5 Natural Ways To Get Relief From Sinus Pressure

Everyone goes through bouts of increased sinus pressure from time to time, some more than the others. Your paranasal sinus system essentially comprises four pairs of sinuses located in different areas of the face, namely:

- Frontal sinuses in the forehead

- Ethmoid sinuses between the nose and eyes

- Maxillary sinuses below the cheeks, above the teeth, and on the sides of the nose

- Sphenoid sinuses on either side of the nasal cavity, behind your eyes, and along the back of your head

These sinuses are lined with mucous membranes and minute, finger-like outgrowths called cilia, which serve as the first line of defense against airborne irritants. The membrane, which is made up of soft, pink tissue, secretes mucus, which helps filter the air we breathe by trapping dust and other respiratory allergens. Most of the sinuses empty into the nose through a small drainage channel called the middle meatus. The cilia help move the mucus along with the trapped particles into the nose and out of the sinuses for good.

* Steam Inhalation

Dry air and dry sinuses can increase sinus pressure and lead to a headache. Steam inhalation is considered to be extremely beneficial in keeping the sinuses moisturized.Steam helps to moisten your sinus passages and thins out mucus that may have thickened over time.A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research reports that steam inhalation definitely improves nasal mucociliary clearance.Another 2016 study published in CMAJ reports that primary care for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms cannot depend solely on the use of steam inhalation, but it did provide some symptomatic benefit nonetheless.

* Saline Flush

Another common treatment for sinus pressure is a saline wash.Gently flushing out your nasal passages with a sterile saline solution helps alleviate the congestion by thinning and dislodging the jammed mucus. Moreover, it increases the moisture in your nostrils, which in turn helps reduce the inflammation or pressure on your blood vessels.A 2014 study published in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection reports that nasal irrigation is an effective adjunctive treatment for acute sinusitis in atopic children.Another 2017 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health adds further support to the merits of nasal irrigation as an effective treatment technique for several acute and chronic sinus conditions.

* Proper Hydration

Whenever you suffer from sinus pressure or nasal congestion, keeping your body optimally hydrated acquires even greater importance.Proper hydration helps keep the mucous membranes in the sinuses adequately lubricated, thus helping dislodge the mucus more readily. On the other hand, insufficient fluid intake can cause dehydration and ultimately lead to thickening of the mucus, which then becomes too consolidated for proper drainage.A review article published in the Canadian Family Physician upholds the textbook recommendations of maintaining adequate hydration in order to loosen mucus secretions, which is imperative for tackling symptoms of acute sinusitis.

* Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another good remedy to relieve sinus pressure. Being a natural decongestant, it helps loosen mucus and promote sinus drainage.The natural chemical capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps relieve the swelling and inflammation that is narrowing your nasal passages.A study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that a nasal spray containing an ingredient derived from hot chili peppers may help people “clear up” certain types of sinus inflammation.

* Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil can help relieve sinus congestion. Possessing strong anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, this natural tonic may be what you need to get rid of sinus pressure.Eucalyptus oil has emerged as an effective and safe treatment for sinusitis, mainly due to one key component: 1,8-cineole.