to clear airways of mucus and is a natural cough suppressant.

What Can I Do About Recurring Sinus Headaches

Many sinus headaches, especially those that recur, are actually migraines. But its smart to see your healthcare provider to figure out the cause of your headaches.

You may find that the best long-term solution is figuring out what triggers your migraine headaches so you can avoid them. Its helpful to keep a headache diary to track potential triggers. Triggers you can control include:

Alcohol.
Specific foods, such as chocolate, red wine or strong cheese.
Lack of sleep.

Use Decongestants But Only Temporarily

Cold-Weather Sickness Remedies : How to Relieve Nasal Congestion

You can definitely pop some Sudafed tablets or even spritz some Afrin into your nose, but beware: you cant do this forever.

In an acute infection, a decongestant can be useful, but Afrin can become addicting if used for more than a few days and oral decongestants used regularly can have cardiovascular effects, says Dr. Thompson. These are targeted for short-term use.

Also, FYI, patients with high blood pressure shouldnt use these OTC products, and people who are sensitive to stimulants, like caffeine, might have trouble sleeping when using them, per Dr. Takashima.

You May Like: Sore Throat And Sinus Remedies

When Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion Fail:

If these home remedies for nasal congestion are continuing to not work, there may be something more serious going on. When symptoms continue, it might not just be a common cold and you should visit an ENT to get to the root of the problem and learn how to clear sinus pain once and for all. Many of these home remedies for nasal congestion simply mask the symptoms you have, they donât solve them. For real relief that lasts, visit Pittsburgh Sinus Centers.

Apply A Warm Compress

Placing a warm compress over your sinuses can help stimulate blood circulation in the area and bring down the inflammation in the underlying tissues or blood vessels.

Moreover, this gentle topical heat can help melt the dense mucus accumulated within your respiratory passages to facilitate its drainage and thereby relieve nasal congestion. Even though this remedy has no solid scientific backing, it has delivered good results for a lot of users and is worth a try provided you do it correctly.

Directions:

Drench a towel in hot water and wring out the excess water so that its damp but not soaking wet.

Check to ensure if the towel is comfortably warm.

Place the towel over your nose bridge and forehead.

Don’t Miss: When To See A Doctor About A Sinus Infection

Get Your Allergies Under Control

Katie Stavert, 30, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, has already had two procedures to open up her sinuses, but she still needs to take allergy medications and saline solutions if she wants to keep her sinuses clear. Im allergic to everything, she says, but especially sagebrush and trees.

Allergies can definitely contribute to sinus congestion. Jeff Culp, MD, an allergist and assistant professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, tells people to figure out whats triggering their allergies, then plan appropriately either by taking allergy medication or avoiding the allergens altogether.

Inhale Menthol And Camphor

Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth.

You May Like: Is Claritin Good For Sinus Infection

How To Relieve Sinus Pressure And Pain

Now that you know what causes sinus congestion, you can determine how to relieve sinus pain. Here are a few tips and tricks for easing sinus pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Chill Out Your Sinuses

Anything you can do to cool your head can ease sinus pain symptoms. An ice mask, bag of ice or a cold compress can help.

Massage and Relax

Stress often makes your sinus symptoms feel worse. Gently massaging your neck and shoulders, while not linked to your sinuses, can help you relax, giving you relief.

Try SUDAFED® to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain

For a treatment that works to relieve sinus symptoms day and night, try SUDAFED PE® Sinus Congestion Day + Night for powerful congestion relief.

Temperature And Humidity = Congestion

Changes in temperature, high humidity, smoke, fumes, perfume and bright light are potential triggers of sinus congestion. By changing temperature and humidity levels of the air you breathe, you may be less prone to congestion.

A study shows that the ideal level of humidity for healthy sinuses is around 40 percent. This level is also generally recommended against mold growth on your property. To measure the humidity, buy a hygrometer these are sold in most home improvement stores.

This study showed that dry air at room temperature and cold air were associated with a market decrease of congestion. If the humidity in your office or home is over 45%, try bringing down the amount of moisture in the air to prevent congestion.

To reduce humidity:

Don’t Miss: Things To Help With Sinus Drainage

Use Some Steambut Don’t Expect A Long

Steamwhether from a humidifier or a hot showercan provide some symptomatic comfort, but isnt really a long-term solution, Mas Takashima, M.D., chair of otolaryngology at Houston Methodist Hospital, tells Health.

