Sinus Infection - Natural Treatment

Sinus infection or sinusitis is one of the most common infections that people get in USA. Sinuses are cavities in the nasal passages. The infection is due to the inflammation of these cavities within the nasal passages. It can be caused by allergy, bacteria, virus or fungus. There are mostly two types of sinusitis, acute and chronic.

There are four pairs of sinus cavities, frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid. These air cavities open to the nose by tiny holes These sinus cavities are lined by mucus-secreting cells. The functions of these cavities are warming and humidifying of the inspired air. Infection of sinus causes swelling, excessive mucus production and blockage of the holes to the nasal passage.

Symptoms of sinus infection

Headache

Nasal stuffiness

Pressure in the sinuses

Pain in the sinuses

Facial tenderness

Fever

Nasal discharge

Diagnosis and treatment
Sinus infection is diagnosed by symptoms and examination by a health care person.

Decongestants

At the early stage, it is usually treated with decongestants, Tylenol and mucolytics.
When these symptoms persist for more than one week and not responding to decongestants, it is considered a bacterial infection which needs treatment with antibiotics.

Nasal sprays

One of the most effective treatment for sinus congestion or allergy symptoms is Nasalcrom nasal spray. It works by blocking mast cell to release histamin. It relieves the congestion immediately without any drowsiness. It can found over-the-counter or online. It helped me while I had severe sinus congestion due to allergy.

Another very effective nasal spray is Sinus Blaster. It has cayene in it and works by making the mucus loose and drain from the sinus. At the beginning there is little tingling sensation due to the cayene. But it works within a minute and drains all the mucus.

Natural remedies for sinusitis

Here are some Natural remedies that will help to ease or cure the sinus symptoms:

Rest and fluid
Take plenty of rest to promote healing. Resting during any infection boosts immune system and fight the infection. Drinking plenty of fluid helps to hydrate the body, makes the mucus thin and drain out.

Humidifier
Putting a humidifier in the bedroom will prevent the drying out of the air. It will clear the nasal and sinus passages, and make breathing easier with more humid air.

Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam from a hot water bowl will clear the nasal passages. Adding few drops of Eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water and inhaling over this will be more beneficial.

Hot soup
Drinking a hot soup made with cayenne pepper, onion, garlic and some vegetables will clear the sinus passages and make the mucus drain from the sinus cavities. This is the easiest way to clear sinus.

Thyme
Add one to two teaspoon of thyme in a cup of boiling water and drink this three times a day. This will clear up the infection. Thyme has antiseptic properties that will kill the bacteria.

Blowing nose
Blowing out the nostrils, one at a time will clear up the mucus in the sinus.

Nasal irrigation
Spraying normal saline into the nostrils will help loosen the mucus and drain the mucus. It can be done using salt water too.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to a glass of water and drink this water three to four times a day. This will clear the sinus congestion rapidly.

Lemon Juice
Eating a mixture of one teaspoon lemon juice, half teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of horseradish will help reduce mucus buildup and draining it.

Massaging the face
This is another way of clearing the sinus congestion. Massaging the areas near the nose and below the eyes can help drainage and relieve the pain.

Warming the hands
Warming the hands over a medium hot stove or heater will help clear the sinus pressure. This is a very effective method of relieving sinus pressure.

Removing dust
Cleaning the house thoroughly is very important as it will clear the dust and reduce allergy symptoms which causes sinus infection. Avoid inhaling cigarette smoke or other fumes.

Homeopathic

Sinus Buster is a very good homeopathic spray for clearing sinus congestion. It has capsaicin which is an ingredient of cayenne pepper which dilates the blood vessels and relieves sinus congestion.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical help. Please consult your doctor before applying these.