Home remedies to get rid of Sinus Headache

The sinuses are hollow pockets within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen due to inflammation, it can block the sinuses and cause pain, congestion, post-nasal drip, a cough, and tooth or facial pain. Allergies, nasal problems, and certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, can also cause acute and chronic sinusitis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

You should try these natural remedies for sinus pain relief:

1. Flush your nasal passages.

“There is a lot of debate about which sinus pain remedies work and what has been proven, but saline spray and washes like the neti pot are indisputable,” says, an associate professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. A saline wash thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages.

2. Take a steam.

Hot water vapor can help moisten the sinuses. “Sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol in the shower and steam up your bathroom,” Dr. Graham suggests. “A hot, steamy shower or bath can also help to loosen up mucus and debris that is stuck inside your nose,” says Sam S. Rizk, MD, a New York City-based ear, nose, and throat doctor and facial plastic surgeon.

3. Drink up.

Staying hydrated helps your body in many ways, including keeping your sinuses moist. Drink water throughout the day, and make sure to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration, Graham says.

4. Spice it up.

 Spicy foods such as mustard, hot peppers, curry, horseradish, and wasabi may help clear sinuses. If you like spice, consider adding some “hot” spices to your meals to open your nasal passages.

5. Allergy-proof your home.

Allergies can make sinus pain worse. The latest guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery call for controlling your home environment by getting rid of dust mites, installing an air filter system, using bedding with allergen-barriers, and keeping any pets out of the bedroom to help curb nasal allergies.

6. Use a humidifier.

 A humidifier can keep the air moist, but be sure to keep it clean, especially if you have mold allergies, says Satish Govindaraj, MD, an associate professor of otolaryngology and neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. A dirty humidifier can breed mold. And you should only use a humidifier during dry months, not when it’s humid. In addition, keep an eye on the humidity level in the room, Payne adds. “Thirty-five to 50 percent humidity is ideal," he says. "If you start fogging the windows, the humidity level is too high.”

7. Apply warm compresses.

 “You can use a warm compress to help keep the nasal tissues moist," Dr. Rizk says. "Or, fill a deep bowl or pot with steaming water and place your face over it with a towel around your head to breathe the steam in.” Just be careful not to burn yourself. You can also follow up the warm compress with a cold compress, which may help relieve sinus pain.

8. Don’t ask for antibiotics right away.

 Using antibiotics indiscriminately can lead to antibiotic resistance and the development of superbugs, plus they may not be effective in treating most cases of sinusitis. "Less than two percent of these infections are bacterial," Payne says. "Most are viral and should be treated without antibiotics.

9. Know when to see the doctor.

 “If the sinus pain does not improve with over-the-counter help, your doctor can perform a CT scan of the nose and sinuses to look for anatomical blockages that can be treated surgically, such as a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps,” Rizk says. If sinus pain lasts for a week or more and you have a fever, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist, because you may need more aggressive treatment than natural remedies provide.