5 Tips for Relieving Sinus Pressure
By Amber Page
Ah, fall. Time for pumpkins, cozy sweaters ... and agonizing allergy-induced sinus pressure.
If you're experiencing pain between or behind your eyes, across your nose, or in your cheekbones and forehead, it could very well be your sinuses.
Sinus pain can be caused by many things, including sinus infections, migraines, and other illnesses, but if you experience it on the regular during spring and fall, chances are good that it's caused by your allergies.
Luckily, you don't have to suffer in silence. Try these treatments and you'll be feeling better soon.
Take a Nasal Steroid
These over-the-counter nasal sprays can work wonders for allergy sufferers, but they'll do you the most good if you start taking them before your sinuses start feeling like they're going to explode.
Nasal steroids are designed to be used daily but take a few days to really kick in. Grab yours before your allergy season begins and take it every day until the danger has passed.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Water does a body good -- especially when you're trying to clear out your sinuses. Drinking enough water ensures that your mucus, which is the tool your body uses to get rid of irritants, is thin enough to do its job.
Make sure you're drinking at least eight glasses of water each day -- and more if you can manage it.
Take a Hot Shower
Steam can provide temporary relief from your symptoms whether you take a steamy shower, use a humidifier, or drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam from a hot bowl of water.
Even drinking a hot cup of tea can help. Just be careful not to overdo it, as keeping your sinus cavities too moist can lead to infections.
Irrigate Your Nose
It might sound gross, but flushing out your nose can help get rid of any allergens that have lodged inside your nasal cavities.The most common nasal irrigation tool is saline, but your doctor may also recommend a steroid or Xylitol rinse.
Don't Forget About Decongestants
When you're really miserable, an over-the-counter decongestant can help you breathe -- and function -- better.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orange Park, Fla.