Breathe humidified air. One of the best ways to relieve sinus problems is to keep a humidifier in your bedroom or other rooms where you spend a lot of time. Air that is dry can irritate your sinuses. By keeping the air moist, it can help to reduce congestion. It may also be helpful to simply inhale some of the steam about two to four times a day.
Breathe moist air from the shower. Another way to relieve sinus congestion is to breathe in the steam from a hot shower. Try sitting in the bathroom or shower with the door closed and the shower running. Make sure the water is hot so that a lot of steam is created. In just a few minutes, you should be able to breathe again.
Avoid areas where people smoke or where there are harsh chemicals. Things like harsh cleaning products, paints, hair spray, perfumes, and especially cigarette smoking can irritate your sinuses. Make sure to stay away from people, whether it be strangers, friends or family who smoke. Don’t allow smoking in your home either. When shopping, look for safe cleaning products that are unscented. These are less likely to contain the harsh chemicals that can create or further complicate a sinus problem.
Drink more water. If you have sinus problems, drink more water. You can also try juice and hot tea. Drinking more of these will help thin out mucus and encourage drainage. Be careful not to drink too much caffeine though. Drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol can be dehydrating. And alcohol can actually make sinus swelling worse. Aim for eight or more 8-ounce glasses of water or other drinks each day.
Try nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation is also called nasal lavage or nasal wash. This can help keep your sinuses clear. It involves using a mild sterile saline solution to flush out the thickened mucus and allergens causing your sinus congestion.
