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CONGESTION

CAUSES OF SINUS CONGESTION AND PRESSURE

Woman experiencing sinus congestion

Your sinuses are four pairs of air-filled spaces connected to your nasal passages. When working normally, the sinuses help humidify air as you breathe in and produce mucus that helps trap bacteria and foreign particles (like pollen).

When nasal passageways become blocked (often due to irritated tissues), mucus that normally drains away can build up. Swollen nasal passages and mucus build-up are the usual causes of sinus congestion and pressure.

WHICH SINUSES ARE CAUSING YOUR SINUS PAIN?

Location of frontal sinus highlighted in the forehead of a woman

Frontal

in your forehead, vary greatly in size

Location of ethmoid sinus highlighted behind a woman's nose

Ethmoid

behind your nose and between your eyes, about the size of a matchbox

Location of maxillary sinus highlighted behind a woman's cheekbones

Maxillary

behind your cheekbones, between the bottom of your eyes, and the top of your upper jaw, about the size of a large walnut

Location of sphenoid sinus deep inside a woman's head

Sphenoid

deep in your head behind your nose, about the size of a large grape

SYMPTOMS OF SINUS CONGESTION

Sinus congestion and pressure are difficult to ignore. The feeling of “fullness” is caused by the blockage of sinuses, as opposed to nasal congestion. Most feel the blockage in the cheeks and often find it difficult, if not impossible, to breathe through their nose.

TIPS FOR SINUS CONGESTION RELIEF

Glass of water icon
Drink water.

Water may help thin mucus, and thin mucus is more likely to drain. When you feel your sinus problems beginning, start hydrating.

Warm towel icon
Wrap it up.

Applying a warm towel to your head may relieve some pressure by easing swollen tissues.

Hot beverage icon with steam rising
Steam your sinuses.

The extra moisture helps keep nasal passages moist and helps with drainage. Anything from a hot shower to carefully inhaling steam from boiling water can help you feel better.

Hot beverage icon with steam rising
Steam on the go.

You may not be able to jump in the shower in the middle of the day. So the steam from a hot beverage or a bowl of soup can be quick sources of steam.

Pill icon
Consider taking a decongestant.

This medicine works by shrinking swollen tissues and allowing mucus to drain. The main available oral decongestants are pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.

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Please note that this content is not intended as professional medical or healthcare advice and is not intended as a substitute for professional healthcare advice, or services from a qualified healthcare provider such as a physician, or other professional familiar with your unique situation. This content is intended solely as a general product and educational aid. If you have any questions, please consult your physician or pharmacist.