Sinus congestion is caused by inflammation of the sinuses. Sinuses can become inflamed as a result of allergies (in which the immune system over-reacts to certain stimuli, such as pollen), viral infections such as the common cold or simple irritation. Sinus congestion can be very uncomfortable for people, making it difficult to breath and sometimes causing headaches. Most methods of relieving severe sinus congestion hinge on reducing the inflammation and swelling of the sinuses.
Step 1
Keep your sinuses moist. Apply a warm and wet washcloth to your face several times a day. Alternately, you can inhale steam from a vaporizer or wash out your nasal sinuses with saline. These treatments will help keep the mucus thin and runny and will prevent inflammation.
Step 2
Take antihistamines. Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by your immune system. Histamine can cause inflammation of the sinuses, which is responsible in part for the congestion. Severe sinusitis should be treated with fexofenadine and cetirizine, which are available with a prescription.
Step 3
Take decongestants. Decongestants are medications (such as pseudoephedrine) that help reduce the swelling in nasal tissue. Decongestants can be taken orally or in spray form. Decongestant nasal sprays are effective for immediate relief but all decongestants should not be used for more than two or three days. After this point, stopping the use of the decongestant can cause "rebound" congestion.
Step 4
Administer corticosteroids. Corticosteroids--medications that can suppress inflammation--can be used to treat severe sinus congestion. Corticosteroids (including fluticasone and beclomethasone) can be found in some nasal sprays.
Step 5
Take systemic corticosteroids. Severe sinus congestion may need to be treated with systemic corticosteroids, which can either be taken orally or via an injection. These formulations are more potent but should be used only when other treatments haven't worked, because they can suppress the immune system and affect the body's hormonal balance.
Things You'll Need
- Warm, wet washcloth
- Vaporizer
- Saline solution
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Corticosteroids
