When we lie down, gravity enhances the circulation of blood to the head. This alone could lead to a feeling of congestion. Gravity is also involved in the sinuses draining when we lie down. This is one reason so many people notice post nasal drip when they're trying to go to sleep.
While your chronic sinus drainage issues may have originated with allergies, a cold, the flu, or a combination of these or other underlying problems, chronic sinus drainage issues — symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more — are ultimately almost always caused by a chronic sinus infection (also called chronic sinusitis or ...
Chronic sinus infections
A chronic sinus infection, sometimes called chronic sinusitis, some can last for 12 weeks or longer. They can be caused by fungal infections or untreated bacterial infections, the constant infection and inflammation of chronic sinusitis won't go away on its own.
Seasonal allergies, cologne, perfume, smoke, and other airborne particulates can mess with your sinuses, especially when suffering from a sinus infection. Unfortunately, other than staying in a hermetically sealed room, there's not much you can do about some of these.
Sinus drainage is also frequently known as acute sinusitis. This occurs when the cavities that is around the nasal passages become swollen and inflamed. This area is also called the sinuses. When this occurs, then there is a problem with drainage and mucus will begin to build up in this area.
Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.
The lungs and respiratory tract also need magnesium for its muscles, therefore low magnesium can worsen nasal congestion and asthma.
Some natural ways to get your sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids; using a humidifier; avoiding cold, dry air; taking plenty of steamy showers; and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.
Drink more fluids (preferably water) to thin out the mucus. Use a saline nasal spray. Ask your pharmacist which one will suit you best. Gargle with salty water 3 or 4 times a day.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
Post nasal drip that is caused by viral infections, such as the cold or flu, could last for weeks or longer, depending on the type of treatment and a person's immune response. Whereas, post nasal drip caused by seasonal allergies may cause symptoms to flare up suddenly and disappear after just a short time.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) are useful for reducing congestion and postnasal drip, and saline nasal sprays can help keep your nasal passages moist. If allergies are responsible for your postnasal drip, non-drowsy antihistamines such as loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin®) could help.
Honey can calm the nasal passage, irritated throat and clear the excess mucus causing sinus. Blend a teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this mixture twice daily to get relief from sinus.
Very low magnesium levels may cause:
Headaches. Nighttime leg cramps. Numbness or tingling in the legs or hands. General body weakness.
“Sinus drainage is not typically position dependent,” Barnes says. “But elevating your head off bed helps with stuffiness when you have a cold or allergy flare.” Jacobowitz adds that “gravity rules,” so sleeping with your head more elevated as long as it's comfortable is best.