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Sinus problems treatment in Bellevue Azalea Dentistry

Home Remedies For Sinus Congestion

Colds, the flu, or allergies can all cause sinus congestion. The membranes protecting your nasal cavity may get inflamed and irritated when you have a cold or allergies. They begin to produce more mucus to wash away whatever is causing the discomfort. During diagnosis, your doctor may inquire about your symptoms. He or she may check for soreness in your nose and face, as well as inspect the interior of your nose.

The physical exam is typically enough for your doctor to establish a diagnosis. Most cases of sinus congestion resolve on their own. Self-care practices are generally sufficient to alleviate symptoms. This article discusses natural home remedies and over-the-counter drugs for sinus congestion, as well as when to contact a doctor.

Some Quick Treatments For Sinus Congestion

Here are the top at-home remedies to help relieve sinus discomfort and irritation.

Add Moisture to the Air With a Humidifier or Vaporizer

When you have sinus congestion, you may feel thirsty and dehydrated. Many patients use humidifiers or vaporizers to ease sinus congestion. Humidifiers relieve congestion by supplying moisture to the air, which thins mucus in the nose.

Rinse With a Neti Pot and Saline Solution

Nasal irrigation may be beneficial if you have sinus congestion due to a cold or virus. To utilize this natural cure, fill the neti pot with a warm salt solution. Insert the spout into one nostril while tilting your head to the other side. This permits the key to enter your nasal tract and exit via the other nostril.

Hydrate and Soothe With Warm Soups and Teas

Beverages scalding liquids may help reduce nasal congestion and keep you hydrated. If you want to make your congestion solution, try:

  • Hot teas like chamomile and green tea
  • Hot and spicy soups like chicken noodles
  • A glass of boiling water with a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon

Boost Your Immune System With Vitamins and Herbs

If you experience sinus congestion due to a cold, taking additional vitamin C may help you recover faster. A few natural herbs, particularly menthol and eucalyptus oil, may help relieve a stuffy nose. Mentholated products are an effective option to consider if you need quick relief from sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil may serve as an expectorant by releasing mucus in the lungs.

Apply Hot or Cold Packs to Congested Sinuses

Placing hot or cold compresses over the bridge of your nose is another natural therapy for sinus congestion. You may: 

  • put a bag of frozen peas in a towel and place it across your face, or
  • squeeze out a damp washcloth and heat it for about a minute to make a hot pack.

Revamp Your Nighttime Routine to Open Sinuses

Sometimes sinus congestion exacerbates at night. This may lead to a vicious cycle because recovering from a cold or flu requires a lot of rest. The solution is to keep your nasal cavity free of congestion during sleeping by:

  • Placing an additional cushion beneath your head to aid sinus drainage
  • Setting a humidifier to run while you sleep to help thin the mucus in your nose
  • Using nasal breathing strips to expand nasal passages by lifting the sides of the nose

7 OTC Medicines For Sinus Congestion

These medications may not require a prescription and can help relieve sinus congestion symptoms:

Decongestants

Decongestants aid in the reduction of inflammation in the nasal passages. They also help with congestion and sinus pressure. They are available as nasal sprays or tablets.

Antihistamines

If your allergies usually trigger sinus congestion, reducing them may help alleviate your symptoms. You may look for antihistamine allergy prescriptions to help with sneezing and other symptoms.

Steroid nasal sprays

These can also assist with allergy congestion. They might take a few days to take effect, so begin taking them before you get symptoms, especially during the allergy season.

Menthol

Medicated ointments containing menthol or camphor can help you breathe more easily. You may use them to massage your chest or upper lip.

Pain relievers

Although they may not clear sinus congestion, pain medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen help alleviate the discomfort caused by sinus pressure. 

When to See Your Doctor

Even though sinus congestion usually resolves on its own, congestion that persists for more than 7 to 10 days requires a visit to the doctor. Consult a doctor right away if you have any other symptoms, such as:

  • High fever
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Pain in the face or teeth that does not go away

LET US HELP YOU

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Can I Breathe Through One Nostril?

You may have a deviated septum if one nostril is more difficult to breathe through than the other. Deviated septums have the potential to create several issues, including:

  • Clogged nasal cavity
  • Snoring
  • Sleeping problems
  • Persistent sinus infections

How Do You Manually Drain Your Sinuses?

Locate the space between your nasal bone and the corner of your eyes. For around 15 seconds, apply hard pressure on that place with your fingertips. Then, employing your index fingers, brush down along the side of your nasal bridge repeatedly.

Why Does The Nose Get Stuffy At Night?

Congestion may exacerbate at night as it is more difficult for the nose and sinuses to drain. This implies that mucus accumulates in the nose, making breathing difficult and perhaps creating a sinus headache in the morning. To make the sinuses flow more freely, elevate the head with a couple of cushions.

What Sleeping Position Is Best For Sinus Drainage?

Sleeping with your head tilted up is the ideal sleeping posture for nasal flow problems. Gravity will gradually clear your sinuses in this posture. 

Conclusion

Sinus congestion is typically caused by a cold, virus, or bacterial infection. The symptoms include a sore throat, a runny nose, and coughing. A person might attempt various essential home remedies to help ease these symptoms. These include using a humidifier to supply moisture to the air, nasal irrigation, and staying hydrated. OTC drugs, such as nasal sprays, can also be used. We recommend you see your doctor if the symptoms persist or exacerbate.

About the Author
Dr. Uparika Sharma is the founder dentist of Bellevue Azalea Dentistry. In addition to general dental procedures, she evaluates TMJ, cervical spine, airway problems, chronic headache, and CRPS.

Author

Dr. Uparika Sharma is a trusted dentist. She has been practicing for over 5 years at Bellevue Azalea Dentistry clinic. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Washington. Dr. Uparika Sharma is a member of the American Dental Association.