Ways to help manage sinus pressure

It might start as pressure and pain building behind your eyes, nose, forehead and cheeks. That area contains your sinuses, and when they get congested, it can feel like your entire face has a headache.

“The sinuses are cavities off the nose, almost like rooms off of a hallway,” says Manan Shah, MD, an ear, nose and throat surgeon, allergist and co-founder of Wyndly, a company that offers allergy treatment.¹ “When they are inflamed, patients can experience facial pain and pressure.”

Fortunately, plenty of things you can do at home and over-the-counter (OTC) options can help improve this pressure and aid you in breathing easier. Here’s what to know and some tips and strategies that might help.

In this article:

• What is sinus pressure?
• Home remedies for sinus pressure
• OTC medications to help with sinus pressure
• Preventative measures for sinus pressure

What is sinus pressure?

Imagine the sinuses as pockets of air residing behind the forehead, nose, cheeks and eyes (all the spots that throb). Healthy sinuses are free and clear, but they can get clogged with mucus when we’re sick or have seasonal allergies.²

Sinus pressure is often caused by an infection in that packed environment, typically coming from a virus (like the viruses that cause the common cold) or other pathogens.³ It can clear up on its own or with a prescription. But some people suffer from chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses that can be due to viral, bacterial or fungal infection) that lasts for months.

“Inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses can lead to sinus pressure,” says Shoshana Ungerleider,⁴ MD. Infections are just one cause, she notes. Nasal polyps or a deviated septum might also increase your risk of getting a sinus infection.^5,6

And allergens can play a role, causing the nasal passages to swell, which can lead to pressure and discomfort. So can environmental factors, such as irritants like smoke and pollution.^7,8

Home remedies for sinus pressure

For those looking for some relief support at home, several techniques are popular. It’s always recommended to talk to a health care provider before exploring your options.

Nasal irrigation

“Nasal saline irrigation, such as with a neti pot (see below) or saline spray, can help clear out the sinuses, reduce inflammation and relieve pressure,” Dr. Ungerleider says.⁹

Always follow the instructions on the packaging, but in general, distilled or previously boiled and then cooled water is used in neti pots and similar devices. It’s advisable to clean the device thoroughly after use as instructed. Tap water isn’t adequately filtered to safely use for a nasal rinse, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).¹⁰ Organisms can linger in nasal passages and cause infections.

Humidity

“Warm compresses applied to the face can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well,” Dr. Ungerleider says.¹¹ “Try to maintain a humid environment, either with a humidifier or by taking steamy showers, to keep the nasal passages moist.”

Sinus pressure points, self-massage and acupressure

Facial massage can help stimulate drainage of the mucus and fluid buildup in the sinus cavities.¹² “By massaging the face, some patients will experience relief from the pressure,” Dr. Shah says.

Massage, like other home remedies, shouldn’t take the place of a visit with your doctor, Dr. Shah adds.

“In general, we recommend for sinus pressure and pain that a patient work with a physician,” Dr. Shah says. “If it’s chronic infections or allergies, nasal rinses or nasal steroids can help. For allergies, allergy testing and treatment may help.”

OTC medications to help with sinus pressure

Common OTC medications may help support relief from sinus pressure. They work in different ways, Dr. Ungerleider explains.

• Decongestants help narrow blood vessels and help reduce swelling in the nasal passages.¹³ They may come in the form of a nasal spray or a pill.
• Nasal corticosteroids sprays can decrease inflammation and alleviate other symptoms, such as sneezing.¹⁴
• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can help with the pain of sinus pressure.
• Antihistamines may help people with allergies by blocking the release of histamine, which causes inflammation, a runny nose and other symptoms.¹⁵

OTC medications should be used according to the instructions on the box and not for too long. Some decongestant nasal sprays can cause a “rebound” of inflammation and congestion¹⁶ if used continuously for more than a couple of days, Dr. Ungerleider says. A pharmacist or physician can offer guidance on how long to use them.

“Always consult a health care provider before starting any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications,” Dr. Ungerleider says. Note that some oral decongestants have pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure. People with high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate should not take drugs containing pseudoephedrine.

Preventative measures for sinus pressure

It may not be possible to prevent sinus pressure 100 percent of the time. But uncovering the root causes and triggers may help. And other approaches may help support relief from the worst episodes.

These methods may help support relief from lingering sinus pressure pain:¹⁷

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps mucus thin and helps sinuses drain more easily.
• Flush the nasal passages: Wash away bacteria or allergens from the nose with daily nasal irrigation. Follow the instructions on the neti pot.
• Avoid smoke and other air pollution: Exposure to cigarette smoke and environmental contaminants can increase the risk of developing sinus problems.¹⁸
• Use a humidifier: Moist air can help break up mucus and prevent nasal passages from drying out.¹⁹ Choose a cool-mist humidifier and be sure to drain and clean it daily to prevent a build up of bacteria and mold.²⁰

“While many techniques and OTC options can provide relief, it’s vital to recognize when sinus pressure is more than a temporary discomfort,” notes Dr. Ungerleider. “Persistent or severe symptoms, especially those lasting more than 10 days, warrant a visit to a health care provider.”