How to Get Relief From Sinus Pain and Pressure

If you suffer from chronic allergies, chances are you feel some degree of sinus pain and pressure on a regular if not daily basis. Here are several ideas to help you get some relief from chronic sinus pressure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place a small pan full of water on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and remove the pan from the fire. Drape a towel over your head, bend over the pan and breathe in the vapors until relief is felt.

2. Twice a day use a neti pot to help clear your nasal passages. Mix 1/2 to one teaspoon salt (non-iodized)and a pinch of baking soda to one cup of water. Follow the instructions that came with the neti pot to help keep your passages free of impurities. Be consistent with this method. You may not notice a difference the first few times you use this method.

3. If you suspect you have a sinus infection, visit your doctor. One good test to see if you have an infection is to bend over. If your sinuses hurt or there is pressure and pain, then make that doctor appointment. Nasal discharge that is yellow or bloody is another symptom of a sinus infection as is fever.

4. If you are prescribed allergy medications or antibiotics, take them consistently so that it can build up in your system. Some people just suffer from allergies and there is really very little that can be done. Allergies eventually lead to sinus problems if untreated. If you get relief from these medications keep taking them so that sinus pressure will not build up and get you an infection.

5. If all else fails, get a referral to an ear nose throat specialist. Some primary care doctors may not refer you to a specialist unless you have documented sinus problems so be sure you try to use the same primary physician so this information can be accessed easily. A good ENT will request a CT scan of your sinus cavities and investigate further.

6. Last but not least your ear nose and throat specialist may suggest sinus surgery to expand and open up the sinus passages. This should probably be done only after all other suggestions have failed.

[AprilThomas]

on 8/4/2009 So many people suffer from sinus and allergies, thanks for the help, I've been thinking of buying a neti pot myself. I've also found that keeping your home very clean and dust free, adding an appropriate vitamin formula and 16 oz of orange juice every day helps a lot too.

[annvans]

on 7/14/2009 Great article on how to get relief from sinus pain!