How to Get Rid Of Sinusitis: 8 ways to drain sinus congestion

Sinus infections make your face feel like it’s in a vice. The pressure, the congestion, the headache that won’t quit. You want relief now, not in a week when it "clears up on its own."

These methods tackle the symptoms so you can function while your body sorts out the infection itself.

1. Steam inhalation

Lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head. Breathe deeply for 10-15 minutes. The steam loosens mucus and opens up your sinuses temporarily. Do this three times a day.

Add eucalyptus oil if you want (a few drops), but plain steam works fine.

2. Saline nasal rinse

Use a neti pot or squeeze bottle filled with sterile saline solution. Tilt your head, pour the solution through one nostril, let it drain out the other. Repeat on the other side.

This flushes out mucus and irritants directly. Use it twice daily. Always use distilled or previously boiled water (never tap water straight from the faucet).

3. Warm compress on your face

Soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and press it against your cheeks, nose, and forehead for 5-10 minutes. The warmth eases the pressure and helps drainage.

Do this whenever the pressure gets bad.

4. Stay hydrated

Drink water constantly. Thin mucus drains better than thick mucus. Hot liquids (tea, broth) work especially well because the steam adds extra relief while you drink.

Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, more if you’re congested.

5. Sleep with your head elevated

Prop yourself up with extra pillows so you’re at a 30-45 degree angle. Lying flat lets mucus pool in your sinuses. Elevation helps it drain overnight so you wake up less congested.

6. Use a humidifier

Dry air makes congestion worse. Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night (or wherever you spend the most time). Keep it clean or you’ll just spray mold spores into the air, which defeats the purpose.

7. Apply warm oil around your sinuses

Massage warm coconut or olive oil gently around your nose, cheeks, and forehead. The combination of warmth, moisture, and gentle pressure feels good and may help with drainage.

Not a miracle cure, but it’s soothing when your face hurts.

8. Avoid irritants

Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and chemical fumes make inflamed sinuses angrier. Stay away from anything that makes you want to sneeze or triggers more congestion.

This includes chlorine (skip the pool until you’re better).