Are you dealing with a stuffy nose? It may be a sign of seasonal allergies. Sinus congestion, nasal congestion, pressure, swelling, and other sinus-related symptoms can be some of the most annoying aspects of your allergy struggles. Still, there are several tried-and-true ways to get the relief that you need. From a humidifier or a hot shower to neti pots and warm nasal spray, there are plenty of solutions to try for relief from congestion. We’ll be covering five of the best, quickest ways to clear your sinuses. While these solutions target allergy-related sinus issues, they’re also helpful for when you're dealing with a cold, the flu, or bacterial infection. Clogged sinuses can really affect your quality of life, so it's important to take care of the issue.

Let’s get started!

First Off: What Are The Symptoms of Sinus Problems?

Issues with your sinuses can have a wide array of causes and lead to a plethora of different symptoms. In many cases, seasonal allergies are the primary culprit behind sinus pressure and congestion. However, these symptoms may also be indicative of a sinus infection or a cold caused by bacteria.

If you’re not sure where your sinus issues are coming from, it’s often best to consult a doctor. It’s especially helpful to visit a medical professional if you don’t have a history of seasonal allergies. If you’re not prone to allergy symptoms, your congestion and sinus pressure are most likely caused by a cold or sinus infection. Your doctor can provide you with nasal decongestants you can't always get over-the-counter, as well as a steroid or antibiotics (especially if you also have a fever).

Symptoms of sinus issues include:

• Congestion or your sinuses won't drain
• Sore throat
• Sinus headache
• Poor taste
• A runny nose
• Swollen tongue
• Exhaustion or fatigue
• Coughing
• Thick mucous membranes (if it’s discolored, it often means you have a sinus infection)
• Pressure, including headaches

All of these symptoms may be the result of a cold, a sinus infection, or just run-of-the-mill seasonal allergies. Not sure which it is? When in doubt, talk to your doctor. In the very worst-case scenario, you might need sinus surgery. Some quick options include pain relievers you can get from your local pharmacy, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen. You can also try acupressure around your sinus areas. Now, without further ado, let’s discuss some of the best ways to clear your sinuses quickly.

1. Drink Enough Water

If you want to keep congestion at bay, hydration and moisture are key. Drinking enough water helps to keep your nasal passages from getting stuffed up with mucus. The more dehydrated you are, the thicker your mucus is, which can make it tougher to breathe through your nose. Drinking water helps to thin out the mucus produced by your body, making it easier to clear your nose with a tissue. While water is always the best source of hydration, other fluids can be helpful, too, especially if you’re sick. Drinking a cup of hot tea or warm water with lemon is always a great option if you’re dealing with congestion due to a cold or allergies.

2. Try a Neti Pot

Ever heard of nasal irrigation? It might sound odd, but one of the best ways to clear your sinuses has been around for centuries. Part of the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine is using a pot to deliver a stream of salt water into your nasal passages, sending the water in through one nostril and out the other. Basically, you can rinse your nostrils out. The devices used in this process are known as neti pots.

Many allergy sufferers swear by neti pots, a source for relief from congestion and other troublesome symptoms. However, others aren’t fans of the discomfort caused by pouring saline solutions into your nose and sending it back out. The best way to tell whether nasal irrigation is right for you is to give it a try.

3. Heat Up a Towel

A hot towel soaked in water is a tried-and-true method of relieving sinus pressure. This method helps to relieve discomfort caused by congestion, and it can also be incredibly soothing. Plus, a hot compress is entirely free to make at home – you’ve likely already got towels in your house (hopefully) and a source of running water. That’s all you need! The traditional method for applying a warm compress is to soak a towel in warm to hot water. Then wring the excess water out of the towel until it is wet but not soaking. Next, fold the towel in half and place it over your forehead and eyes, letting it rest just above the bridge of your nose. You can use this method for sinus pressure relief as often as you want.

4. Use Salt Spray to Moisturize Your Nasal Passages

As you can imagine, dryness in your nasal passages can make your stuffiness and congestion worse. That’s where saline saltwater spray comes in. By shooting a small jet of saltwater into each of your nostrils, you can moisturize your nasal passages and help to prevent congestion. Using a saline spray can also help to lower inflammation, decreasing the amount of pain and pressure you feel in your sinus cavities. Plus, this treatment is available without a prescription, making it accessible to anyone.

5. Try Allergy Immunotherapy

Want long-term relief from congestion and sinus pressure? Immunotherapy is for you. This form of allergy medication is designed to help your body build up its resistance to allergens like dust mites, dander, mold, and more. These allergens can leave you with near-constant congestion and sinus pressure, but immunotherapy can be a huge help over time. It’s not a quick fix, but its effects often last longer than the use of standard allergy medication. Immunotherapy may also decrease your daily need for other sources of allergy relief, including the other entries on this list. If you’re looking for a way to get relief from your allergies in the long term, immunotherapy is the perfect option. Want to get started with immunotherapy? Cleared can set you up in no time. One of our experienced allergists will carefully analyze your at-home allergy test results, using the information gathered from the test to determine which immunotherapy medication is right for you. In addition, our allergists can help you create a fully-stacked allergy treatment regimen that is tailor-made for your specific needs. To get started with immunotherapy, click here.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how to tackle your seasonal allergies the right way, Cleared has all the information you need. Make sure to visit our blog for resources that everything you need to know about allergy symptoms, causes, treatments, and much more.

Reviewed by Dr. Payel Gupta

Sources:

Speaking Of Snot, Why Not Try A Neti Pot? | Pacific Science Center Here's What Happens To Your Body When You Use A Neti Pot Every Day | The List Sinus infection or Cold | Cleveland Clinic How to Avoid Dehydration When You're Sick | EE Health