Ways to Relieve Sinus Pain, Aches and Congestion

I regularly have to deal with the pains of sinus congestion and sinus aches, so I understand and share your pain. That feeling when your head feels heavy, you have a headache that pulls at the back of your head, your sinus areas on your face hurts (usually behind your eye, along your cheek bone), your eyes are puffier than usual. All we want to do is pop a couple of pills, sleep under the covers and hopefully wake up feeling brand new.

What about those times when unfortunately, you can’t sleep in? You have to get up and go to work. You have to show up and do your best. Those are trying times but most of us with sinusitis know what it’s like to push through it.

This dry heat we’re experiencing right now in Malaysia isn’t helping our sinus. I’ve used the methods that I’m about to share with you and they work for me. But each to their own, so you may have to try them out and see what works best for you.

Here are some ways you can try to help relieve your sinus pain, aches and congestion 

1. Always have a saline nasal spray with you

Keep one in your purse if you have to. You never know when your sinus is going to get inflamed or agitated, having a saline nasal spray will help provide some relief. It will ease sinus swelling and help break up the mucus that’s clogging your nose. You can use it up to six times a day but I generally only use it three times a day.

This is the classic way to relieve and clear your sinus passageways, even using a neti pot is great if you’re comfortable with that.

2. Use a humidifier 

Dry air does not help your sinuses, so having a humidifier to keep your air moist will help relieve some of the ache and pressure. This is also why inhaling steam helps.

3. Add menthol crystals or vaporub into a tub of hot water

And inhale. Just enjoy breathing in the moist steam and feel it work through your sinus. I recommend doing this near a sink because, if you’re congested, this will help loosen up the mucus and it’ll start clearing out from your nose.

4. Apply a warm towel over your face

This helps when you have those aches and you just need to relieve it somehow, especially over your eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Close your eyes and let this do its thing. You’ll feel better.

You can also alternate warm and cold compresses to relieve sinus pain and sinus pressure. Here’s how to do it: Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then place a cold compress across your sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate three more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.

5. Take OTC or doctor-prescribed medication

I try not to do this because sinus is something I deal with on a regular basis. If I go to a doctor or pharmacists each and every time, it’ll definitely hurt my bank but I also worry about over dependence on medication. I do suggest this however, when nothing else seems to work and it’s affecting your ability to go through each day. Once it starts impacting work, your ability to sleep well, then please do go see a doctor. This could mean you have a viral infection that needs some specialised help.

6. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water

The key here is to keep your sinuses moist – whether it’s via a steam bath, or by keeping yourself hydrated with enough water. Stay away from anything that is dehydrated while you’re experiencing sinus pain.

7. Have some wasabi

You know that feeling when you have a little too much wasabi and it goes up your nose? That’s exactly what you want. I know it may seem a little unorthodox, but having wasabi has helped me and I love Japanese food so I’m more than happy to do this. It will help clear your sinus or trigger your nose to try to get rid of whatever is stuck in there.