We’ve all been there – waking up in the morning to find our nose is running, and pressure is mounting in our forehead. If you don’t feel yourself, this could be a sign that you have a sinus infection (sinusitis). Although this type of infection is common and normally clears up on its own within a couple of weeks, there are certain things you can do to manage your sinus inflammation and pain, as well as get rid of the infection sooner rather than later, such as those listed below.
Steam
If you have dry sinuses, this can cause immense pressure and headaches to form. One of the best ways to tackle sinus inflammation is by adding steam to the air, which helps moisten your sinus passages. You can breathe in steam from a bowl of warm water or take a shower. If you don’t have the energy to jump in the shower, placing a wet, warm towel over your face can work just as well in easing sinus pain and opening your nasal passages.
For those who suffer from sinus inflammation regularly and want something that will provide long-term relief, you should consider purchasing a humidifier. Don’t just take our word for it, sinusitis experts agree that extra humidity in the air from a humidifier is great for sinus health.
Rest
When dealing with sinus inflammation, now is the time to take things easy. Your body needs lots of rest to fight infections and speed up the healing process. If you’re the type of person who is always on their feet, you need to take a step back, otherwise, you may suffer from symptoms for longer. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for getting rid of sinus inflammation.
Giving your body time to rest is key for reducing sinus pressure, helping you to wake up feeling more refreshed and full of energy. To speed up recovery, make sure you avoid any strenuous activity before hitting the hay. The position you sleep in can also impact recovery time from sinus inflammation. If you lay flat, this can cause mucus to build up, wreak havoc on your sleep cycle, as well as increase sinus pressure. To get the best results, make sure you use pillows to prop your head up throughout the night. Sleeping in this position will stop sinus buildup, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.
Keep Hydrated
We all understand the importance of drinking water every day for improving energy levels and brain function. However, if you’re suffering from sinus inflammation, keeping hydrated is more important than ever. This is because dehydration can cause your sinus passages to dry out, not to mention an increase in pressure in your face.
If you’re not feeling yourself and believe you have a sinus infection, the best place to start is upping your fluid intake. The more water you drink, the better it will be for reducing sinus blockages. While water will provide the most benefits, you can also drink broth soups, tea, and suck on ice cubes.
Relaxation Techniques
If you’re experiencing tension in your neck, face, and head from sinus inflammation, there are certain relaxation techniques you can try out to combat the pressure and relieve any pain or discomfort. For those who have headaches too, relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are all said to have excellent success rates.
You can also try out facial exercises that can help combat sinus inflammation, such as mewing. This is an effective facial exercise that can potentially relieve sleep apnea symptoms and sinus inflammation. Here is an overview of mewing, which will explain more of its benefits, and how it can help you.
Exercise
When dealing with a sinus infection, being active may be the last thing on your mind. However, some exercise can help in reducing sinus pressure. When you exercise, this increases blood circulation, as well as temporarily relieving congestion, helping you to breathe better.
While it will be a challenge to perform physical activity while under the weather, exercise may help in improving your recovery time.
Most of the time, your sinus inflammation is caused by the common cold or a seasonal allergy. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort along the way, the remedies above can help reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process.