During an acute sinusitis attack, the nasal cavity feels as if it's "sealed in cement," making breathing extremely difficult. This not only affects daily life but also causes irritability and restlessness. This nasal congestion is often accompanied by purulent nasal discharge, headache, facial tenderness, and in severe cases, it can even lead to decreased sleep quality and difficulty concentrating. Quickly relieving nasal congestion and restoring nasal ventilation is the most urgent need for patients with acute sinusitis.
Methods for Quick Ventilation: Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is one of the most direct and effective methods for relieving nasal congestion in the treatment of acute sinusitis. It uses saline or a special rinsing solution to flush the nasal cavity, removing purulent secretions, allergens, and pathogens, reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa, and thus quickly restoring ventilation. Specific procedures are as follows:
Choose the appropriate irrigation tool
Nasal irrigators: Common types on the market include squeeze-type, spray-type, and electric types. Squeeze-type (such as nasal irrigation pots) are suitable for home use and are easy to operate; spray-type irrigators provide more even pressure and are suitable for children or sensitive individuals; electric irrigators provide more thorough irrigation but are more expensive.
Physiological Saline Solution: It is recommended to use 0.9% isotonic saline solution (with the same concentration as human body fluids) to avoid irritating the nasal cavity. Alternatively, you can purchase dedicated nasal irrigation saline packets and prepare them according to the instructions.
Correct Irrigation Procedure
Preparation: Lean forward slightly, head slightly lowered, mouth slightly open (to avoid choking), and gently insert the irrigator nozzle into one nostril.
Irrigation Process: Slowly squeeze the irrigator to allow the saline solution to flow into one nostril, through the nasal cavity, and out through the other nostril or mouth. Maintain steady breathing during irrigation and avoid holding your breath.
Frequency and Duration: During the acute phase, it is recommended to irrigate 2-3 times daily, using 100-200 ml of saline solution per nasal cavity each time. After symptoms subside, this can be reduced to once daily.
Precautions
Water Temperature Control: The saline solution temperature should be close to body temperature (around 37℃). Water that is too cold or too hot will irritate the nasal mucosa.
Gentle Movements: Avoid excessive force during irrigation to prevent damage to the nasal cavity or ear pain (especially important for children). Follow-up care: After nasal irrigation, gently blow your nose with a tissue, but do not blow your nose forcefully to avoid pushing secretions into the sinuses and worsening the infection.
Auxiliary Measures
In addition to nasal irrigation, the following methods can assist in rapid ventilation, but please note: these methods cannot replace irrigation and must be used in combination.
Topical Medications
Nasal decongestants (such as oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine): Can be used for a short period (no more than 7 days) to quickly constrict blood vessels in the nasal mucosa and reduce swelling. However, long-term use may lead to drug-induced rhinitis, and should be strictly followed as prescribed by a doctor.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays (such as budesonide, mometasone furoate): Strong anti-inflammatory effect, can be used long-term, but has a slower onset of action (requiring 3-5 days), suitable for use in combination with irrigation.
Warm Compresses or Steam Inhalation
Warm Compresses: Apply a warm towel to the root of the nose or face for 10-15 minutes each time to promote blood circulation and relieve mucosal swelling.
Steam inhalation: Pour hot water into a cup, lower your head close to the rim (maintaining a safe distance), cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes each time. You can add peppermint or eucalyptus oil to enhance the effect.
Maintain environmental humidity
Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity at 40%-60% to avoid excessively dry air that can worsen nasal mucosal swelling.
Avoid prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms or smoking environments to reduce nasal irritation.
Oral medication
Antibiotics: If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection (such as purulent nasal discharge or fever), antibiotics (such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium) should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Pain relievers: For significant headaches or facial tenderness, short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can relieve symptoms.
When to seek medical attention?
If any of the following occur, it indicates a possible worsening of the condition or the presence of complications, and immediate medical attention is required: Persistent high fever (temperature >39°C) or chills; severe headache, visual changes, or swelling around the eyes (possible complications such as orbital infection); persistent nasal congestion or purulent nasal discharge for more than 10 days; rapid breathing, feeding difficulties, or lethargy in children.
While nasal congestion in acute sinusitis is distressing, most patients experience significant symptom relief within 3-5 days with a combination of nasal irrigation, supportive measures, and necessary medications. The key is to consistently irrigate, avoid overuse of decongestants, and seek medical attention promptly. If symptoms recur or worsen, it is essential to investigate for anatomical abnormalities such as nasal polyps or deviated nasal septum; surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases.
