Hoecker, M.D.
Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) starts when this drainage system becomes blocked, usually from swelling due to inflammation caused by infection or allergy. Soon, your head hurts, you feel facial pressure or pain, and thick mucus clogs your nose.
If your sinus issues have escalated and you have severe drainage or an infection, your sleeping position is even more critical. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated also helps if you have a sinus infection.
Sinus drainage is usually caused by a cold or an allergy. The sickness usually goes away within 10 days.
Relax with a warm compress
After blowing your nose, apply a warm washcloth to your face for about 15 minutes to help ease congestion. Refresh as needed to keep it warm. Breathing in the moist air can also help ease congestion.
Balloon sinuplasty allows the surgeon to dilate a blocked sinus, creating open space, which allows the sinus to drain normally. The surgeon uses a flexible endoscope with a light to guide the insertion of a thin wire. The wire is then moved through the nasal passages toward the opening of the blocked sinus.
Chronic sinusitis.
Nasal irrigation and decongestants can help in the treatment of chronic sinusitis by keeping mucus loose and nasal passages clear. The mucus-thinning agent guaifenesin (Mucinex) is another option.
The frontal sinus has the most complex and variable drainage of any paranasal sinus.
Try using a medicine that thins mucus and improves sinus drainage (mucolytic). Guaifenesin is a commonly used mucolytic. Mucolytics are often combined with other medicines such as cough suppressants. Acetaminophen can be found in many forms and comes in different doses.
Several medications may help dry up sinus drainage in the throat: Decongestants help reduce swelling in the sinuses, which can help reduce mucus. Antihistamines help reduce inflammation from an allergic reaction. Expectorants help thin mucus and make it less sticky.
Allergens and pollutants in the air - like dust, outdoor air pollution, and strong odors like perfume - may contribute to coughing, irritate your nose, and cause inflammation that can increase your risk of sinusitis, according to Dr. Bains.
You might need surgery if you have badly damaged sinus tissue, benign growths (called polyps), a fungal infection or structural problems that are preventing your sinuses from draining.
Rinsing your nasal passages with only plain water without this mixture will result in a severe burning sensation as plain water is not good for your nasal lining. Plain water also can cause your tissue to swell, giving the feeling of more congestion.
A deviated septum occurs when your nasal septum is significantly displaced to one side, making one nasal air passage smaller than the other. When a deviated septum is severe, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow, causing difficulty breathing.
Try Steam or a Humidifier
Before going to sleep, consider taking a warm, steamy shower. Steam can thin mucus in the nasal passages to help it drain. It may also be helpful to run the shower, close the bathroom door, and inhale warm steam for several minutes instead.
When lying down, the blood vessels in your nasal passages dilate which leads to increased blood flow to the area. This causes the tissues to swell and become congested. When you are standing upright during the day, mucus can naturally drain. However, at night, mucus can build up and make it difficult to breathe.
The best position to sleep with a stuffy nose is typically on your back with your head slightly elevated13. A blocked nose at night often feels worse as your body position causes more blood to flow to your nose, increasing the swelling14. It also means your body can't drain mucus properly15.