Nasal Irrigation With Sodium Bicarbonate
This home remedy for sinus infection involves the use of sodium bicarbonate, which can be an excellent option for relieving nasal congestion, reducing inflammation and eliminating secretion that caused plugged or runny noses. Sodium bicarbonate prevents the growth of bacteria in the sinuses and treats dryness within the nose, allowing for mucus to become looser.
Ingredients
- 1 nasal irrigator or a 20 ml syringe without the needle
- 1 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate
- 1 cup of warm water
How to prepare
Mix the water with the sodium bicarbonate until fully dissolved and place in the irrigator or syringe. Lean your body forward, with your head tilted slightly to the side. Place the irrigator or syringe in the nostril and press until the solution comes out of the other nostril. It is important to open and breathe through your mouth while performing a nasal rinse.
You can repeat this 2 to 3 times per day in each nostril.
Another way to rinse your sinuses is to use 0.9% saline, which can be prepared at home with warm water and salt.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Sinus Infection
The terms sinus infection and sinusitis are often used interchangeably, but sinusitis simply refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, with or without an infection. The medical term for sinusitis is rhinosinusitis because the illness affects the mucous membranes in both the sinuses and nose. Sinus infections ultimately develop because of sinus and nasal blockages that result in sinus inflammation. There are several underlying causes of sinus blockage, including various environmental, anatomical, and genetic factors. But the most common cause of the blockage is inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages because of the common cold or allergies. when a blockage occurs, mucus fails to drain properly, increases in thickness, and fills the sinus spaces. The cilia also slow down their sweeping and cleaning, making it even harder for mucus to drain. When the mucus is unable to drain, it becomes the perfect medium for microbes to grow out of control and cause an infection.
Over The Counter Medications
For help alleviating sinus pressure and pain, try ibuprofen and a decongestant. Some medications include a combination of pain reliever and decongestant.
Mild antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra are helpful in moderation. Strong antihistamines like Benadryl are often way too drying. Be careful not to take antihistamines too often.
Even though you want your nose to stop running, too many antihistamines can make it more likely that youll get sinus infections in the future.
Drugs like Mucinex and Flonase can also be helpful in thinning the mucus in your nose and sinuses.
If you use Afrin, make sure you stop after three days. Though it can seem like a miracle drug, using it more than three days in a row can lead to something called rebound congestion. In other words, when you stop using the Afrin after continuous use, your nose becomes more congested than it was in the first place!
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Mint Juice With Nettle
A good home remedy for allergic sinusitis is drinking mint juice with nettle. This mixture contains anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and decongestant properties that help to reduce sinus irritation and eliminate secretions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of coconut water
- 1 tablespoon of eucalyptus honey
How to prepare
Cook the nettle leaves in a pot of boiling water. Then place the cooked leaves in a blender with the mint, coconut water and honey, and blend until you achieve a homogenous mixture. You can drink this 2 times per day, between meals.
It is important to cook the nettle leaves before using them, as nettle can cause an allergic reaction .
How To Get Rid Of Sinus Infections In 24 Hours
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This safe and simple sinus infection treatment can be done in the comfort of the office with our Board Certified Otolaryngologist, Dr. Brian Lee. The procedure gently inflates the sinus cavity to clear the blockage and restore the natural flow from the body. If you would like to know more about balloon sinuplasty and how to cure sinus infections permanently, schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward real and lasting sinus infection relief.
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Herbal Tea For Sinus Infection
Cayenne Pepper Tea
- A cup of boiling water
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Have three cups of ginger tea in a day.
Why This Works
The high level of antioxidant activity demonstrated by ginger makes it an effective home remedy to treat sinus infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the swelling and irritation in the nasal passages. It is also antimicrobial in nature and hence, will clear out the sinus infection .
Green Tea
- 2 teaspoons green tea leaves or green tea bag
- A cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
Honey and lemon are good additions to enhance the flavor of this herbal tea.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink three to four cups of green tea in a day.
Why This Works
Green tea is touted as one of the best herbal teas. Its high antioxidant content and healing powers make it a go-to home remedy for most ailments. It is also effective when it comes to treating sinusitis .
Note: Green tea does contain caffeine but only 1/3rd to ½ of that in regular tea.
Home Remedies For Treating Chronic Sinusitis
If you have ever had a sinus infection, then you have experienced sinusitis. There are two different types of sinusitis- acute and chronic sinusitis. Firstly, with acute sinusitis your symptoms occur for less than four weeks, and is usually easier to diagnose and treat. However, with chronic sinusitis symptoms and inflammation last for at least 8-12 weeks. The difference in time is a key way to identify whether you are suffering with acute or chronic sinusitis.
Some of the shared sinusitis symptoms you may experience include:
Congested or runny nose
Having sinus infections can be difficult to deal with. Even the simplest tasks can turn into a painful chore. Luckily, there are a few at home methods that can help ease the painful symptoms that chronic sinusitis brings.
Steam- Helping keep your sinuses moist and hydrated can help to relieve the pressure. Taking hot showers regularly and leaning over a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes are great ways to keep your sinuses hydrated.
Over the Counter Medications – Sometimes home remedies dont completely relieve the symptoms, so decongestants can help come to your rescue. These medications may help to relieve the symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and improves drainage from the sinuses. Be sure to ask your pharmacist which OTC they recommend as there are specific medications for those with high blood pressure and sinus irritation due to allergies.
