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A sinus infection, commonly known as sinusitis in medical terms, is a condition as common as the common cold or flu. It is an infection that is commonly a result of a bacterial infection that causes your sinuses to get inflamed that causes it to swell up. A sinus infection can be caused due to a fungus or virus infection as well.
A sinus infection is generally of two types, based on the duration that it lasts for:
- Acute sinus infection
- Chronic sinus infection
An acute sinus infection usually takes up to two to three weeks to clear up, while a chronic infection can last up to twelve weeks or even more before clearing up.
There are many sinus infection home remedy that can be employed to treat a sinus infection. Before visiting a doctor and taking over-the-counter drugs for a sinus infection, it is best to try out some of the best sinus infection home remedy instead. These remedies are easy to adopt and are cost-effective too.
Sinus Infection Home Remedy: Symptoms of a sinus infection
Before we get to the best sinus infection home remedy, we need to know the tell-tale signs of an infection. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, you have a high chance of a sinus infection.
The symptoms that help you know if you have a sinus infection include the following:
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Acute headache, also known as the sinus headache
- Yellow or green mucus discharge from the nose
- Redness
- Fever and fatigue
- Decreased sense of taste and smell
- Mucus in the cough
- Swelling of the nasal tissues
- Tenderness or pain around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead
- Bad breath
- An ache in the jaw
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Ear pressure
- Constant sneezing and wheezing
Usually, these symptoms are mild and are not a cause to worry if you start a sinus infection home remedy instantly. If ignored for a while, these symptoms can turn severe, and your pain and discomfort might increase.
Sinus Infection Home Remedy: What makes you more prone to a sinus infection?
Are you always falling ill and getting a sinus infection more than you would like? Chances are, it is because of one or more of these reasons. The following reasons are what make an individual more prone to falling sick and getting a sinus infection than a person who is fit and healthy. The reasons include:
#1 People with nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous or benign growths on the lining of the nose or the sinuses. Individuals with a condition of nasal polyps are more prone to getting a sinus infection since their sinus cavities are already inflamed. If you have a case of nasal polyps, you need to exercise more caution than someone who does not to avoid getting a sinus infection.
#2 People with allergies
If your body usually has an allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor allergens like pollen or dust, or mites, then the chances of you getting a sinus infection is very high. It would help if you exercised greater caution in taking care of your hygiene to avoid the chance of a sinus infection.
#3 People with a weak immune system
A weak immunity means that your body faces difficulty in fighting disease or infection-causing externalities. Such individuals need to adopt a balanced diet and better lifestyle choices to avoid the chance of a sinus infection. Such people can also practice the best sinus infection home remedy as a precautionary measure.
#4 People with a natural deformity of the bone between the nostrils
If your nasal bone is bent out of shape, it can lead to a recurring sinus infection. This is because the nasal bone obstructs the nasal passage. This blockage causes you to develop polyps, which further puts you at risk of getting a sinus infection.
#5 People who have a narrow opening of the sinuses
If your sinus cavities have narrow openings, it can lead to constant blocking of your nose. This blockage is responsible for preventing drainage of mucus, leading to a sinus infection. People who have this problem also suffer from sinus headaches very often, among other side effects of a sinus infection.
How can you prevent a sinus infection?
Prevention is always better than cure. Why go through a tough few weeks due to a sinus infection when you can reduce the chances of getting one!
By practising any of these, you can cut down the chances of getting a sinus infection. These preventive measures include:
#1 Avoid coming into contact with someone who has a common cold or the flu. Sanitize yourself properly in case you have come into contact with such an individual.
#2 Wash your hands properly after coming back home from outside. Also, make it a point to wash your hands before meals.
#3 If you have a case of allergies, adopt suitable home remedies or take the necessary medicines and vitamins to control them. Also, avoid places that have dust or pollen to prevent triggering your allergies.
#4 Avoid smoke of any kind. This could be emissions from vehicles or smoke from cigarettes. Tobacco smoke or emissions irritate the lungs and increase the chances of an infection. It is best to quit smoking if you have a habit of smoking tobacco.
#5 Invest in a humidifier for your homes. Humidifiers are machines that help to increase the moisture content in the surrounding environment. It helps to turn water in the air into a breathable vapor. If the air in your home is too dry, it obstructs the flow of air from your nose and sinuses, causing a blockage.
#6 Lower your salt intake when you have a sinus infection. This is because consuming too much salt dehydrates your body which further increases the blockage of your nasal passage.
