Which maneuver is usually effective in alleviating pain from a sinus block?

The Valsalva maneuver is a technique that involves attempting to exhale forcefully with a closed airway, typically achieved by pinching the nostrils shut and keeping the mouth closed. This maneuver effectively changes the pressure in the chest and can help equalize pressure in the sinuses and the middle ear, alleviating discomfort caused by a sinus block.

When the pressure in the sinuses is greater than the surrounding atmosphere, it can create a sensation of pain or fullness. The Valsalva maneuver helps to open the Eustachian tubes, allowing trapped air to escape from the sinuses, thereby relieving pressure and pain.

While yawning, swallowing, and breathing exercises can also assist in relieving sinus pressure, they are generally less effective in cases of a sinus block compared to the Valsalva maneuver, which specifically targets pressure equalization.