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February 1, 2023
During weather changes or during the cold dry winter weather when the heat is on inside all the time sinus problems can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. And since many seniors are on medications for various health problems they may not be able to take any medications that will help alleviate the headaches, pain, and pressure that sinus problems can cause. Sinus pain and congestion can make cold and flu harder to manage. And they can make it hard for seniors to get the sleep they need at night. But there are some tried and true home remedies for sinus pain, pressure, and congestion that seniors can use to feel better right away like:
Steam
One of the best remedies for sinus pain and pressure is steam. And steam can alleviate that pain and pressure almost immediately. There are lots of ways that seniors can use steam to relieve their sinus symptoms including:
And a good option for long lasting relief is a steam bowl. For this one, seniors may need some help, so if your senior loved one has in-home elder care the elder care provider can help create a steam bowl. The elder care provider should pour some boiling water into a large bowl or pot. Add some chamomile or lavender if there is any. Then your senior loved one should sit with their face over the bowl so they can inhale the steam. Their elder care provider should drape a towel over their head like a tent to hold in the steam. After five or ten minutes your senior parent should be feeling much better.
Saline Nasal Spray
Saline nasal spray can help irrigate dry nasal passages and relieve the dryness that causes pressure in the sinuses. Just make sure that it’s pure saline nasal spray that has no medication. There are several good saline nasal sprays available over the counter at any pharmacy.
A Neti Pot
A Neti pot is a device that helps flush out the sinuses. It’s great for seniors that have a lot of congestion or are prone to sinus infections. Your senior loved one may need a little help to use a Neti pot correctly because it has to be held at kind of an awkward angle to be effective but a senior care provider can help your senior parent make sure it’s done correctly.
An Herbal Pillow
Technically it’s an eye pillow used for relieving eye strain and dryness but a small herbal pillow filled with flaxseed and herbs can be great for sinus relief too. It can be heated in the microwave so that it’s warm and then laid over the face and the sinuses. It will stay warm for about 15 minutes which is just the right amount of time to get rid of that sinus pain and pressure and loosen up any congestion in the sinuses.