#7 Avoid going for a swim when you have a sinus infection. The water will only add to the congestion in your sinus cavities.
Home remedy for sinus infection: 100% tried and tested practices you should start today!
If you are going through a terrible sinus infection, you should try one of the best home remedy for sinus infection. Instead of immediately taking prescription drugs to help with the infection, you should try a home remedy first. Most causes of a blocked sinus clear up with the help of a few simple sinus infection home remedy without having to consult a doctor.
Some of these remedies include the following:
#1 Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation is one of the best sinus infection home remedy that you can adopt. It involves using a neti pot or any container with a spout for irrigation. The steps for nasal irrigation include the following:
- The first step is to boil the water that you plan on using for the process. Do not use tap water directly as it might contain many germs and bacteria, which will only add to the bad condition of your sinuses. You can also use distilled water for nasal irrigation.
- Add half a tablespoon of non-iodized table salt and baking soda to the water and stir the mixture well.
- Transfer the boiled water to a neti pot, and wait for the water to cool down a bit before you begin the process of nasal irrigation.
- Start the process of rinsing your nose one at a time and continue till your nasal passages clear up.
After you are done with the process, be sure to clean the neti pot before keeping it away correctly. You can do a nasal irrigation process up to three times a day if you have a nasty case of a sinus infection. It is an entirely safe process.
#2 Steam treatments
Another highly effective sinus infection home remedy is steam inhalation. There are various ways through which you can do steam therapy at home. Some of these ways include the following:
- You can stand or sit in a running hot water shower and inhale the steam that is produced. This process helps in providing relief to the various symptoms of a sinus infection.
- You can invest in a vaporizer machine to do steam therapy. All you need to do is add clean water to the container and plug it in. You can also add essential oils like eucalyptus or clove oil to the water to provide more relief. These oils help in opening up the nasal passage.
- If you cannot do any of the above practices for steam inhalation, you can always go back to the traditional route!
Boil some water in a utensil till it is scalding hot. Carefully place the utensil at a safe distance. Tent a towel over yourself and the utensil and inhale the steam. This is one of the most commonly practised sinus infection home remedy. You can repeat this as many times in a day as you require.
#3 Hydrate yourself
Constantly consume as many fluids and water as possible to keep yourself hydrated. Hydrating yourself will help to thin out the mucus that has been collected in your nasal cavities. This will further help to drain out the blockage and helps to provide relief to a sinus infection. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol when you have a sinus infection as it causes dehydration.
#4 Hot water compress
A warm compress is another effective sinus infection home remedy. Applying a hot water compress all over your face shall help you provide relief to various symptoms of a sinus infection.
All you need to do is wet a soft cloth in warm water and dab it all over your face, or you can also use a hot water bag for this process. A hot water compress is especially beneficial in reducing the pressure and tenderness in the forehead, cheeks, and eyes.
You can use a warm compress on your face as often as you wish to, as it is an entirely safe sinus infection home remedy.
#5 Install a humidifier
Humidifiers are machines that add moisture to a room. This helps reduce the inflammation in the sinus cavities and helps in clearing out the nasal blockage. To derive the maximum benefit from a humidifier, place it as close to you as possible.
Also, always remember to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent bacteria and fungi build-up in the tank. It is advisable to clean the humidifier every day to avoid any added infection.
#6 Yoga poses as Sinus Infection Home Remedy
Yoga is an age-old Indian practice that gives you a solution for any problem at all. Needless to say, Yoga also has poses that are specifically meant to help with a sinus infection.
The reclined cobbler’s yoga pose is exceptionally beneficial in clearing out the sinuses. Here is how you can practice this pose:
- Place a rolled-up blanket or pillow under your back and lie down on the floor or your bed.
- Slowly bend both your knees and bring the soles of your feet together.
- Relax your arms by placing them on their side, and hold this pose for as long as possible.
- Slowly come out of this pose by rolling off the blanket or pillow under your back and rise to your side with the help of your hands.
Practicing this pose regularly shall help you not just master the pose but shall also prove to be beneficial in providing relief to your sinus infection.
#7 Change your sleeping posture
A blocked nose makes it extremely difficult for you to lie down straight as it just blocks the nose further. Instead of sleeping straight like you usually do, try sleeping in an elevated position. Prop up your head correctly with the help of some extra pillows.
Sleeping in an elevated position shall prevent the accumulation of mucus in your nasal cavities.
