At Home Remedies for Sinus Pressure

At Home Remedies for Sinus Pressure
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According to Penn State, sinus pressure results in sinus headaches which are caused by the inflammation in the sinus cavity. When the sinuses become inflamed (sinusitis), they swell, placing pressure on surrounding areas in the head. The pressure causes pain and can result in a headache, toothache or earache. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that sinus pressure headaches manifest themselves with a dull and throbbing pain in the middle of the head that is worse when someone quickly stands up or gets out of bed. Using home remedies for sinus pressure should be under the consultation of a doctor.

Humidifier

The Mayo Clinic states that running a humidifier can help alleviate sinus pressure headaches by soothing the sinus cavity and reducing the inflammation. The Mayo Clinic warns that too much humidity may cause greater congestion and an environment for mold and bacteria growth. Humidifiers need to be cleaned on a daily basis to prevent any complications.

Saline

Saline can be used to sooth the sinuses which leads to a reduction in size and frees up the airways to breathe more effectively, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Saline can be purchased in nasal spray bottles and used as needed or it can be purchased in the form of a sinus rinse or neti pot. A sinus rinse and a net pot both use a stream of water to remove mucus and moisten the sinus cavity.

Steam

Steam is used to reduce sinus pressure by soothing the nasal cavity with warm steam. A hot shower can be used to generate steam or a pot of boiling water. The steam can be trapped by placing a towel over the head while the vapor from the boiling water rises. This can be done as often as required or needed.

Avoid Allergens

Peen States says that allergens are one of the primary causes of sinus pressure. Allergens should be avoided in order to prevent and treat sinus pressure. Some of the most common allergens that trigger hay fever are pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. Remaining indoors, maintaining a clean house and restricting pet interaction can help treat sinus pressure.

Avoid Irritants

Irritants are different than allergens because they don't cause an allergic reaction. Instead they aggravate the sinus cavity, causing inflammation. Common irritants are cigarette smoke, air pollution and perfumes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

References

Article reviewed by Lynda Moultry Belcher Last updated on: Jul 28, 2010

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