Sinus pressure occurs when the tissue inside your nose becomes irritated or inflamed due to a variety of reasons including the weather, smoke inhalation, allergies, and the common cold. Colds and allergies especially can cause excess mucus. When the cilia (microscopic hairs) in your nose can’t sweep away the mucus, the build up can cause painful pressure. There are natural ways to relieve some of the pressure, without any medications at all. Give them a try and see what works best for you and your sinuses.
- Drink more water: consuming hydrating (non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated) liquids will help to thin mucus and make it easier for the cilia to clean out of your sinuses.
- Avoid inhailing irritants: cigarette smoke, hair spray, cleaning products, paint, perfumes, and other substances can irritate the sensitive tissue on the inside of your nose. Enforce a no-smoking zone and try to use unscented, eco-friendly cleaning products as much as possible.
- Breathe moist air: especially during the winter, the air can get very dry. Use humidifiers in rooms you spend a lot of time in. It may also help to breathe concentrated moist air in bursts. Carefully sit over a pot of recently boiled water with a towel over your head or fill the bathroom with steam and spend some time in there with the door closed.
- Try nasal irrigation: nasal irrigation can help to flush excess mucus from your sinuses. However, neti pots have both pros and cons, for example, so it’s important to speak with your health care provider before beginning nasal irrigation.
