Sinus pain, or sinusitis, is a common condition. Nearly 15% of individuals reported having had sinusitis the previous year.
Sinus pain rarely is a sign of any serious problem. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be disruptive. The facial pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose and general feelings of unwellness can make for an unpleasant experience.
The good news is there are several things you can do at home to help relieve sinus pain and make yourself more comfortable as your body recovers.
Six Tips To Reduce Sinus Symptoms
- Rest. One of the best things to do any time you are feeling under the weather, getting plenty of rest can help your body fight off any infection and aid in recovery. If you’re struggling to sleep because of your symptoms, prop yourself up with a few pillows to stay elevated.
- Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water and juice can help thin mucus. Just make sure to avoid beverages with alcohol and/or caffeine as these can actually dehydrate you.
- Use steam. Take a hot shower or put warm water in a bowl and breathe in the steam to help open up the nasal passages.
- Use a vaporizer at night. Either a vaporizer or humidifier can help add moisture to the air and reduce your congestion as you sleep at night. Since we know how important rest is to recovery, being able to breathe better while sleeping can certainly help your symptoms.
- Nasal irrigation. Using a Neti pot or other device to rinse your sinuses with saline solution can flush out your nasal congestion and help you breathe better. Just make sure to follow the instructions and only use distilled water to avoid infection.
- OTC medications. Things like nasal sprays, decongestants, pain relievers and antihistamines can help you manage your sinus pain. You can typically find any of these at Jolley’s Pharmacy or many other local Utah drugstores. Be sure to speak with your doctor before trying any new medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions to make sure it is safe to take.
When To See a Doctor for Sinus Pain
If your sinus pain has lasted longer than 10 days or if you find yourself dealing with frequent sinus infections, make an appointment with your doctor or an ENT specialist. You may additional treatment or possibly have a condition like allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum that is making you more prone to sinus problems.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan today.