How to Clear Sinus Congestion

When you’re juggling civic activities, work presentations and school meetings, you have no time to deal with sinus congestion. There’s nothing like a stuffy nose and headache to make the easiest tasks seem overwhelming.

Triangle residents simply have too much to do to let sinus problems or allergies slow them down!

We’ve provided a brief, comprehensive guide on how to clear sinus congestion quickly. Follow these tips to help you relieve the pain and facial pressure that crops up during every allergy season.

The first step for quick sinus relief is usually a combination of over-the-counter medication and home remedies.

 

Home remedies for sinus congestion

If you want to try the home remedies before heading to your local pharmacy, you should:

• Use a saline nasal spray. This helps moisturize your nasal passages and clear any mucus.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a home humidifier. This moisturizes the air to help open your sinus passages.
• Place a warm compress over your nose and forehead.
• Breathe steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water.
• Get plenty of rest.

You should also make sure you’re not doing anything to make your congestion worse. Avoid second-hand smoke and try to keep your home free of allergens.

 

Over- the-counter remedies for sinus congestion

Decongestants and pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate your problems. However, you should carefully read the labels on any over-the-counter medications you take. Certain ones may interact with prescription medications and others should not be given to children.

Make sure your local internal medicine physician at Raleigh Medical Group is aware of any medications you are taking, and feel free to ask any questions if you have concerns.

While these methods may provide a “quick fix”, they will not solve the underlying problem. Long-term relief depends upon getting to the heart of your problem and working closely with your Raleigh sinus doctor to treat it.

What’s the best way to keep your sinuses clear? That depends upon the source of your congestion.

 

Common causes of sinus congestion

Sinusitis and chronic allergies are some of the most common causes of sinus congestion.

 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses are invaded by a virus or bacteria, causing the sinus linings to swell. This prevents the sinuses from draining properly. The excess mucus can block the nose and sinus cavities. Sinusitis affects about 1 in 8 Americans every year.

Only your doctor can determine if an antibiotic is an appropriate course of treatment. Remember: antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

 

Other common causes of sinus congestion

There are several problems that can cause sinus problems and make you miserable. They include:

• The common cold
• A deviated septum
• Allergies
• Sinusitis
• Rhinitis
• Nasal polyps
• Asthma
• Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays
• The flu

 

Immunotherapy for allergy treatment

Allergies often cause sinus congestion. Effective treatment is vital to eliminate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If your Raleigh internal medicine physician discovers that allergies are the cause of your problems, he or she will determine if you’re a candidate for immunotherapy. During immunotherapy, your body is exposed to a diluted amount of the allergen over a period of several months. This causes your body to develop a natural resistance to the substance.

What is the best sinus / allergy treatment?

There’s plenty to be allergic to in the Triangle region of North Carolina: some of the main offenders are pollen, mold and dust mites. Often, these allergies cause sinus congestion, which can lead to a viral or bacterial infection.

While there are a lot of home remedies and over-the-counter solutions that will fix sinus congestion fast, only one of our internal medicine physicians at Raleigh Medical Group can help you get to the heart of the matter. Effective, long-term solutions go a long way toward helping you get back to the activities you enjoy.

At Raleigh Medical Group, we’re uniquely equipped to offer a wide variety of treatment plans tailored specifically for you. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help you.

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For more than 40 years, Raleigh Medical Group has served as the Triangle area’s premier internal medicine provider. Comprised of three distinct practices: Raleigh Medical Group, Raleigh Adult Medicine and Cary Medical Group, we tailor our treatments to provide the finest personalized health care available for each stage of your adult life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.