It’s that time of year… The trees are turning, the wind is getting chilly and in no time at all, snowfall will be on it’s way too. The fall and winter seasons also tend to bring on the sniffles and maybe even the common cold if you start to feel under the weather. The best way to keep your sinuses in tip-top shape, however, is by staying on top of your sniffles. That’s why we’ve compiled our top suggesti on how to relieve sinus pressure on calm your mild congestion before it becomes too much of an issue!
How to Relieve Sinus Pressure
I’m sure you’ve heard the age-old saying “Feed a cold, starve a fever,” right? Studies suggest that mom really did know best when it came to feeding you chicken soup for that cold! Chicken soup has been proven to reduce the overall inflammation that comes along with the common cold, particularly within the sinuses. Let’s not forget that the steam and heat from a hot bowl of soup or other hot fluids will not only be comforting, but will also aid in thinning the mucus in the nose so that your sinuses can open up and drain, making you feel better!
Take A Decongestant
Decongestants are king when it comes to over-the-counter medications and rightfully so too! Whether you take the pill or spray form, decongestants can pack a powerful punch and really help you feel better so that you don’t have to put your everyday life on pause because of your congestion. For the fastest relief, we recommend turning to a nasal spray, but if you are looking for relief from congestion that’s lasted longer than a few days, the pill option is a better bet.
Zinc To The Rescue
If you manage to catch your congestion right at the first signs of it starting, dietary supplements such as zinc may be able to help to reduce the amount of virus circulating in your body. If you have a family member who is suffering from drug addiction you can get the Complete List of Supplements and Vitamins for Opiate Withdrawal here and it can be taken along with your other supplements. Zinc lozenges are a great option, so that it comes in direct contact with the culprit of your cold in both the mouth and throat. Bear in mind however, that though zinc can help shorten the duration of your congestion, it will only actually help if taken within the first 24 hours of your symptoms starting.
Water, Water Everywhere
One of the most important things to do if you are sick or even if you just have the sniffles, is to stay as hydrated as possible. Whether it be broth, tea, or even just plain water, keeping your body hydrated will not only give you more energy when you are feeling run down, but it will also help to thin the mucus and reduce any inflammation you might be dealing with as a result of the congestion. Taking a steam-filled shower or using a humidifier is also another great way to use water to your advantage when trying to ease a stuffed up nose and chest.
On The Nose And Chest
When your nose is super stuffy and you are finding it hard to breathe from the congestion, applying an adhesive nasal strip can help by widening your nostrils to help you breathe easier. Aromatherapy using eucalyptus or menthol-based rubs or oils can also provide a significant amount of relief as well. While these methods may not be addressing the route cause of your cold, they do in fact aid in easing the symptoms so that you can back to living your life congestion-free!
When to See A Doctor
If you experience congestion that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days, particularly if you also have a fever that you can’t seem to break, it may be time to call your doctor and make an appointment to get checked out. In addition to knowing how to relieve sinus pressure, it’s important to see your doctor so that you can be evaluated to be sure that your congestion isn’t a sign of something more serious going on.