Home remedies for sinus infection

Ten home remedies to relieve sinus pain and pressure

A sinus infection has similar symptoms to a common cold. The big difference between the two is how long those symptoms linger. Sinusitis symptoms typically last no longer than 10 days. Chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer.

Sinus infections almost always get better on their own. Antibiotics won’t help a sinus infection caused by a virus or an airborne irritation, like secondhand smoke. But there are some things you can do to try to speed up the recovery process.

1. Drink plenty of water

To help flush the virus out of your system, make sure you’re adequately hydrated. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water every 2 hours.

2. Eat foods with antibacterial properties

To fight the virus, add antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, and onions to your meals.

You can also try drinking ginger tea. Add raw honey for an extra boost. Honey is packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

3. Add moisture

Keeping your sinuses hydrated can help relieve pressure. Here are some tips to for hydrated sinuses:

• During the day and before bed, use natural saline nasal sprays which have been prescribed by your doctor or ENT specialist. These can be purchased from your local drugstore and used several times a day to help break up congestion. Avoid sprays that contain Oxymetazoline because you can become dependent on this spray.
• Expose your sinuses to steam. Take regular hot showers and breathe in the damp air. You can also fill a bowl with boiling water and lean over it for 10 minutes. Cover both your head and the bowl with a thick towel. Keep your nose 10 inches above the water.

4. Use a Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation is a process often used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. According to recent research, using a neti pot with a saline solution can get rid of some symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Follow the directions supplied with your specific neti pot. Here are general directions:

1. Fill the pot with the saline solution.
2. Incline your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle.
3. Insert the spout of the pot into your top nostril. Carefully pour the saline solution down that nostril.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

Be careful to sanitize your neti pot after every use. Only used distilled water. Water straight from the sink may have contaminants, like bacteria or parasites, which could make your condition worse.

5. Ease facial pain with warm compresses

Applying moist, warm heat may help soothe sinus pain. Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks, and eyes to ease facial pain. This will also help clear the nasal passages from the outside.

6. Take Rest

It takes time to get over sinusitis. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.

7. Steam

Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm (not too hot!) water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.

8. C is key

Up your intake of vitamin C. This may help fight off sinus infection faster, reduce sinus inflammation and relieve the duration of a sinus infection or cold symptoms.

9. Know your triggers

Know what can trigger a cold or sinus infection and be prepared. Start taking an antihistamine prior to allergy season or use a Neti pot right away at the onset of a cold.

10. Spice

Eat spicy foods to help clear your nasal passages.