The Best Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure, According to Experts

'Tis the season of sniffles and sinus issues. But experts say there are ways to get relief.

"Sinuses are pockets of air inside our facial skeleton that produce mucus throughout the day. There are small drainage paths that empty into the nose," explains Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Many things can block normal drainage. Excess mucus from allergies, an infection that causes swelling, or even a structural obstruction like a deviated septum.

There are options to help solve most blockages. But if your blockage is accompanied by a fever, headache, or vision changes, Bassiri-Tehrani says to seek immediate attention.

"In general, pressure sensations that have been going on for over a week should be evaluated," he said. "The threshold for antibiotics varies by provider, but new guidelines are more conservative with prescribing."

How to Clear Sinuses

"A temporary solution would be one spray of topical decongestants such as Afrin (the brand name for oxymetazoline)," Bassiri-Tehran said. But warned this can't be used in excess. "They can cause more rebound congestion if used for more than a couple doses as your body develops a tolerance for it."

So, Afrin works, but only for a day or two. Use it longer and it makes things worse.

A more regular approach is nasal saline irrigations and steroid sprays to "keep the nose clear of mucus that can block the sinuses," he said.

If the sinus pressure is due to allergies, antihistamines are a good option, says Dr. Ryan Salvador, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Sinus & Snoring Specialists. "These can decrease the nasal swelling and improve sinus drainage," he says.

If the issue occurs more regularly, nasal or sinus surgery may be an option.

"Chronic issues that persist for three months or more may be a candidate for sinus surgery and or nasal surgery to help with obstruction," Bassiri-Tehran adds. So, if you've been dealing with this for months, surgery might be the answer. Not great news, but at least there's an option.

How to Massage Your Sinuses to Drain

Salvador said there's some limited data to suggest that sinus massage may ease sinus pressure.

"Though more research is needed, some observations note that gently massaging the areas of the face over the sinuses with a gentle circular motion can relieve the pressure," he explains. "While it is still unclear if this actually promotes drainage, this is generally a low-risk maneuver and has the potential to provide relief."

Translation: It might work and it might not, but it won't hurt to try.

Other non-medicated remedies include elevating the head, which can "decrease sinus pressure during sleep by preventing the pooling of mucus in the sinuses." Keep hydrated too since this can "thin out sinus secretions and make it less likely they will pool in the sinuses."

So, sleep propped up, and drink lots of water. It’s basic stuff, but it really helps.

Sinus Pressure When Pregnant

Nasal congestion during pregnancy is very common, Bassiri-Tehrani says, especially in the third trimester when increased blood flow causes swelling in the nasal passages.

About 30% of pregnant patients can experience pregnancy rhinitis, a condition where the nasal mucosa can swell and cause congestion and sinus pressure, according to Dr. Esther Kim, a board-certified otolaryngologist and sub-specialty trained rhinologist and anterior skullbase surgeon.

Because decongestants and steroid sprays are generally avoided during pregnancy, Bassiri-Tehrani explains, saline spray becomes the "safest first-line option."

"Hypertonic saline (or a higher concentration of saline) may offer quicker relief for some patients," he says. "As always, any new medication or treatment should be cleared with your OBGYN." Kim adds that medications such as budesonide nasal spray is safe to use while pregnant.

"These medications require time to take effect," she says. "After about two weeks of consistent use, patients should notice an improvement in the swelling of the nasal lining."

So, if you're pregnant and dealing with sinus pressure, saline spray is your best bet. Some steroid sprays like budesonide are safe but check with your doctor first. It takes a couple weeks to work. Non-medication treatment options, such as vibrational sound energy, can provide symptom relief too, Kim adds.

What Actually Works

• For temporary relief: Afrin works fast but only use it for a day or two max. Otherwise you'll make things worse.

• For regular relief: Saline irrigations and steroid sprays. Keep your nose clear of mucus.

• For allergies: Antihistamines to decrease nasal swelling and improve drainage.

• For chronic issues: If it's been going on for three months or more, talk to your doctor about surgery.

• For pregnancy: Saline spray is safest. Some steroid sprays like budesonide are okay with your doctor's approval.

Other stuff that might help: Massaging your sinuses with gentle circular motions. Limited data, but low risk. Sleep with your head elevated to prevent mucus pooling. Drink water to thin out secretions. Try vibrational sound energy.

If you've got a fever, headache, or vision changes along with the sinus pressure, see a doctor immediately. If it's been going on for over a week, get it checked out.

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