Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion is a common symptom of sinusitis. when your nasal tissue lining is irritated. This can cause swelling and a feeling of fullness in and around the nose, face, head and neck. This increase of inflammation and mucus production can make it difficult to breathe through your nose. If untreated, these sinus symptoms can lead to additional sinus issues and sinus infections.
How can I decongest my sinuses?
- Warm compresses
- Use a humidifier
- Stay hydrated
- Saline nasal rinse
- Take a steam shower
- Elevate your head while sleeping
- Avoid triggers (allergens/irritants)
- Avoid smoking
- Over the counter (OTC) remedies
If symptoms continue or get worse, or if these options above don’t give you the relief you are looking for, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider for additional evaluation and potential treatment options.
Click here to Find a local sinus expert.
What does sinus congestion feel like?
- Sinus pain, pressure and fullness
- Ear pain and pressure
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Facial tenderness
- Swollen or puffy face
- Toothache or jaw pain
- Additional pain and pressure during weather or air pressure changes
If symptoms continue or get worse, or if these options above don’t give you the relief you are looking for, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider for additional evaluation and potential treatment options.
Click here to Find a local sinus expert.
How do you clear a blocked sinus?
- Attempt to decongest your sinuses utilizing the techniques described above.
- If this isn’t providing enough relief, consider working with your local sinus expert to find out if you have sinusitis.
- If you get 4 or more sinus episodes per year, that last 10+ days at a time, you might have RARS (recurrent acute rhinosinusitis).
- If you get 1 or more sinus episodes per year, that last 12+ weeks at a time, you might have CRS (chronic rhinosinusitis).
- It is important to work closely with your local sinus expert since they have the tools and knowledge to move you along a treatment plan. Some of these tools include:
- Nasal endoscopy
- In-office, low dose, CT Scanner
- Additional medications, if needed
- Minimally invasive, in-office procedures
- Surgical procedures, if minimally invasive options aren’t possible
How do you drain sinus congestion?
- Attempt to decongest and clear your sinuses using the options listed above, which include natural remedies, saline rinses, OTC or prescription medications.
- If you are able to decongest your sinuses, the nasal cilia will have a higher likelihood of removing the allergens and irritants out of your nose and down your throat.
- According to clinical studies, 60% of sinusitis sufferers don’t get enough relief from medications alone.
- If you are one of the 38 million American’s suffering from sinusitis, you might need a mechanical fix to widen your sinus openings in order to drain your sinus congestion more often and more consistently.
- Balloon sinus dilation is a minimally invasive option to widen your sinus openings. Click here to learn more.
Click here to find a local sinus expert who can get you on a path to sinus relief.