You can manually drain sinuses using gentle facial massages on pressure points (like around the nose, eyebrows, and cheekbones), steam inhalation to thin mucus, head elevation during sleep, and even lymphatic drainage massage on the neck/collarbone to help fluid move, often combined with gentle tapping or pressing to encourage drainage. Always be gentle, as the goal is to encourage your body's natural drainage, not force it.
The inflammation and mucus buildup can block the normal drainage pathways in your sinuses, leading to pressure and discomfort in your face and head. Since the sinuses are connected to the ears via the Eustachian tubes, this pressure can extend to your ears, causing earache.
To relieve pregnancy sinus pressure, use safe methods like saline nasal sprays/rinses, steam inhalation, humidifiers, and warm compresses; stay hydrated with water/broth; elevate your head when sleeping; and consider pregnancy-safe OTC nasal sprays (like Rhinocort) or antihistamines (like Chlorpheniramine) after checking with your doctor, who can also recommend what's safe.
Elevate your head and shoulders
You can think of your sinuses like a funnel: When the funnel is tilted sideways, nothing drains well. But when upright, everything inside can flow out more easily. You can put yourself in a more upright position to sleep by elevating your head and shoulders.
Having extra fluid in the body: During pregnancy, the body makes more blood and fluids, which can cause swelling, even in unexpected places such as the nasal passages. Blood vessels in the nose can swell with this additional volume, causing stuffiness.
Treating a child's sinus infection involves easing symptoms with saline sprays, humidifiers, fluids, and pain relievers (acetaminophen/ibuprofen), while antibiotics are reserved for confirmed bacterial infections (lasting over 10 days/worsening). For viral cases, focus on hydration, rest, and avoiding irritants like cigarette smoke; for allergy-related issues, antihistamines and nasal steroids help, but consult a doctor before using decongestants in young kids.
Proper hydration helps thin the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier for them to drain. Opt for warm liquids like herbal teas, clear broths, and warm water with lemon. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration and worsen congestion.
Acupressure Point LI 20: Located at the base of your nose, this pressure point can help relieve sinus pressure. Acupressure Point SI18: Located where your cheekbones meet your nose, this pressure point can relieve sinus congestion.
Sinusitis red flags signal a severe infection needing urgent care, including severe eye symptoms (swelling, redness, vision changes like double vision), high fever, stiff neck, confusion, severe facial swelling/numbness, or neurological changes (difficulty walking/talking), indicating potential spread to the eyes or brain. For less severe cases, seek care if symptoms last over 10 days, worsen after improving ("double sickening"), or include severe facial pain/toothache, suggesting bacterial sinusitis.
Salt water nasal irrigation and/or nasal steroid sprays are the main treatments for the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Antibiotics may sometimes be helpful but not always.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) often causes jaw pain, which can radiate to the ear and result in headaches. Similarly, ear infections or inflammation can cause pain that extends to the jaw and head. Headaches may also arise from TMJ issues or sinus infections.
Sinusitis happens when the tissues in your sinuses become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage, causes mucus to build up, as well as congestion, pain and pressure around your eyes. Sinusitis can make it difficult to breathe. The most common cause of sinusitis is a virus, such as the common cold.
Signs and symptoms
Foods that contain refined sugars, such as candy, soda, chocolate, and baked goods, can cause your body to become inflamed and produce excess mucus, which can be crucial factors in your sinus health. Sweet treats are ok to enjoy once in a while, but consistently having them can adversely affect you.
Certain beverages should be avoided, such as alcohol, beer, carbonated drinks, and coffee. These beverages can irritate the throat, causing nasal swelling, burning sensations, and worsening the condition. They can also stimulate the sinuses to produce mucus, leading to sinus congestion.
To clear sinuses immediately, try steam inhalation from a hot shower or bowl of water, use a saline nasal rinse or spray, apply a warm compress to your face, or use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays (for short-term use only). Staying hydrated and keeping your head elevated also helps drainage and reduces pressure.
Hay fever or another allergy that affects the sinuses. A common cold that affects the sinuses. A problem inside the nose, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or tumors. A medical condition such as cystic fibrosis or an immune system disorder such as HIV/AIDS.
A GP may refer you to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you: still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment. keep getting sinusitis. only have symptoms on 1 side of your face.
Balloon Sinuplasty: A Minimally Invasive Option
Instead of traditional sinus surgery, which removes tissue and can require a long recovery, balloon sinuplasty works by gently opening blocked sinus passages. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the sinus cavity and inflated to widen the passageways.
The inflammation and buildup of mucus that occurs in a sinus infection can block the tubes. This type of blockage is known as obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction. Symptoms include the sensation of fullness and diminished hearing that you describe.
Is the Fetus Affected? A sinus infection by itself has a low chance of harming the developing fetus. It is worth noting, however, that in rare circumstances, symptoms can result in complications. Being pregnant may also impact how severe the sinus infection symptoms are.
Coughing alone does not pose a threat to the child. It is merely a persistent ailment that, because of the expectant mother's pregnancy, should be treated in the early stages of development.
Five critical warning signs in early pregnancy needing immediate care are vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal/pelvic pain, persistent headaches with vision changes, fever/chills, and severe nausea/vomiting, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infections, says Better Health Channel, Liv Hospital, and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Seek prompt medical attention for these symptoms, especially if accompanied by dizziness or fainting, to ensure your and your baby's health, notes CDC and Texas DSHS.