Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

The winter months have a tendency to bring sinus pain or sinus pressure, due to various factors or illnesses. One main cause of sinus pain or pressure is swelling of the lining of the nose and/or nasal passages (sinuses). Nasal swelling causes pressure and pain on sensitive areas, causing a major headache.

Some symptoms of sinus problems are pain or sensitivity around the eyes, forehead, or teeth; pain typically associated with cold or allergy congestion; pain that is more intense in the morning when you first wake up; and pain which intensifies whenever you bend over.

Fortunately there are many natural methods you can use to bring relief to pain associated with the swelling of the lining of your nasal passages, which help reduce swelling, thin mucous emissions, and enhance sinus drainage.

Humidity

Making sure to get lots of fluids and humidify (typically using a humidifier) can help relieve pressure and swelling caused by the presence of thick, dry mucus in your sinus passages.

This type of mucus is known to cause the formation of crusts which block your nose’s drainage system and confines viruses and other harmful particles in your nasal passages. Other ways to loosen thick, dry mucus up is making sure to avoid dry, cold air, taking steamy showers and drinking lots of hot fluids such as hot tea, coffee, coco, or soup. Also keep the window slightly open at night to help ventilate the room, whilst you’re sleeping.

Irrigate

Sinus rinse bottles, neti pots and bulb syringes are great ways to irrigate your nasal passages. Over the counter nasal saline can also be used, but the other methods are typically better.

Simply combine 8 ounces of warm water with a half teaspoon of sea salt and a tiny pinch of baking soda. Mix well, and irrigate your nose using whichever method you prefer. Be sure to disinfect all equipment and make fresh salt water solution each time you irrigate your nasal passages. Irrigation helps clean out the sinus passages, which in turn relieves sinus pain or pressure.

Apply Hot- and Cold- Compresses

Another good method of relieving sinus pain associated with sinus pressure is simply laying back with a hot compress (such as a washcloth) over your eyes and nose. This helps loosen the mucus in your nasal passages, allowing for easier drainage. In some instances you may alternate between both hot and cold washcloths.

Leave the hot compress over your sinus area for about three minutes, then switch out for a cold compress. The cold compress should only be left on for approximately 30 seconds. Continue alternating three more times (at least,) and repeat three or four times throughout the day in order to relieve sinus pain.;/

These are a few methods which can be used to naturally relieve sinus pressure. Why let yourself suffer needlessly when there are easy, natural solutions?

[CC Image by foshydog via Flickr]