Certain areas are moist anyway and you can cause an overgrowth of mold , he explains. But for people who feel dry air or excessively dry sinuses are contributing to their pain, steam can be helpful.

Ways How To Relieve Chronic Nasal Congestion

Sinus & Head Cold Advice : How to Relieve Sinus & Chest Congestion

A chronic nasal congestion is a stuffy nose that doesnt seem to go away. It affects the entire feeling of your body. You will be uncomfortable and sick. You might not be able to carry out important activities.

Furthermore, here are the 20 Ways to Relieve Chronic Nasal Congestion which can help you. Understand the causes and effects to ensure the right treatment.

Causes of Congestion

Here are some ways to treat your congestion:

1. Humidifier

A humidifier is a popular equipment to relieve congestion. It provides more moisture into the air around you. An increase of humidity will prevent your nose from becoming dry. Youll find it easier to get rid of the mucus that is preventing you from breathing properly. This advice on how to treat a nosebleed at home might be handy.

2. Saline Spray

You can purchase a saline spray from the pharmacy. You dont need any prescriptions to buy it. The saline spray will help to get rid of the mucus. The mucus in your nasal passage will be loose. Your nose wont get too crusty and dry either which can be irritating.

3. Warm Towel

A warm towel can also help. The heat from the towel will loosen up the mucus in your nose.

Boil some water until it is warm.
Soak in a clean towel or cloth.
Wring out the excess water.
Use it to cover face until it is no longer warm.

4. Hot Shower

Take a long, hot shower. The hot water will help distribute heat around the bathroom. It will make your nose feel better as the warm air is all around you.

5. Eat Spicy Food

Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic For Sinus Infection

Natural Remedies For Congestion

A nose and sinus condition can make you feel your absolute worst, causing painful pressure behind your eyes and making your nose run endlessly. Over 35 million people suffer from chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in the United States.

Although sinus problems can be uncomfortable, there are effective remedies that can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Here are five effective home remedies that can help you tackle the problem naturally:

How To Relieve Sinus Pressure

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.

Sinus pressure

Many people experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinus pressure results from blocked nasal passages. When your sinuses cannot drain, you may experience inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.

Your sinuses are paired in two, and are found in four main areas of the face:

frontal, in your forehead
ethmoid, between your eyes and across your nose
maxillary, in your cheeks

While some over-the-counter treatments can help reduce symptoms, there are also many effective natural remedies.

Eat Or Inhale The Steam From Some Garlic Cloves

Before you throw that garlic into tonights dinner recipe, you may want to consider saving a few cloves for yourself garlic is believed to have both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that make it useful in treating a host of problems, including congestion related to colds. Research has shown that people who were given garlic supplements for 12 weeks during the cold season had significantly fewer colds than those who didnt take the garlic supplement.

For those who arent fond of the pungent taste and smell of raw garlic, try garlic sautéed with vegetables or pasta. You can also breathe in some garlic steam: Slice up a few cloves of garlic and put them in a small pot along with a cup of water, heat until steaming, and then carefully inhale the garlic steam at arms length.

What Causes A Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can be caused by several different things including:

Seasonal allergies A deviated septum: The septum is the part of the nose that divides it into right and left nostrils. Some people have crooked or deviated septums, which makes them more susceptible to sinus infections. Nasal polyps Respiratory tract infections

Sinus infections may be acute or chronic .

Don’t Miss: How Can You Treat A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

Five Ways To Relieve Sinus Pressure

The pain, facial pressure and congestion of sinus infections affect more than 26.9 million Americans roughly 11 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most sinus infections, also called sinusitis, do not need to be treated with antibiotics, and will usually go away within 7-10 days.

One of the most annoying symptoms is the sinus pressure around the eyes, head and cheeks. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and medications that can help provide relief.

When Does A Sinus Infection Become Serious

If youve ever researched severe sinus congestion, then you know that a sinus infection is caused by blocked or inflamed nasal passages. But when do these issues turn into severe sinus congestion? How can you identify when a sinus infection is serious?

Severe sinus congestion symptoms include intense headaches, as well as pain near your eyes, ears, and cheeks. If you experience these severe sinus congestion symptoms for more than eight weeks, or if your sinusitis symptoms are extremely difficult to bear, you may have a serious sinus infection. Its important that you seek sinus relief immediately: acute or chronic sinusitis can lead to even more debilitating symptoms.

Don’t Miss: How To Clear Sinus Infection At Home