Sinuses always come in pairs of two and are found in four main areas of the face namely the frontal (in your forehead), ethmoid (between your eyes and across your nose), maxillary (in your cheeks), and sphenoid (behind your eyes and along the back of your head).

If you feel a sharp sensation in the head and pressure around your eyes, forehead or even cheeks, a sinus infection could be one of the reasons.

Sinus pressure mainly occurs due to seasonal allergies or a common cold. Pain due to sinus pressure is the outcome of blocked nasal passages. When your sinus cannot drain, it becomes hard, leading to swelling in the lining of the nose and sinus. In turn, this leads to inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.

Home remedies to relieve sinus pressure

Steam
Pain due to sinus pressure could be a result of dry air which causes your sinuses to become drier. Steam adds moisture to the air and helps to soften your sinus passages and mucus that may have thickened over time.

Sometimes, a hot shower can provide temporary relief from sinus pain. Breathe in the hot steam to reduce the pressure caused by a hard mucus layer inside your sinuses. You can also use a humidifier to relieve sinus pressure. To speed up your recovery, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in your bathing water, as this oil contains cineole which is one of the main ingredients for healing acute sinusitis.

Saline flush
One treatment method for getting relief from pain due to sinus pressure and congestion is to cleanse your nose and sinuses with saline water. Saline water contains salt that helps to moisten your nasal linings and sinus pathways, and hence, it will reduce the sinus pressure.

To make a saline spray at home, you will need an 8-ounce glass filled with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water. In that water, add ½ a teaspoon of non-iodized salt along with a pinch of baking soda. Make sure that you use clean equipment every time you make this saline flush.

Rest well
A good night’s sleep will stimulate your brain to release hormones that encourage tissue growth. In turn, this will help your body heal faster. Moreover, when you are resting, your body will produce more white blood cells (WBC) which are essential for protecting your body from bacterial attacks and viral infections.

While you are suffering from sinus pain and pressure, you should avoid caffeine-rich beverages. Moreover, you can elevate your head by placing more pillows underneath it. Keep your head above the level of the heart to help you to breathe more comfortably and effectively. This method also helps prevent the buildup of mucus in the sinuses.

Alternate hot and cold compresses
Placing a hot washcloth above your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages, thus softening the mucus inside the sinus linings. You can also use alternate warm and cold compresses to recover from a sinus infection.

Place a towel dipped in hot water across your sinuses and keep it in place for about 3 minutes. Repeat the same step, but this time, with a towel dipped in cold water, for nearly 30 seconds. Repeat the processes continuously for about 30 minutes and around four times a day to get faster results.

Hydrate your body
Dehydration is one of the chief causes of sinus passages drying out and causing immense pain in your face. Increase your water intake throughout the day to keep your body hydrated all the time as hydration is an effective way to reduce the blockage in your sinuses.

Try some relaxation techniques
Biofeedback therapy that includes yoga and meditation is an alternative yet effective treatment that teaches you how to control your body functions. It can help you to recover from sinus pain and pressure. This method can help in relieving sinus-related headaches. By incorporating deep breathing techniques and meditation, one can reduce pain and pressure caused by sinus infections.

You can also take part in daily exercise or workout routines to save yourself from sinus pain. Physical activities cause an increase in the blood flow throughout our body which helps you get relief from congestion in your sinuses and nasal cavities. Moreover, physical activities can enhance your recovery time and will speed up your healing process.

Sometimes, sinus pressure can be painful and uncomfortable. The tips mentioned above will surely help you in the healing process. You can also take the help of traditional methods such as decongestants and pain relievers. However, if the symptoms of a sinus infection persist for more than a week, then it may be the sign of a more severe problem that will require a visit to the doctor.