The sinuses are a series of cavities deep within the nose that are filled with air and mucus. When the sinuses get blocked, air pressure within the sinuses can build up. This can cause pain and a headache which can be very uncomfortable. Chronic sinus pain can be treated symptomatically (by relieving the pain) and by attempting to clear out the sinuses, removing the blockage and reducing the pressure in the sinuses.
Step 1
Rinse your nose several times a day using a saline rinse. The Mayo Clinic indicates that this treatment will help keep your sinuses rinsed out and can relieve sinus pain.
Step 2
Sleep with your head elevated. ENTAssociates notes that this will help your sinuses drain and will relieve sinus congestion, which can lead to sinus pain.
Step 3
Take decongestants. Decongestants are medications which are available over the counter. They are designed to relieve sinus congestion, which will help relieve the elevated pressure in the sinuses that can lead to chronic sinus pain.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter pain relievers. These include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. They will help relieve the pain that comes from chronic sinusitis.
Step 5
Use corticosteroid nasal sprays. Chronic sinus pain is often the result of the sinuses getting blocked up for long periods of time, which can be the result of the sinuses becoming inflamed. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs which can come in the form of nasal sprays. These sprays act locally on the sinus tissue to help relieve the inflammation and allow the sinuses to drain, which can eliminate chronic sinus pain.
Things You'll Need
- Nasal saline rinse
- Decongestants
- Pain relievers
- Corticosteroid nasal spray
