I’m 55 YOA and I’ve had problems with this since I was 7YOA. I have tried everything including weird tactics. Here are some if you dare: Steaming showers, holding head over pan of boiling water, lying facedown in bed (for drainage); heating pads, a vibrator on my cheekbones, neosynephrine drops, chlortometron (sp?); sinutabs, vicks vaporub in nostrils, wet washcloths microwaved on head, snorting salt water up my nose; excedrin washed down with caffeine drinks prior to jogging or sex, lying submerged facedown in HOT bathtub while breathing through a snorkel, breathing straight oxygen from welding torch (dangerous), vicks inhalers….I’ve tried everything short of self-inflicted gunshot wounds (and have strongly considered that at times). Good luck to you. I’m sorry, I can empathize. Strangely enough the one that HAS worked pretty well on occasion is sitting slumped forward and holding vibrator against cheek bones and eyebrows. Oh, you can go to an ear, nose, throat doctor and have sinuses irrigated (sorta like an uncomfortable nasal enema..yuk.. but it was IMMEDIATE relief)

You can add Mucinex to loosen the gunk and help it drain, add Alleve to reduce sinus inflammation, and on occasion, use a nasal spray like Afrin – this is the best you can do with over-the counter meds, and you wouldn’t want to take all of this on a regular basis, especially the Afrin.

For the long haul, you could ask the doc for a prescription for a steroid spray like Nasonex, or Nasocort – for some people, these things are miracles (they make things worse for me).

Did the Doc suggest a pain medication? The one that works best for me is Advil, take 2 tablets (200mg each) if its OK for you to take – are you over 16 ?? Best to ask the Doc but it should be OK…

Sudafed is the only thing I use for sinus pressure. It works great for me.

Decongestant (unless that’s already in the claritin.) Sleep with a steam vaporizer, and not on flat pillows. Keep your head slightly elevated. You can try vapo rub, putting a hot, wet washcloth over you nose/ forehead, or just taking a hot shower. Exercise can help too, a brisk walk will warm your body and help drain fluids. And drink lots of water. Good luck. That sucks.

steam, or at least a hot compress across the areas that you feel pressure in.