by Heather A. Fowler

Created on: September 11, 2011   Last Updated: September 12, 2011

A minor sinus infection can be extremely uncomfortable and make functioning difficult. Headache, facial tenderness, pressure or pain, fever, nasal discharge, stuffiness, sore throat and cough, the most common symptoms, can get in the way of even the most basic tasks and make you miserable besides. But in most circumstances these symptoms, however much a bother, are signs of only a minor infection. There are many ways to help ease the discomfort of sinusitis without having to make a visit to the doctor.

1. A Neti Pot (or other nasal irrigation system) – A Neti Pot is an ancient device used to treat many nasal issues, including allergies and sinusitis. It looks like a small tea pot, with a spout on one side and a handle on the other. Other nasal irrigation systems may simply look like a squirt or squeeze bottle. What they share in common is that they are filled with saline or specialized solution and squirted into one nostril, the liquid passed through the sinuses, and then drained from the other nostril. This helps clear out any blockages and ease breathing.

2. A Humidifier or vaporizer in a closed room – Moisturizing the air can help loosen congestion. Some experts recommend cool, mentholated vaporization, which both clears the nasal passages and eases the pain of sinus pressure. A warm humidifier can also help relieve sinus swelling.

3. A long, hot shower – Another method of delivering warm steam and loosening pressure.

4. A  saline nasal spray – Saline sprays help alleviate congestion, loosen mucous, and prevent “crusting.”

5. Aromatherapy – Some experts believe that breathing in steam from eucalyptus, mint, tea tree, peppermint, lavender or rosemary oils can help reduce pain and ease sinus pressure. Others think this is mostly psychological effect. Either way, it can’t hurt. Be careful not to directly ingest any essential oils unless the directions specify otherwise, as they can be poisonous.

6. Breathe in steam from a bowl of boiled water – Another source of steam. Some people recommend breathing the steam from a boiling pot on the stove, but transferring that water to a bowl lessens the chance you will be scalded.

7. Warm compresses on your face – This can at least help ease discomfort if not truly open nasal passages.

8. Decongestants – Over the counter medications can be helpful. Be careful, as these can cause drowsiness.

9. Antihistamines – These are especially to treat allergy symptoms that can be the cause of sinus pain and pressure.

10. Over the counter pain relievers – Focus on relieving the pain, rather than other symptoms.


If none of these help, or the sinus pain and pressure lasts more than a week or so, be certain to make a visit to your doctor. Children especially should have medical help to make sure they are not suffering from a serious viral infection or other condition. Often, sinusitis originates from allergies, and these will need to be treated over the long term. Be certain to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest while you’re feeling unwell, and if your doctor gives you a prescription, finish the whole thing to be sure the infection is completely taken care of.

Learn more about this author, Heather A. Fowler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.