If you feel dizziness during either method, step into fresh air, have a seat, and breath normally. This will pass. It is not anything to be alarmed about and will resolve in a few minutes. Optionally, use essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint in the bathroom as well, which have shown promise in their natural decongestant properties. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to have decongestant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which will help to clear your sinuses and aid in prevention of a sinus infection. [2] X Research source Sadlon, A. E. , Lamson D. W. Immune Modifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review 2010, April 15 (1) 33-47 To use, drop 5 to 10 drops of the oil in the tub or bowl of water. Keep essential oils away from children. They can cause serious problems and possibly death if ingested or used in the wrong way. [3] X Research source Essential Oil Poisoning, Clinical Toxicology 1999 37 (6) 721- 727
Optionally, apply around 5 drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint into your humidifier water to help with your congestion. Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial, decongestant, and anti-inflammatory properties that helps clear sinuses. [5] X Research source Sadlon, A. E. , Lamson D. W. Immune Modifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review 2010, April 15 (1) 33-47
Use care not to burn yourself as you remove the washcloth from the microwave.
Alternatively, use nasal saline sprays every few hours. Nasal saline drops are very safe and effective even for babies.
Make sure the water is clean and sterile. Boil the water beforehand to warm it and remove all the impurities if you are unsure about the safety of your water supply.
Also change up the way you eat. Try hot salsa, hot peppers, hot wings, or any food you prefer that has a spicy kick to it. The added heat to your system will help heat up your sinuses and get your secretions running. Be sure to drink plenty of water, even if it’s not a hot fluid. Sinus issues are often accompanied by dehydration, and rehydrating your body helps thin the mucus in your sinuses, promoting drainage. [10] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
If you’re allergic to pollen or other outside substances, try exercising inside at a gym or at home to avoid increased exposure to irritating allergens.
This “manual manipulation” often manually or structurally breaks up secretions and warms the area with the action of your hands.
If the over the counter doses don’t work for you, talk to your doctor about stronger versions of these medications or other prescription only decongestants. OTC pain medications for the pain associated with sinus congestion, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, help in relieving pain caused by sinus issues. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Nasal decongestants, such as Afrin, quickly reduce sinus congestion, but avoid using these for longer than periods of 3 days. If you use them longer, you become vulnerable to rebound symptoms. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Avoid using these medications or without first consulting a doctor if you’re pregnant or have medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease. Also, talk to your child’s doctor before giving medication to children.
The injections or treatments will take place weekly for the first 4 to 6 months. Next, you move to the maintenance level and require treatment every 2 to 4 weeks. Gradually you will go longer and longer between treatments until you only need them once a month. After 1 year, if you have responded to therapy, you will have either no symptoms or be much improved and your treatments continue for 3 to 5 years, when you’ll be completely immune to the allergen. If you haven’t responded, the immunotherapy will be terminated. This treatment is time consuming and is often expensive, but many people are turning to this therapy because it removes their sinus congestion and improves their quality of life. [17] X Research source Sublingual Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis, as Effective as Subcutaneous Therapy, Journal of Asthma and Clinical Immunology, 4-3-2013
Occasionally, sinus congestion leads to a bacterial sinus infection, and your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic at that time. Sinus surgery is rarely needed for chronic sinus congestion or infections. If you are bleeding from your sinuses, if your sinus congestion is associated with headaches that are severe or with high fevers, confusion, neck stiffness, or weakness, or if any symptom increases after the use of any home remedy, see your doctor immediately. [19] X Research source Sande, Merle and Jack Gwaltney. Acute Community Acquired Bacterial Sinusitis, Continuing Challenges and Current Management Clinical Infectious Disorders 2004 39 (supp 3) s151-s 158 Drainage from sinus congestion sometimes triggers symptoms in people with asthma or other lung problems. See your doctor right away if you have a cough, wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath associated with your sinus congestion.
