5 smart tips for relieving sinus pain

The pain, pressure and overall discomfort from a sinus infection can make you want to roll over and cover your head with a pillow all day.  When sinuses are blocked, not only can it be hard to breathe, but your forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nose may all be hurting at the same time. 

What are sinuses?

Your sinuses are hollow cavities within the bones extending through the cheekbones, forehead, behind the nose and between the eyes.  The sinus cavities, which are usually empty, are lined with soft tissue lightly coated with mucus keeping the tissue moist and healthy and also trap bacteria.  As air passes through the sinus passages on the way to the lungs, the mucus helps humidify and filter the air.

There can be a variety of issues that can affect your sinuses.  For the most part, the only time we are aware of them is when they are acting up.  One such issue is when bacteria get trapped in blocked sinuses which can lead to an infection known as sinusitis.  Symptoms of sinusitis can include not only sinus pain and pressure but also cause yellow or green nasal drainage, runny or stuffy nose, headache, fever, bad breath, tooth pain, and ear pressure.  Generally, most people do recover from this within 10 days without any prescribed medications.  However, if you do not see improvement or symptoms are getting worse such as having a fever of 102 degrees or higher, seek advice from your healthcare provider to see if an antibiotic is needed.

Relief from sinus pressure

To help speed up the process and to relieve the discomfort experienced by sinusitis, here are 10 natural remedies for sinus pain relief getting you back to normal:

1. Use a humidifier – Stuffy sinuses respond well to moist air.  Using a humidifier, especially when you sleep at night, will help your sinuses open, relieving the pressure.  You can also try sitting in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower or inhaling the steam from a pan of hot (not boiling) water for faster relief.

2.  Apply a warm compress – Ease swelling and throbbing with a warm, wet washcloth across your forehead, eyes, and cheeks.

3.  Use a neti pot or saline nose spray – Neti pots and sinus rinses can be used for any nasal congestion, including from allergies, colds, or sinus infections.  They help clear sinus drainage from the nose to make it easier to breathe, helping relieve stuffiness. They also thin the mucus allowing the natural defenses in your nose to clear the drainage, washing away possible allergies or other irritants. 

When using a neti pot or saline nose rinse or spray, always use distilled or sterile water.  Keep the neti pot clean between uses to avoid introducing bacteria to the nasal passages. 

4.  Stay well-hydrated – Staying hydrated helps our body in many ways, including keeping your sinuses moist.  Drink water throughout the day and make sure to steer clear of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.  A general guideline is to drink at least eight 8-ounce cups of fluids a day. 

5.  Spice things up – Spicy foods not only give a “kick” to our foods but also to clearing up blocked sinuses. Foods such as mustard, hot peppers, curry, horseradish, and wasabi may help clear sinuses.  They can easily be added to meals to help open up our nasal passages.