How to Relieve Sinus Pressure?

Are you suffering from sinus pressure? We have the solution. Most of the individuals have experienced sinus pressure at some point in their lives. Maximum sinus patients recover on their own without medical help, but there are a few patients, those who have to seek medical help to relieve sinus pressure. In this article, we will discuss home remedies that can help to relieve sinus pressure quickly.

Sinuses are small hollow pockets within the facial bones that surround the nose. Their work is to produce mucus that drains out of the nose. When the nasal path is swollen and inflamed due to infection, this blocks the sinuses thus resulting in sinus pressure. This can cause a cough, congestion, post-nasal drip, facial pain or a headache.

The infection caused due to the illustrated process is called Sinusitis. This can be acute and can last up to 4 weeks. If sinusitis is followed by cold, this can be chronic and lasts for months, or even for years without any symptoms. Medical conditions like Allergies, nasal problems, cystic fibrosis can also result in acute or chronic sinusitis. 

Causes of Sinus Pressure:

Viral Infection:

Almost all of the sinus infections start from common cold and cold is caused due to a viral infection. This can swell the nasal tissues, eventually blocking the nasal passage and making it difficult for the sinuses to drain.

Allergic Reactions:

Allergies in nasal passages can also lead to a sinus pressure. This is because the inflammation caused due to an allergic reaction tends to block the nasal passages, thus making it difficult for the sinuses to drain.

Bacterial Infection:

Though viral infection is the major cause of a cold infection that can also lead to a sinus pressure. But, if the cold is not cured within 10-15 days, this means that now the bacteria has also joined the pact. Sometimes cold does not lead to a sinus pressure but, if it lingers for more than 10 days then the bacteria can definitely lead to an extensive sinus pressure.

Polyps:

Polyps are small benign growths that develop inside the nasal passages. Thus can also lead to a sinus pressure by blocking the sinus cavities and preventing the mucus from draining out. Nasal polyps can also restrict the nasal passages making it difficult to breathe and triggering headaches.

Home Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure

1.) Flush Your Nasal Passages

Saline nasal washes are an effective and excellent remedies to relieve sinus pressure. When you use saline water to flush out the nasal passages it helps to dilute the accumulated mucus as drain it out easily, thus unplugging the nasal passages. Daily use of saline washes via neti pot keeps the nasal path moist. This doubles up the fighting process against cold or allergies.

DIY-

• Heat water and add a tablespoon of salt in it.
• Fill up the neti pot to rinse your nose.
• Make sure the water is not too hot to burn your nasal path.
• Now bend your head to one side and place the nozzle of the neti pot to one of the nostrils.
• Pour water with the head still bent so that the water drains out from the other nostril.
• Repeat the process with the other nostril as well.
• Regular usage of this remedy will help to relieve sinus pressure.

2.) The Bromelain Remedy to Cure Sinus

Bromelain is a protein present in Pineapple stems. It is being used for centuries to relieve sinus pressure. This is because the protein is beneficial to reduce the swelling in the nasal passages. Make sure to consult your doctor before opting for the remedy because the protein can interact with various other medications that you have already been taking.

DIY-

• Consuming raw pineapple fruit helps to relieve sinus pressure easily.
• You can also include the supplement in your daily diet.
• These supplements are easily available in the market.
• Follow the dosage instructions as mentioned on the bottle.

3.) Steam to Relieve Sinus Pressure

The hot vapors help to moisten the nasal passages, thus helping to relieve sinus pressure easily. This also loosens up the accumulated mucus that clogs the nasal passage.

DIY-

• Boil water in a pot and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it.
• Remove from heat and lean your face over the pot.
• Make sure to maintain an appropriate distance to avoid burns.
• Cover your face with a towel and make sure it also drapes the pot.
• This will not let the steam escape.
• Take the steam for 5 minutes or until the water is hot enough to form vapors.
• Repeat the remedy regularly until the sinus pressure is cured.
• Having a hot shower can also help to relieve sinus pressure.

4.) Increase Water Intake to Prevent Sinus

Keeping yourself hydrated helps to relieve sinus pressures as it moistens the nasal passages. Drink water and other fruit juices to ease sinus pressure and keep the sinuses moist. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks as they can cause dehydration. Although fluid intake depends on from person to person, but you should at least drink 8 ounces of water per day. Your urine is the main source that warns you immediately when your water intake decreases or does not meet up with the bodily requirements.

5.) Spicy Foods to Relieve Sinuses

Foods like Mustard, chilies, curry, horseradish, wasabi, ginger, garlic, bell peppers, etc are too spicy and consuming them can help to relieve sinus pressure.

• Spices can also be included in your daily diet if you like to savor their taste.
• This will help to open up the clogged nasal passages easily.

6.) Humidifier to Relieve Nasal Pressure

Dried nasal passages can also irritate and initiate sinus pressure. Using humidifier help to keep the surrounding air moist, especially during winters.

• Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the humidifier helps to double its effect.
• This is because of the benefits of eucalyptus oil that is itself an excellent remedy to relieve sinus pressure.
• Always change the water of the humidifier to avoid bacteria build up.

7.) Warm Compress Remedy to Help Teat Sinus

Warm compress is helpful to relieve sinus pressure because it loosens the accumulated mucus, thus unflagging the nasal passages. It also eases the pain and inflammation  caused due to infection. It also keeps the nasal tissues moist.

DIY-

• Boil water in a pot and soak a washcloth in it.
• Make sure the water is not too hot that it burns your skin.
• Lie down with your face upwards, so that the ceiling is easily visible.
• Place the cloth on your face up till it stays warm.
• Resoak, reapply and vice versa until the mucus flushes out from the nose.
• Repeat the remedy whenever you feel sinus pressure.

8.) Fermented Cod Liver Oil Remedy

FCLO is rich in Vitamins A, D, and Omega 3 fatty acids. The process of fermentation by which the oil is extracted from Cod Livers helps to make the health benefits of the oil more effective and long lasting. These are an effective remedy to relieve sinus pressure and other medical conditions like skin afflictions, auto-immune disorder, etc.

DIY-

• FCOL can also be taken as a supplement to relieve sinus pressure.
• Some people who can bear the taste can also take the oil directly.
• Consume a spoon full of FCLO twice a day to get effective results.

9.) Oregano Oil to Get Rid of Sinus 

Oregano oil helps to boost the immune system and fight the bacteria causing infection. The oil has many antibiotic, anti-fungal and antiviral properties and when consumed internally helps to cure infections and relieve sinus pressure.

DIY-

• Add a few drops of Oregano oil in smoothies, fruit juices or tea.
• Have it regularly to get effective results.
• As an alternative to ingestion, you can also inhale the steam.
• Just boil water in a pot and add a few drops of oregano oil to it.
• Take the steam for 5 minutes or until the warmth is maintained.
• Repeat the remedy as required.

10.) Vitamin C to Treat Sinus

Vitamin C is an excellent remedy to treat sinusitis infection. Though many have the myth that Vitamin C and other citric foods can severe the cause but its is not true. It is the most popular immune booster. The supplements containing Acerola helps to result in better absorption of vitamin C by your body.

DIY-

• Consume Vitamin C rich foods like lime, lemon, carrots, melons, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.
• Vitamin C can also be taken as supplements.
• This will help to relieve sinus pressure if consumed regularly.