As anyone who’s lived with overactive sinuses can attest, this is far from an easy condition to manage. This has been particularly true throughout 2021, as sinus season seemingly never ended. Although most people have to contend with their sinuses at some point, some of us are constantly fighting to keep ornery sinuses at bay. Fortunately, while there’s no end-all solution to overactive sinuses, there are a number of simple and effective measures you can take to make them less of a problem.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can effectively help thin your mucus and relieve you of sinus pressure. Keep in mind, however, that when staying hydrated, not all fluids are equally beneficial. For best results, make a point of sticking with water and juice – and try to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as these stand to leave you dehydrated. Of course, this isn’t to say that you should consume excessive amounts of fluid, as this can create problems of its own. Instead, just stick to having something to drink whenever you feel thirsty.
Rest Up
Proper sleep is important for a variety of reasons. In addition to helping us function in the waking world, a good night’s rest is conducive to a positive mindset and mental clarity. On the flipside, consistently failing to get enough sleep is liable to take a toll on your job performance, problem solving skills and relationships. It won’t do your sinuses any favors, either. Proper rest is an essential part of healing, so if you’re currently dealing with a sinus infection, take care to make sleep a priority.
In the quest to improve your sleep habits, make sure to get between seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Additionally, make an effort to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. If you’ve grown used to going to bed and getting up at inconsistent times, this is likely to take a little practice. Furthermore, you can help get yourself in the right mindset for sleep by shutting off your various screens and engaging in relaxing activities 30 minutes to an hour before heading off to dreamland. Such activities include meditation, deep breathing exercises, reading and journaling.
Use a Neti Pot
A good neti pot can be an invaluable tool in your efforts to calm overactive sinuses. In case you’re familiar, neti pots are used for nasal irrigation, a practice by which nasal passages are thoroughly flushed with a salt and water solution. (Take care to only use distilled water.) This effectively clears up excess mucus, reduces allergens in nasal passages and relieves nasal dryness – among many other things. Having been around for centuries, neti pots are among the most time-tested tools for sinus relief, and many people who suffer from temperamental sinuses swear by them. The frequency with which you use a neti pot largely will largely depend on the severity of your sinus issues. For instance, some people use them as often as once a day, while others use them on a strictly as-needed basis.
Talk to a Doctor
If your sinus problems have come to dominate your life, it’s highly recommended that you seek a professional opinion. A good doctor will be able to provide you with a thorough and accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. For instance, if you’re dealing with a full-blown sinus infection, you may need to get a prescription for antibiotics. Furthermore, the right doctor will be well-versed in all things sinus-related and therefore able to provide answers to such common questions as “Are sinus infections contagious?”
Living with sinuses that simply won’t quit can be an uphill battle. For some of us, sinus season is year-round and involves a tremendous amount of sneezing, coughing and nose-blowing. Needless to say, this can interfere with one’s daily life in a number of inconvenient ways. If you’ve spent years living at the mercy of temperamental sinuses, there’s no time like the present to start nipping this problem in the bud. Taking a few simple measures can go a long way towards providing yourself with lasting relief. So, if freedom from overactive sinuses is what you seek, put the previously discussed pointers to good use.