How to relieve sinus pressure

Why sinus pressure builds

Sinus anatomy in plain language

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones around your nose, cheeks, and eyes. When the inside of your nose becomes swollen, it can produce more mucus and affect the small passages that drain your sinuses, eyes, and ears. This swelling and poor drainage may cause facial pressure, although facial pain or pressure can have other causes.^{1, 2}

Common contributors

Allergies. Allergic rhinitis, also called nasal allergies, happens when an allergen triggers swelling inside the nose. Common symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itching. The swelling and extra mucus can affect the nearby drainage passages.^{1, 2}

Viral infections. Colds and other viral infections can cause swelling, congestion, and extra mucus in the nose. These symptoms usually improve on their own.¹

Physical blockage. A bent wall inside the nose, called a deviated septum, or swollen tissue inside the nose can cause a lasting blockage or prevent nasal medicines from reaching the right area. A healthcare professional may check for these problems if symptoms continue despite treatment.¹

Evidence-supported relief options

Saline irrigation

Rinsing the nose with saline may help reduce nasal-allergy symptoms by clearing the nasal passages. The research suggests it may help, although the evidence is limited because the studies were small and used different methods. Follow the instructions supplied with the rinsing device.¹

When medicine may help

What each type of medicine does

A decongestant nasal spray can provide short-term relief from a blocked nose. When used on its own, it should generally not be used for more than three days because it can make congestion return or worsen.^{1, 2}

When allergy symptoms also come with a blocked nose or sinus pressure, Allegra-D^® can help provide relief. It combines fexofenadine, an antihistamine that helps ease allergy symptoms, with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion and pressure.^{3, 4} Studies have also shown that this combination can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion.^{5, 6}

A steroid nasal spray works directly on swelling inside the nose and is generally more effective than an oral antihistamine for a blocked nose. It is strongly recommended when nasal-allergy symptoms affect daily life. Taking an oral antihistamine with a steroid nasal spray does not always provide extra relief, so treatment should depend on your symptoms, how severe they are, how you respond, and your preferences.^{1, 2, 7}

Always use medicines as directed on the label. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure which option is appropriate for you, or if symptoms continue despite treatment.

When symptoms may indicate bacterial infection

You may need medical advice if any of the following happens:

Symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement.¹

Symptoms initially improve and then worsen.¹

Symptoms are severe, such as thick, pus-like nasal discharge with a high fever.¹

These signs may suggest a bacterial infection, but they do not prove that one is present. A healthcare professional should decide whether antibiotics or another treatment is needed. Seek medical advice sooner if symptoms are severe or getting worse. Symptoms on only one side of the nose, a severe headache, loss of smell, or nosebleeds may have another cause and should be checked.²

DISCLAIMER:

Partially AI-generated before human review and editing. Image is AI generated including performer