Ouch!
People who suffer from headaches, facial pressure and nasal congestion caused by sinus infections will understand what I’m talking about. There are many factors that can cause a sinus headache but the most important factor is the swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses, causing pressure and pain on sensitive areas.
Some of the symptoms of sinus pain include pain associated with congestion from a common cold, pain around you eyes and congestions from allergies to dust or smoke. If an infection is particularly severe, antibiotics may be necessary. But then again, maybe not. There are many non-drug related options to alleviate and relieve sinus allergies.
Here are seven popular choices:
1. Treat Sinus With Humidity
One of the natural ways to drain and relieve sinus pressure include drinking a lot of fluids. Drinking a cup of hot tea, hot water or hot soup can help clear up your airways.
2. Irrigate with salt
Salt-water is one the best ways to cleanse nose and sinuses because it can also help prevent and relieve sinus pain. Make your own sinus irrigation kit by filling a clean 8-ounce glass with warm tap water and add one teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda. Be sure to clean all equipment and make fresh solutions each time you use it.
3. Alternate between hot and cold compresses
Lying down with a hot towel over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen up secretions. Alternate between warm and cold compresses to alleviate sinus pains and pressure. Do it by placing a hot towel across your sinuses for about three minutes before replacing it with a cold towel for 30 seconds. Alternate three more times and repeat at least three times day.
4. Spice up your diet
Believe it or not, spicy food can help with sinus as spicy food opens up nasal passages. So if you are suffering from sinus pains and you love spicy food, this is your best bet!
5. Hum your pain away
A study done in Sweden confirms that humming can keep your sinuses clear. How? Well, humming increases both airflow through your sinuses and the level of nitric oxide in your sinuses. The mixture of nitric oxide and airflow helps reduce the risk of sinusitis so if you are facing a sinus infection, hum a happy tune to relieve it.
- Photo via Ryan Seacrest
6. Have a hot shower
If you are one to spend long hours outdoors and if you wake up in the middle of the night with a coughing, sneezing allergy attack, a hot shower helps get rid of the residues your body has collected through the day. Hot showers help open up your sinuses, making breathing a little easier.
7. Steam your face
Breathing in steam soothes irritated sinuses and it helps clear mucus. Boil several cups of water and pour into a big bowl, lean carefully over the bowl with a towel draped over your head and breathe gently for 5 to 10 minutes and you will feel much better.
So, if you are suffering from sinus, try out these steps and let them work their magic!
Good luck!
