Sinus congestion, also known as sinusitis, occurs when the spaces behind the nose, eyes, cheeks and forehead become inflamed due to an infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Congestion may also be a result of allergies. This inflammation clogs the sinuses, making it hard for mucus to drain out, perpetuating the cycle by providing a moist space for bacteria or other infectious agents to grow and thrive. Learn the various ways to ease the congestion and help bring breathing back to normal.
Step 1
Get away from any potential sources of sinus congestion. This could include allergens caused by pets or plants, which may necessitate removing them from the home. It may also involve relocating to an area with less pollution or fewer pollen allergens in the air. Staying away from anyone with a cold or the flu is also a good idea.
Step 2
Drink plenty of liquids. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks in favor of plain water or warm liquids such as tea or chicken broth.
Step 3
Place a warm, wet washcloth over the face. This can be repeated several times throughout the day. The heat and moisture can help loosen mucus and help the sinuses clear themselves.
Step 4
Steam clean the nasal cavity 2 to 4 times a day. This can be done using a commercially available face steamer or by simply sitting in a room full of steam created by running a hot shower for a few minutes. Another option is to fill a bowl or sink full of hot water and place your face over the bowl while draping a towel over your head to trap the steam. Try to breathe the steam in deeply so that it reaches the back of the sinus cavity and helps ease inflammation and release trapped mucus there.
Step 5
Use a nasal saline spray or neti pot with saline solution. Nasal saline sprays can be purchased at a drugstore or pharmacy and can be used indefinitely since they contain no medication, only a salt and water solution. A neti pot is a teapot-shaped device designed to flush the nasal passages with a saline solution. To use a neti pot, the solution is poured into one nostril, goes through the sinus cavity and comes out the other nostril. A net pot will irrigate the sinuses more thoroughly than a spray saline solution can.
Step 6
Place a humidifier in the room at night while sleeping. A humidifier can help keep nasal passages moist during the night, allowing them to heal during sleep.
Step 7
Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant in spray or oral form, but only for a short time. Using these products for more than 3 to 5 days may worsen congestion.
Step 8
Consult a doctor if sinus congestion continues or does not respond to home remedies. The doctor may prescribe nasal corticosteroids, prescription decongestants, antibiotics or antihistamines, depending on whether the congestion is caused by an infection or allergy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate chronic sinusitis.
Things You'll Need
- Liquids
- Washcloth
- Face steamer, bowl or sink
- Nasal saline spray
- Neti pot
- Humidifier
- Over-the-counter decongestant
