Most of us are familiar with sinus pressure, whether our own or someone else’s. It can interfere with your daily activities and make you miserable if you let it get the best of you. But what can you do about it? How can you cope with the uncomfortable feeling? What are some strategies to prevent the problem from getting worse? These tips will help anyone who wants to learn how to deal with sinus pressure in seniors.
Steam
During cold and flu season, steam can help relieve symptoms of sinus pressure. Boil some water on your stovetop or in a kettle. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil to make it smell better (and help boost its decongestant power). Pour hot water into a bowl; lean over it with a towel draped over your head and breathe in deeply through your nose. Or invest in an aromatherapy diffuser that will do all of the work for you.
Saline Flush
Have you ever put salt in your mouth? It was probably gross, but did it get rid of any mucus? That’s because salt water is a natural decongestant. Try rinsing your sinuses with a saline solution to help loosen up mucus and feel better quickly. You can mix it yourself or buy pre-mixed packets at most drugstores. As always, be sure to talk to your doctor before trying anything new if you have chronic sinus problems. Here’s an easy recipe for homemade saline: 1 cup warm water + 1 teaspoon table salt. If that’s not working well enough, make a stronger solution (more salt) and rinse with that instead!
Resting
As soon as you have sinus pressure, one of your most important objectives is to rest. If possible, get some extra sleep. Also, lying down can help relieve pain and symptoms related to sinusitis. If you suffer from a cold or allergies, lying down and resting may be better than any medication. Resting can also make it easier for your body to fight off infections. So try not to push yourself too hard; take plenty of breaks throughout your day and allow yourself plenty of time for recuperation at night. What’s more, try to avoid going out during rush hour (if you can) as high levels of pollution are common triggers for sinus pressure in seniors.
Elevation
If you’re living with sinus pressure, likely, your body is constantly inflamed, which could mean you’re dealing with respiratory issues. Elevation exercise is a great way to help relieve sinus pressure. Just lie down on your back and prop up your head with a few pillows. You should start to feel relief almost immediately! This can help decrease swelling and open up nasal passageways so you can breathe freely. If you have trouble breathing while lying flat on your back, place a rolled-up towel under your neck for additional support or lay on one side instead. Ideally, try to remain propped up for 30 minutes at a time.
Hydration
Chronic sinus pain can be caused by dehydration, and consuming enough water is a great place to start when treating any head pain. It makes sense, too: There are thousands of membrane cells within your nasal passages which rely on water to keep functioning properly. When they don’t have enough moisture, they can become dry and irritated, making them much more sensitive to stimuli such as smells or pressure changes. Drink an extra glass of water each day during a bout with sinus pressure, and you might find that it helps relieve some of your symptoms.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help ease tension in your body. It is also good to avoid consuming stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine as they can make you feel tense.
