Eat spicy foods. This article has been viewed 784,046 times. Hold it for about 20 seconds and your sinuses will begin to drain. The Weirdest Cold Treatments from Around the World. How do I help a 5-year-old drain his nose? Dealing with a cold or the flu? Add a pinch of baking soda to the mixture. She received her M.D. We get 98% satisfaction. Take an oral decongestant to drain and clear your sinuses. Physicians typically suggest sinus surgery when there is an anatomical obstruction to your sinuses, like nasal polyps, cysts, or a deviated septum. If you do use tap water, be sure to boil it beforehand. Don’t use table salt, which usually contains additives. Acute Community Acquired Bacterial Sinusitis, Continuing Challenges and Current Management Clinical Infectious Disorders 2004 39 (supp 3) s151-s 158. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. They also lubricate your sinuses and keep your skin hydrated. Remember to give your body plenty of rest as that is necessary for fighting persistent … The maxillary sinuses drain into the nose through a passage located near the roof of the sinus. It feels better to keep your eyes closed because they’re puffy and sore. Nasal decongestants, such as Afrin, can quickly reduce sinus congestion, but should only be used for three days. If you have a cold and want to run, a good rule of thumb is to consider the location of your symptoms. You may also buy saline (non-medicated) nasal sprays and drops at the pharmacy. Why is this important? Elevation. Your nose is either plugged or like a leaky faucet, and your head feels like it’s in a vise. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. It is not anything to be alarmed about and will resolve in a few minutes. Sinus infections are one of the leading reasons antibiotics are prescribed, but they’re only effective in treating 2 to 10 percent of these infections. The first one is called antral puncture and washout. References Steam helps relieve congestion by loosening mucus. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The paranasal sinuses comprise four pairs of sinuses that surround the nose and drain into the nasal cavity by way of narrow channels called ostia (singular: ostium). Position your body so that you are leaning back at a 45-degree angle. Continued Surgery Risks. See your doctor right away if you have a cough, wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath associated with your sinus congestion. Flush your sinuses regularly with a salt water solution to encourage healthy drainage and prevent blockages. Nasal saline drops are very safe and effective even for babies. Take your index fingers, locate the hard, bony part of the upper sides of your nose, and move downward toward the soft part on the side of your nose where the bone ends. If the over the counter doses don't work for you, talk to your doctor about stronger version of these medications or other, prescription only decongestants that may work better for your case. Begin massaging this area in a circular motion with as much pressure as you can for about 20 seconds. Here's what the research says about using essential oils to treat sinus congestion. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. OTC pain medications for the pain associated with sinus congestion, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may also help. This technique will give you ultra-fast results clearing your stuffy nose, opening up sinuses, and allowing you to breath freely. A physician will need to be seen for proper diagnosis. Follow the recommended dose listed on the packaging of the decongestant. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. But how do you determine when…. Immune Modifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Find humidifiers and vaporizers on Amazon.com. My wife suffers nasal congestion, and your tips help it a lot. Also change up the way you eat. Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 784,046 times. It’s time to see your doctor if you experience: You should also see a doctor if you have asthma or emphysema or you take medications that suppress your immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, rinsing the nasal passages can help relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion. ", "Sinus massage and elevating my head while sleeping. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. This will help your sinuses drain, reducing congestion. If your symptoms are located above your neck…. Lastly, prepare to look for an acupressure point that isn't located on your face or … Alternative Medicine Review 2010, April 15 (1) 33-47, Essential Oil Poisoning, Clinical Toxicology 1999 37 ( 6) 721- 727, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Drain-Sinuses-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Drain-Sinuses-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Drain-Sinuses-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid2850885-v4-728px-Drain-Sinuses-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"