If you have allergies and experience sinus congestion after visiting Palmetto Islands County Park, you’ll do just about anything to find relief and breathe easy again. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can try, which we review below.
Steam
Taking a hot shower or inhaling steam coming off a cup of tea or bowl of soup can help break up congestion and provide relief. This is because steam humidifies dry mucus so it can more easily drain. Note, however, that this relief is usually temporary.
Saline Rinses
In many cases, sinus congestion is caused by irritants such as dust, pollution or fragrances. A saline rinse can help clear away these irritants. You can either try an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or use a Neti pot.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
Steroid nasal sprays can be purchased over-the-counter and work by reducing inflammation that traps mucus and causes that congested feeling. You should know that over-use of these medications can make the problem worse, so you should only use them occasionally.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Research published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology argued that physicians should ask patients experiencing chronic rhinosinusitis if they’re regularly exposed to cigarette smoke and then advise them to avoid it. This is because cigarette smoke, even secondhand, can increase your risk of chronic sinus congestion.
Manage Allergies
The best way to manage sinus congestion is to address the underlying cause, which is often allergies. You can do this by practicing avoidance of known allergens (e.g., staying indoors with the windows closed when pollen counts are high, showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors, dusting and vacuuming regularly, keeping pets out of bedrooms, etc.), taking over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, and talking to an allergist about immunotherapy and other allergy treatments.
Surgery
If none of the above methods are successful in managing sinus congestion, your doctor may recommend surgery. Septoplasty to straighten a deviated septum, turbinate reduction surgery, and endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty to clear the sinuses can all help you find relief.
For more information about managing sinus congestion or to schedule an appointment with a sinus expert, call Palmetto ENT & Allergy today.