Sinus pressure can be excruciating. Discover effective home remedies and when to see a doctor for chronic sinus issues. Get relief from pain and congestion.

Understanding Sinus Pressure and Pain

Sinus pressure is commonly associated with the common cold or seasonal allergies. When the nasal passages are running, the congestion can build up and cause inflammation. Usually, the original cause of upper respiratory symptoms is viral or allergies. But a secondary bacterial infection can develop because of the conditions that are created in the sinuses. When sinuses are unable to drain, it results in pain and discomfort throughout the sinus areas: near the nose, forehead, and face.

What Does Sinus Pain Feel Like?

Sinus pain can occur in several areas of the face, depending on which sinuses are affected by congestion and inflammation. Sinuses are paired, with two sinuses located in each of these areas of the face:

• Sphenoid: Behind the eyes and also in the back areas of the head
• Maxillary: In the upper areas of the cheeks
• Ethmoid: Across the nose and between the eyes
• Frontal: In the lower part of the forehead

You might notice pain and discomfort in one or more of these areas. It’s possible for multiple sinuses to be affected by a sinus infection. But sometimes, the infection is localized in one area of the face.

Pain is the most common symptom of sinusitis, and it is often accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some of the things you might notice:

• Pain behind the eyes, in the cheeks, and the forehead
• Dull pain that intensifies when you lean over
• Sometimes the pain leads to a headache
• The pain can radiate into the teeth
• Nasal discharge colored yellow, green, or cloudy
• Postnasal drip, causing a sore or itchy throat
• Nasal congestion, making it hard to breathe through the nose

In the beginning, the symptoms might be minor. But when the infection is left untreated, the symptoms can build up over time, resulting in an immediate need for medical care.

How Do I Relieve Sinus Pressure?

The best way to relieve sinus pressure is to open up the sinuses so they can drain. This process usually involves a treatment plan to eliminate the infection or the underlying cause of congestion. As long as the nasal passages and sinuses stay congested, you will continue feeling pain and pressure.

For acute sinus conditions, such as a sinus infection that happens after a head cold, your doctor might recommend an antibiotic to clear up the infection. When the sinus pressure is constant and recurring for more than 12 weeks, then other treatments might be considered. For example,

Home Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure

If you’re dealing with sinus pressure and pain, there are several home remedies you can try to find relief:

1. Take a hot shower and breathe in the hot, moist air to break up mucus and help it drain.
2. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face, for the same reason as the hot shower.
3. Use a Neti pot to clean the nasal cavity and make it easier to breathe.
4. Drink water or warm liquids to help thin mucus and loosen congestion.
5. Use an over-the-counter saltwater nasal spray to wash out thick or dried mucus.
6. If the air is dry, use a humidifier to help relieve sinus congestion.
7. Avoid bending forward, which can make sinus pain and pressure worse, and instead, lean downward slowly while trying to keep your head upright when picking something up, for example.
8. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation in the lining of your sinuses.
9. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant to help clear your sinuses and dry out congestion.
10. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, which can also worsen sinus pressure and pain.

When to See a Doctor for Sinus Pressure

When self-care isn’t doing the trick or your symptoms continue to worsen over several weeks, you may have developed chronic sinusitis, meaning it could be time to see the doctor. Sinusitis can be caused by things other than allergies, like nasal polyps or an infection. If the cause of your sinusitis is infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other prescription medicines to treat it.

Seeking Professional Help for Sinus Relief

Need help with your sinus pain or seasonal allergies? Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists perform comprehensive evaluations for children and adults. Schedule an appointment online or call 513-421-5558.