5 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Sinus Pressure & Pain

Sinusitis is a condition where there is inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinuses. In normal circumstances, healthy sinuses are filled with air and not blocked. However, when sinuses become blocked, then instead of air, they become filled with fluid and it is possible for germs to start growing and causing an infection of the sinuses. Sinuses tend to get blocked due to the common cold or from seasonal allergies. When sinuses become blocked, people experience sinus pressure due to the blocked nasal passages. Since the sinuses are unable to drain out, it leads to inflammation and pain in your head, face, and nose areas. For people who suffer from such sinus pressure, it becomes difficult to even go about their daily activities due to the nasal congestion, pain, and other associated symptoms of sinusitis. While there are many over-the-counter treatments that are available to relieve the symptoms of sinus, there are also many effective home remedies that can help you get relief from sinus pressure and pain. You can always consider trying these natural remedies before opting to use medications.

Sinuses are found in four major areas of your face including in your forehead, in your cheeks, behind your eyes and the back of your head, and across your nose and between your eyes. Therefore when your sinuses become blocked and are unable to drain out, they cause inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face, the areas where they are present.

There are many causes of sinus pressure and pain. The primary factor is inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses resulting in pressure and pain in the face and head. While there are over-the-counter medications for relieving sinus pressure and pain, your doctor may also prescribe you with medications that will help you get relief from the pain and pressure. However, it is better to first consider some of the natural methods that can help relieve sinus pain and lower the inflammation, thus providing relief from sinus pressure. These natural methods are effective in not just reducing sinus swelling, but they also thin out the mucus secretions and improve sinus drainage as well. Let us look at some of these natural ways to relieve sinus pressure and pain.

1. Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain with Steam/Humidity

   When your sinuses get blocked, it becomes hard to breathe. Furthermore, dry and thick mucus in the sinus passages and in your nose can form crusts that stop the sinus fluid from draining out and also traps viruses and other particles. On top of this, dry air and dry sinuses increase sinus pressure and can cause headaches and pain. Steam is an effective and safe way to add some moisture to the air, which will help to moisten your sinus passages and your nose as well. This will also help to thin out the mucus that may have thickened with time. While you can use a steamer, another effective way to relieve sinus pressure is to take a hot shower and breathe in the steam for getting relief from sinus pressure. A humidifier is a more long-term solution to get relief from sinus pressure and its symptoms. If you add eucalyptus oil to your bath, you will be able to speedup the recovery process from sinus pressure, as eucalyptus contains a healing agent called cineole that speeds up the healing of sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil also helps clear your airways and reduce nasal stuffiness.

2. Flush Your Nasal Passages to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain Naturally

   Saline wash is a well-known and effective natural remedy for helping relieve your sinus pressure and pain symptoms. A saline wash will help thin out mucus and also flush it out of your nose. Many doctors are of the opinion that saline washes should be treated as the first line of defense against sinusitis. Saline sprays are an effective way to relieve sinus pressure. Saline sprays that are used for a saline flush, contain salt that increases the moisture in your nose and also reduces sinus pressure naturally. Saline sprays are easily available at any drugstores, or you can also make one of your own using distilled water, baking soda, and iodine-free salt.

3. Bromelain Can Provide Relief from Sinus Pressure and Pain

   Bromelain is found naturally in pineapple stems and it is sold as a supplement as well. Bromelain has been used as a natural remedy for many years by fighters to reduce the swelling after fights. Bromelain supplement is effective in reducing the inflammation in nasal passages and thus relieving sinus pressure naturally. However, before using bromelain, you will need to consult your doctor to ensure that bromelain does not interact with any of the other medications you are taking. And make sure that you follow the exact dosage instructions.

4. Good Night’s Sleep Is All You Need to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain Naturally

   Sometimes, a good night’s sleep is all the body needs to heal itself and get rid of sinusitis and sinus pressure. Sleep causes your brain to release hormones that boost tissue growth and while at rest, your body is also able to manufacture white blood cells that are necessary for attaching bacteria and viruses. Avoid indulging in activities that will get you all fired up before bed and also avoid consuming stimulants just before bedtime, for example, caffeinated beverages. Once your body gets proper rest, you will notice a reduction in sinus pressure and it will speed up your recovery time as well. You can also take some natural sleeping aids if it helps you sleep better.

5. Remain Hydrated to Relieve Sinus Pressure Naturally

   While it seems like old age advice, it is actually true that staying hydrated will keep your sinuses moist and reduce the sinus pressure. Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to relieve sinus pressure. Other than this, avoiding alcoholic drinks or caffeinated beverages will keep you feeling refreshed and hydrated. An average guideline would be to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day to relieve sinus pressure.

   While you should, of course, keep water as your first go-to choice, you can also retain fluids by having the following:

   • Water-based vegetables and fruits.
   • Ice cubes.
   • Broth soups.
   • Tea.

   You will come to know that you are sufficiently hydrated when the color of your urine becomes clear.

Having sinus pressure is no doubt painful and uncomfortable. Apart from using traditional treatment methods such as pain relievers and decongestants, these home remedies can also provide you relief. However, if even after a week, your sinus pressure symptoms continue to trouble you, then you should seek the advice of your doctor as it could be possible that an infection has set in and you may require antibiotics to help with your recovery and clear up the infection and relieve sinus pressure.

Also Read:

• Acute & Chronic Sinusitis: Treatment & 12 Home Remedies For Sinus Infection
• Yoga (Asanas, Kriya, Diet) for Treating Sinusitis Infection
• 6 Alternative Ways to Treat Sinusitis or Sinus Infection
• Ways to Get Rid of Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
• Allergic Fungal Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, Prevention