UNDERSTAND PAIN

Understand Your Cold & Sinus Symptoms

To say that cold and sinus symptoms – like sinus pressure, nasal congestion and headaches — can cause discomfort would be an understatement. We can help you learn more about managing these symptoms because you don’t have time to be anything less than 100% you.

THE BASICS OF COLD AND SINUS SYMPTOMS

The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes. These spaces are lined with mucus membranes. Colds can sometimes block normal circulation through the sinuses, leading to nasal congestion, sinus pressure and headaches. Sometimes people with the flu also experience muscle and body aches, fever, and fatigue.

"You don’t have time to be anything less than 100% you."

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Fight cold and sinus symptoms with a combination of medicine and home remedies:

TIPS YOU CAN USE RIGHT NOW

Don’t wait to see the doctor

Tip 1 of 4

There's a lot you can do to ease your nasal congestion and sinus pressure, but there are limits to what you should do on your own. A general rule: If you have nasal congestion and sinus pressure for more than 7 days, or your symptoms are severe or get worse, see your doctor immediately.

Don't go dry

Tip 2 of 4

Your nasal passages produce mucus as a way of flushing out whatever is causing the irritation, such as an allergen, so focus on keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, or breathe in steam from a long, hot shower. Drink lots of fluids to help thin out mucus. Nasal saline sprays made with simple, unmedicated salt water can help, too.

Irrigation works

Tip 3 of 4

Irrigating your sinuses - flushing out nasal passages with room temperature saline solution - helps wash out mucus and keep your nasal passages moist. You can use a neti pot or nasal irrigator. Whatever your method, help prevent bacterial contamination by using clean equipment and distilled, sterile or previously boiled water; rinsing the irrigation device thoroughly after each use; and letting the device air dry. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

Spice things up

Tip 4 of 4

Many people find that spicy foods like peppers, hot mustard or horseradish open up their nasal passages.