Relieving Your Congestion

Congestion can be the result of a cold, flu, allergies or a sinus infection. The symptoms of sinus infection congestion can be painful pressure within the nostril and facial area. Your sinuses naturally produce mucus, which helps to moisturize and drain the nasal passage. When your sinus opening becomes blocked, drainage of these openings cannot occur. This develops mucus build-up, causing the sinus pressure and congestion. Sinus congestion creates numerous problems in daily life.

There are treatments that can help alleviate the pressure of sinus infection congestion. Relieving sinus congestion naturally, without medication is fast and easy but if these natural remedies are not helping your condition very much, there are also other options for you to consider. Below are just some of the following available treatments for your sinus congestion.

Nasal Irrigation
If you suffer from general sinus congestion from a cold, flu or sinus infection, using a saline solution to clear out the nasal passage can help alleviate stuffiness and mucus build-up. You can mix 1/8 teaspoon of salt with warm water to make a solution, or buy a saline solution at your local supermarket. Use a bulb syringe, which can also be bought at a supermarket. Suck in some of the solution, and gently place the syringe into the tip of your nostril. Squirt the solution into your nostril to help break up any thick mucus. You will need to repeat the irrigation process until the fluid that drains from your nostril is clear. Make sure you clean the bulb after each application in order to prevent bacterial build-up on the bulb. Once you have irrigated your nostrils, your nasal airways should be cleared.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines help to prevent and relieve symptoms of allergies, colds, hay fever or a sinus infection. These symptoms include runny nose and congestion. Antihistamines can be taken orally, with eye drops or with nasal sprays. Oral antihistamines such as Benadryl may cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness. Other antihistamines such as Claritin do not have the same effects.

Decongestants
Relief from decongestants is temporary. Decongestants help to narrow blood vessels, which allows for the clearing of your nasal passage. Decongestants such as Sudafed may contain pseudoephedrine, which can cause side effects including headaches, sleeping disorders such as insomnia, dizziness, and a fast heart beat. It isn't recommended to take decongestants if you have conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), other heart disease issues, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are also nasal decongestants such as Afrin that offer quick relief.

Other Treatments
Other treatments that may help are the use of humidifiers. Humidifiers help to moisturize your sinuses, which can open up your nasal passages. Humidifiers also help to thin mucus and allow for drainage. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can help relieve symptoms of stuffiness due to sinus infection. An example of a corticosteroid spray is Flonase. Nebulizers are alternatively used to get a finer mist of medication into the sinuses and kill infection more quickly. If treatments do not work effectively for your sinus infection congestion, seek medical attention to make sure you are not suffering from an infection such as rhinosinusitis.