#8 Adopt a healthier diet
The importance of proper food and drink when you are ill cannot be overemphasized. If you are going through a sinus infection, the best thing you can do is add certain foods to your diet that have antibacterial properties.
Include garlic, ginger, and onions in your meal as they have antibacterial properties and help fight off the sinus infection. You can also consume ginger tea for added benefits.
Avoid spicy or fried food of any kind as it only triggers the sinus infection further.
#9 Rest
When you are ill, nothing helps you as much as a good night’s sleep or just getting enough rest. Getting adequate rest is required by your body to fight off the infection. So avoid any type of strenuous physical activities till the time you have a sinus infection. This will only make things worse for you.
If you are going through a sinus infection, following one or more of these home remedies shall help you provide relief to your condition. Taking over-the-counter drugs or prescribed medicines should always be kept as a last resort if you have a sinus infection. In most cases, the sinus infection home remedy is enough to clear the blockage.
#10 Essential Oils
There are a lot of essential oils that are a part of the sinus infection home remedy. These essential oils are made from natural extracts and help in providing relief to a sinus infection. The oils include:
- Tea tree oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Oregano oil
- Peppermint oil
- Thyme oil
These are a few oils that help in providing relief to the symptoms of a sinus infection. You can add these oils to a diffuser or the steam pot before steam inhalation. You can also massage them in the pressure points of your face for extra relief.
Sinus Infection Home Remedy: When to see a doctor?
If you can see your condition worsen with little or no improvement at all, you need to know that simply following a sinus infection home remedy will no longer help you. Knowing when to seek professional help shall help you avoid any serious complications in your situation.
If your condition has not improved in over ten days of you getting a sinus infection, or you have been observing the following, visit a doctor immediately!
#1 if you have a sinus infection repeatedly in a year
#2 If your symptoms have started to worsen
#3 If your body temperature is above 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees celsius
#4 If your infection has lasted for more than ten days
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to help control such a situation, along with one or more sinus infection home remedy. If this does not work, the doctor may order a few tests that you need to get done before he arrives at a decision. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe a CT scan for added investigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the different types of fluids you can consume as a part of a home remedy for sinus infection?
There is a reason why doctors emphasize the importance of drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. More than 50% of our body is made up of water and replenishing the water content in the body is of the essence.
Drinking fluids helps you stay hydrated and also helps in thinning the mucus that has pooled up in your sinuses. You can consume the following fluids throughout the day to help with a sinus infection.
- Water at room temperature
- Hot water with lemon, honey, and ginger
- Herbal teas that include ginger, cinnamon, or other herbs
- Chicken soup or any other soup
- Vegetable broth
- Apple cider vinegar with warm water
Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks or alcohol as they dehydrate your system and worsens your sinus infection.
Q2. What happens when you do not treat your sinus infection?
Treating your sinus infection at the right time is of utmost importance. If not treated, it can lead to severe medical complications. Some of these complications include the following:
- Excessive pain and discomfort
- Infection in the nasal bone
- Meningitis
- Brain abscess
If you want to avoid such complications and severities in your sinus infection, it is best to immediately start sinus infection home remedy.
Q3. What makes children so prone to a sinus infection?
There are many reasons why your child falls ill so much and so quickly. A sinus infection is a condition that troubles children as much as it troubles adults. Things that cause a sinus infection in children include the following:
- Catching an infection from other children at school or at the playground
- Weak immune system
- Allergies
- Smoke in their immediate environment from tobacco smoke or emissions from vehicles
- Unwashed pacifiers of babies
- Consuming any cold beverages
Q4. What are some of the not-so-common causes of a sinus infection?
Apart from everything we listed above, there are many other reasons too that cause a sinus infection. It is best to start a sinus infection home remedy immediately if you know you are undergoing any of these conditions. Some of the causes of a sinus infection include:
- Common cold or flu
- Hay fever
- Asthma
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Changes in air pressure
Take extra care of yourself if you are suffering from any of these conditions, as it makes you more prone to a sinus infection.
Conclusion
A sinus infection is a significant inconvenience and leaves you feeling all weak and tired. Following the right course of treatment and employing a few home remedies in your daily life can help you combat a sinus infection before it turns into anything serious.
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Although natural remedies take more time to show results than antibiotics, it is an ideal course of action that you can take for the overall health of your bodies. Most of these home remedies for sinus infections are free from side effects of any kind and help you by strengthening your immune system too.
When you are going through a sinus infection, make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated!
