If you suffer from sinus issues, you know how bad they can make you feel. Some medications may work but not completely and still leave you with a lot of the same symptoms, such as tiredness, pain in the face, and headache. Fortunately, there are ways you can help without taking a lot of medication, including the two ways below:

Use a Sinus Irrigation System

A sinus irrigation system, also known as a neti pot, is used to flush out nasal passages to help you breathe better. A saltwater or saline solution is first placed in the neti pot. This pot has a spout that you place inside your nose. To clear out your nasal passages, open your mouth and then tilt the neti pot to pour the solution inside your nose. There are also squeeze bottles and syringes that are used in the same way as a neti pot. Instead of the pot, simply put the tip of the squeeze bottle or syringe inside your nose and squeeze.

You should never use tap water in the sinus irrigation system you are using. This is because water is not properly treated or filtered and has organisms, such as protozoa and amoebas. These organisms do not harm your body in any way but if you put the tap water up your nose these organisms can stay alive in your nasal passages. Over time, this can cause a serious nasal infection.

If you do use tap water boil it for approximately five minutes and then let it cool down before you use it. You can also purchase a water filter that will filter out these organisms.  

It is important that you use the sinus irrigation system correctly. What you purchase should come with complete instructions.

Use Steam and Heat

Steam from the shower can moisten your sinuses, which will make them easier to remove the mucus when you blow your nose. You can also put a few drops of menthol in your shower for added benefit. Make sure the door is completely shut, any windows are shut, and the bathroom fan is turned off. If not, steam will not build up but inside the room.

Use water as hot as you can stand it. If you do not want to take a shower, turn it on and leave the room. After a few minutes step into the bathroom, leave the shower running, and breathe in the steam. Stay until the steam clears out. You can take a bath instead of the shower but you will likely not get as much steam.

You can also boil a pot of water on your stove and then remove it from the burner. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot and breathe in the heat and steam.

Using the nasal irrigation system along with the heat and steam should help you. If not, you should see your doctor for treatment.