Sinus pain occurs when the tissue lining your sinuses becomes inflamed, and this causes a stuffy nose or tenderness. This condition, also called sinusitis, causes pressure and discomfort around your nose, eyes, and forehead. To manage these symptoms, begin with simple steps you can take at home. Here are some home remedies for relieving sinus pain:
Inhaling Steam
Breathing in moist air may help soothe irritated sinus passages. Steam adds moisture to the air, which could help thin mucus in your nasal cavities. While this method is helpful for certain people, its effects can vary among individuals.
To find relief, you can create steam easily at home. Run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom with the door closed. A bowl of hot water also works; you can lean over the bowl while draping a towel over your head to trap the steam. Be careful to avoid burns from the hot water or steam.
Adding certain elements to the steam is another option, and one way is to add eucalyptus oil to the hot water. As you inhale the steam, the aroma may provide a comforting sensation. You should be cautious with oils, as they might cause reactions in some people.
Irrigating Sinuses
Nasal irrigation is a process that involves flushing your nasal passages, and it can be done with a saline solution. To help clear out mucus and allergens from their sinuses, people use this technique. You can use a neti pot or a squeeze bottle for this purpose.
To prepare the solution, you will need distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Mix this water with a non-iodized salt packet designed for nasal rinsing. Using tap water directly is not recommended, and it may contain low levels of organisms that are safe to drink but could cause issues in your nasal passages. This practice may help relieve some of the stuffiness associated with sinus pressure.
Massaging Face Gently
Applying gentle pressure to your face may help alleviate some sinus pain. A facial massage is a simple technique that you can perform on yourself. Using your fingers to apply light pressure to specific areas around your sinuses, this method might offer temporary relief.
For relief, you might try massaging the following areas:
- The area on either side of your nose
- Your forehead, just above the brows
- Under your eyes on your cheekbones
Use your index and middle fingers to rub in a circular motion for a few minutes. This action is intended to help ease pressure in the sinuses. The pressure you apply should be firm but not painful.
Hydrating Regularly
Staying hydrated is beneficial for your overall health. Drinking plenty of fluids may help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for them to drain. When mucus becomes thin, it may be less likely to build up and cause the pressure that leads to sinus pain.
Get Treated for Sinus Pain
While home remedies can provide comfort, persistent or severe sinus pain may require professional attention. If your symptoms last for more than a week or are accompanied by a high fever, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider. They can offer a diagnosis and discuss treatment options based on your specific situation. Contact an ENT today to schedule an appointment and get care promptly.
