Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the inability to breathe isn’t delightful.
Sinus congestion got you feeling down. You’re not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 389,000 people visit the hospital emergency room each year for chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis happens at any time, but often it’s triggered by the change in season or an irritant.
If you routinely suffer from sinusitis don’t worry, help is available.
There are several ways to handle head congestion. But some methods are more successful than others.
If you want sinus relief fast, then read along to find out how to get it.
Five Helpful Tips For Sinus Relief
Handling sinusitis is anything but fun. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus tissue lining, which results in headaches, facial pain, and nasal congestion, according to Harvard Medical School.
When trying to clear out the nasal passage, it’s essential to not use a harmful solution or object.
Be sure to seek medical attention if the symptoms persist after using simple remedies.
Below you will find five of the best treatments for achieving sinus relief.
1. Irrigation
When dealing with sinusitis it’s crucial to keep your nasal cavity moist. Irrigation is the best way to naturally clear out the passage.
Common methods of irrigating your sinus include using a neti pot or nasal spray.
A neti pot is a container made for rinsing out debris or mucus from the nasal cavity, according to MayoClinic.
Fill the neti pot with distilled or sterilized water and combine it with salt. Tilt your head to the side over a sink. Insert the neti pot into your upper nostril and pour.
Remember to breathe through your mouth as you rinse your sinuses.
Afterward, clean the neti pot to prevent bacteria from growing.
For fast relief, try a nasal decongestant spray, which helps alleviate pressure and swelling.
2. OTC Medications
Nasal decongestants come in capsule or pill form too. They help reduce the inflammation and pressure within the sinus cavity.
If your sinus infection developed due to allergies, then antihistamine might work. These over the counter (OTC) medications combat sneezing, runny noses, and sinus discomfort, according to WebMD.
Talk to your doctor if you’re taking a prescription drug because sometimes they can’t be mixed with certain prescriptions.
3. Hydration
It’s common knowledge that the human body requires water. The general rule of thumb is to drink eight 8oz. glasses of water per day.
Drinking water is essential when you have sinusitis.
Water keeps the nasal tissue soft, thins the mucus, and allows the cavity to drain.
4. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy of eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree oil, or lavender is useful during a bout of sinusitis, according to MedicalNewsToday.
Essential oils are an inexpensive, natural remedy for soothing the stuffy sinuses.
To use them, inhale a few drops on a tissue or cloth, put some in a diffuser, or add oil to your bathwater.
These oils not only clear out your sinuses, but they might boost your mood too.
5. Medical Treatment
When your sinus symptoms persist for more than a week, it’s time to visit the doctor. Your physician might need to place you on antibiotics.
If your sinusitis is chronic and doesn’t respond well to medication, balloon sinuplasty might be right for you. It’s a simple procedure involving wire and inflating a balloon to open the blocked sinus passage.
A numbing agent is used before the balloon insertion and you don’t need to take time off from work.
Feel Better
When you have sinusitis, all you want is sinus relief. Try these treatments to see what works for you because everyone deserves to feel better.
If you want to learn more medical and wellness tips, check out our health section.
