Breathing Easy: How to Reduce Sinus Inflammation

Sinus inflammation is nothing to sneeze at. If you’re one of between 10 to 30 percent of adults who struggle with hay fever symptoms, you know how annoying this condition can be. From a stuffy nose to sneezing and itchiness, the frustrating symptoms can take a while to disappear.

Worse, sinus inflammation can happen for a wide range of reasons, including infections, colds, or even exposure to the wrong allergen. In some cases, symptoms may last for weeks.

If you’ve found yourself struggling with this condition, knowing how to reduce sinus inflammation can help. With a few easy tips and the right medications, you can protect your nose from the worst of your congestion. Here’s what you should know.

Avoid Exposure

Even if you’ve already been exposed to something that increases your sinus inflammation, it’s important to take steps to minimize further exposure. Stay away from pet dander, if possible, and keep your windows closed.

For long-term exposure reduction, clean your rugs, carpets, and upholstery. It’s also a good idea to check around the house for mold, a subtle infiltrator that may be causing your sinus issues without your knowledge.

Drink More Fluids

We all know we’re supposed to get eight glasses a day, but this tip is especially important when you want to address your sinus issues. Proper hydration can thin out your mucus, and it also ensures that your sinuses won’t dry out. This, in turn, can ease a stuffed-up nose as well as the amount of mucus lingering in your nasal cavities.

Try a Saline Rinse

Saline rinses can be a great help for sinus issues like inflammation or a stuffy nose. This irrigation can help loosen mucus and even clear congestion.

To do a saline rinse, use sterile or distilled water, not tap water. For helpful tips, check out the FDA’s guidance on the use of neti pots.

Harness the Power of Humidity

Dry air can worsen nasal congestion and inflammation, which is where humidifiers come in. These simple devices can be a simple long-term sinus inflammation treatment. Added humidity can help reduce sinus pain over time.

If you don’t want to invest in a humidifier, steam may do the trick for a while. Inhaling the steam from a hot shower, for example, can help you get back to normal breathing for a short period.

Use Over-the-Counter Medications

Certain over-the-counter medications can help clear out your nasal passages—though it’s important to understand which one you need. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you understand whether you should look for an antihistamine, decongestant, or allergy medication.

You can find sinus inflammation medications at online pharmacies like myvillagegreen.com. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label with care. Certain sinus inflammation medications have side effects like drowsiness, so it may help to first try taking them at a time when you don’t need to be productive or alert.

Know How to Reduce Sinus Inflammation

Because the condition is so common, it’s always a good idea to know how to reduce sinus inflammation. With a few simple home-based strategies, you can work to reduce congestion and ease your symptoms in no time. Starting with these tips may even allow you to avoid a trip to the doctor for help down the line!

Want additional essential health tips? Be sure to take a look at our other content for more helpful guides like this one.