How to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Many people can experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies and common colds¹. While it can cause discomfort, identifying the underlying cause can help you to find the right treatment¹.
In this guide, we’ll explain what sinus pressure is, the causes, treatment methods and general advice on how to help prevent it.
In this guide:

• What is sinus pain or pressure?

• What causes sinus pressure?

• How can I relieve sinus pressure?

• How can I prevent pressure in sinuses?

• Sinus relief FAQs

What is sinus pain or pressure?

Sinus pressure happens when the membranes in your nasal passages are irritated or swollen¹.
Sinuses  are connected to your nasal passages³, so when nasal passages become inflamed or mucus starts to build up, this can cause a feeling of pressure in the sinuses². This can occur due to colds, allergies, infections or other conditions².

What does sinus pressure feel like?

Sinus pressure often feels like a tightness in the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, forehead, or cheekbones². These symptoms can also spread to other areas, such as your teeth, jaw, and scalp².

Where you feel pressure in the sinuses

This image  will highlight the common areas where sinus pressure and pain is felt.

What causes sinus pressure?

Some people can be more likely to develop sinus problems than others – for example, if you have narrow sinus passages or a deviated septum¹. Sometimes, nasal polyps (a soft, painless growth ) can grow in the nasal passages and block drainage, which can lead to sinus issues¹.

Sinus pressure can also result from²:

• Common colds

• Sinus infections

• Allergies, such as hay fever  

• Environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoke

How can I relieve sinus pressure?

Fortunately, there are various medications which may help to ease sinus pain and pressure². These include:

Decongestants

Decongestants can help to reduce inflammation in your nasal passages². They usually come in a tablet or a nasal spray form².

SUDAFED^® has a range of nasal decongestant and sinus relief products including SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules . These max strength capsules are designed to provide relief from pain, pressure and heaviness in your head.

Antihistamines

If your sinus pressure is caused by allergies, antihistamines may help². These types of medication can also help to treat other allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, and itchiness².

Pain relief medication

Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen, may help to relieve sinus pain and headaches ².

Nasal spray

Some nasal sprays can help to reduce swelling in your nasal passages, so you can breathe more easily². You can also buy them from pharmacies and shops².

How can I prevent pressure in sinuses?

Here are some tips to help you prevent pressure in your sinuses from building up in the first place.

Use a humidifier

Dry or hot air can dry out the membranes in your nose. This can cause your mucus to dry and thicken and clog your sinuses, causing pain and pressure¹. Using a humidifier may help to reduce your risk of sinus pressure¹.

Wash your hands regularly

Washing your hands regularly can help to reduce your risk of contracting viruses such as colds⁴. It can also aid in warding off hay fever symptoms, which can cause sinus pressure⁵.

Avoid people who are ill

Steering clear of people who are carrying infections can also help to reduce the risk of becoming ill yourself².

Sinus relief FAQs

Can sinus pressure cause dizziness?

Sinus pressure from allergies can sometimes cause dizziness and light-headedness⁶. The key to treating allergy-induced dizziness is to treat the cause⁶, such as avoiding allergy triggers. You can also manage allergy-induced dizziness with allergy medication⁶.

Can sinus pressure cause jaw pain?

Sinus pressure typically occurs around your eyes, nose, forehead, or cheekbones, but it can spread to other areas such as your jaw and teeth². This can happen because your sinuses are near your mouth⁷. The pain usually occurs in your upper rear teeth, closest to the sinuses⁷.

How do you reduce sinus pressure?

The best way to deal with sinus pain will depend on the cause¹. For example, if your sinus pain is caused by hay fever, antihistamines may help to provide relief². Decongestants and nasal sprays may also help to ease any uncomfortable symptoms².