How to clear sinus congestion

Sinuses are a group of hollow cavities that are situated in the face. Two main sinuses that can get congested are maxillary sinus and frontal sinus. They both open into nasal cavity.

Sinus congestion is caused by edema of the mucosa surrounding above sinus exit paths. Edematous sinus exit causes accumulation of mucous material leading to sinus congestion. Congested sinuses are prone to infection and sinusitis.

Blocked and congested sinuses can cause severe headache, edema of the face, fever if infected and tenderness over sinuses.

Inner layer of nose and sinus exit share a common tissue layer called inner nasal membrane. It is very vascular membrane and dilatation of arteries inside the membrane can result in edema. It can get edematous following acute viral infections, allergic rhinitis, and bacterial infections.

In addition, sinus exits can get blocked by acquired anatomical defects such as nasal polyps and congenital (problems came from birth) anatomical defects.

How to clear sinus congestion?

Once the sinuses are congested, simple measures can be used to clear sinuses.

1. Steam inhalation: - Steam inhalation thins out mucous and causes constriction of inner nasal membrane arteries. This results in decongestion of sinuses. It is very effective home remedy.

2. Using local nasal decongestants: - Local nasal decongestants can be instilled into the nose. Common over the counter nasal decongestant is Oxymetazoline nasal decongestant. It constricts arteries in the inner nasal membrane. This constriction results in reduction in nasal membrane edema. This clears out sinus exit and results in sinus drainage.

3. Anti-histamine medications: - Anti histamine medications such as Piriton (Chlopheniramine) reduces mucous production due to allergic rhinitis. This reduction in mucous production results in less nasal congestion. Other common over the counter anti-histamine is diphenhydramine.

4. Local instillation of steroid nasal preparations can result in reduction of edema and decreased size of nasal polyps. However, they are prescription only.

5. Antibiotics : - If the patient has fever and sinus tenderness, then he/she may need antibiotics after blood workup. Common reasons for above symptoms are bacterial infections that need antibiotic treatment. However, viral infections can also cause fever and sinus pain.

6. Do not forcefully take out mucous by way of stimulating the inner nose that causes in sneezing. E.g. putting a string into the nose.

Summary

Sinus congestion is a common complain. However, it can be treated effectively with simple medications. But forcefully sneezing by way of artificially stimulating nose is not recommended as it can aggravate the associated edema.