Your sinuses are located behind your cheekbones and forehead, and around your eyes. If sinuses are healthy, they drain almost a quart of mucus every day. Sinuses keep the air you breathe wet. Infected and swollen sinuses cannot drain efficiently.
A "cool mist" humidifier can help if you develop sinus problems. The moist air helps thin mucus. A warm compress or warm washcloth over the sinus areas of your face helps with the pain. Other self-help tips include:
Drinking plenty of fluids will keep nasal secretions thin and increase flow.
Take acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium for pain. Be sure to ask your doctor which pain reliever listed is the best one for you.
Use over-the counter oral decongestants, but only if your doctor approves.
You may find it is easier to take a combination pain reliever and decongestant tablet such as Tylenol Sinus, if your doctor approves.
Only use nose drops for the number of days prescribed. A dependency may develop if used repeatedly and you will have to keep using the drops to breath normally. The possibility of picking up germs increases if you use another person's nose drops. Never share your nose drops either. Discard any drops after treatment.
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