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Horseradish For Sinus Relief
You Will Need
½ â 1 teaspoon grated horseradish
What You Have To Do
Freshly grate the horseradish and take the above-mentioned amount of it.
How Often You Should Do This
Take this thrice a day.
Why This Works
Horseradish is an antimicrobial agent that will eliminate the bacteria or fungus causing the sinus infection .
Caution
Do not ingest more than the recommended quantity as excess horseradish can cause stomachache and vomiting.
Suggested Home Remedies For Sinus Problems:
If youve had sinusitis, you know how it feels. There is pressure between the eyes and forehead, headache, and a blocked nose.1 It can be pretty inconvenient and can cause a lot of discomforts. However, there are a few natural home remedies listed below that you can try to rid yourself of these symptoms.
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What Is A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a common problem that causes your sinuses to swell up. The sinuses become inflamed and cause symptoms that can be similar to the common cold. In fact, many people can contract a sinus infection after having a cold or the flu.
Around 31 million Americans are affected by sinusitis, spending more than $1 billion each year on medications to treat it. However, there are several home remedies for sinus infections that you can try that are cheap and effective.
Sinus infections are usually caused by a bacterial infection, but they can also be caused by viruses or fungi. These infections can either be acute or chronic. Acute infections usually go away in two or three weeks, but chronic sinusitis can last for up to 12 weeks or longer.
Your sinus cavities have a layer of mucus that helps to trap substances like dust and germs. When the lining becomes inflamed from a viral infection, like sinusitis or a cold, it swells. This swelling forces mucus to get stuck in the sinuses, which prevents normal drainage. When this happens, bacteria and fungi can start to grow in the blocked-up fluid, causing a sinus infection.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Pain, pressure, and tenderness around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks
There are several home remedies and treatments that you can try for sinus infections.
Home remedies
Medications
There are also some over-the-counter medications that you can try to help relieve your symptoms.
Should I Go To An Ent For A Sinus Infection
For a sinus infection, you dont need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist initially unless your symptoms do not go away with regular treatment from a general practitioner. If your symptoms do not go away, your general practitioner can send a referral for you to see an ENT specialist. In general, you should consider seeing an ENT specialist if you feel that you are relying too heavily on antibiotics without apparent success, if surgery has been recommended, or if you would like a second opinion about the need for surgery. If you are dealing with a sinus infection, we recommend that you come and see one of our board-certified physicians at Oak Park Urgent Care! They can evaluate your symptoms, provide treatment, and determine if seeing an ENT specialist is necessary. Other signs that likely warrant the expertise of an ENT specialist include the following:
- Balance problems or dizziness
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Natural Remedies For Chronic Sinusitis Relief
What is a person to do when the symptoms of a sinus infection – headaches, sinus pressure, congestion in the head, and possibly fever and malaise, continue on for weeks, or even months in spite of treatment? Many Earth Clinic readers have shared the tried and true natural treatments they have found to cure chronic sinusitis.
Cures for chronic sinus infections include apple cider, herbs, coconut oil, and vitamin supplements. It is also important to use remedies that will reduce inflammation in the body to help heal inflammation in the sinus cavities. Remedies to strengthen an immune system that has been overworked for weeks or months are also important.
Common Causes Of Chronic Sinusitis
- Nasal polyps: These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
- Deviated nasal septum: A disfigured septum may restrict sinus passages
- Certain medical conditions: The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases.
- Respiratory tract infections: Infections in your respiratory tract can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage.
- Allergies: Inflammation may persist due to allergies.
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How To Treat A Sinus Infection
Sinus infection or sinusitis can occur by various factors. In some cases, the cold-causing virus is responsible, while bacteria cause others. Some air-borne allergens or pollutants can make you have an infection too. Depending on the causes and how long do sinus infections last, the infections are mainly of two types-
- Acute sinus infection: If any virus causes the infection, it usually goes away in 10-14 days. This type is known as Acute sinusitis. But in some cases, bacteria gets developed into congested sinuses. Then it can last five weeks, making it subacute sinusitis.
- Chronic sinus infection: In some cases, its hard to know how to treat a Sinus Infection as a virus or bacteria are not involved in that sinus infection. Any fungus can be involved in those cases. Any structural problem can also develop a sinus infection. These infections last even more than 3 months. They are known as chronic sinusitis.
See A Doctor Immediately If You Have The Following Signs Or Symptoms
- Fever or swelling or redness around your eyes
- Severe headache, or forehead, confusion
- Double vision or other vision changes
- Stiff neck, or nasal polyps
Sinusitis and other sinus problems can be cured easily if identified in time. Seek treatment immediately to make sure your recovery period is as short as possible.
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Should You Visit A Specialist
If your sinus infection just wont go away or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. An ENT treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck. It may be time to see an ENT if:
- Youve completed several courses of antibiotics without success
- Your doctor suspects nasal polyps or another blockage of the nasal cavity
- You have chronic sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks
Living with a sinus infection is miserable and living with a sinus infection for weeks on end is worse. Contact your doctor or an ENT to get the treatment you need.
Drinking Liquids Help Ease Sinus Pain And Loosens Congestion
Staying hydrated keeps your sinuses moist so you feel better, and it also decreases the thickness of sinus mucus so it flows out more easily, Del Signore says.
Everyone is guilty of not drinking enough water, he says, recommending people get from six to eight 8-ounces glasses every day.
Steer clear of too many caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration.
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Treatment For Sinusitis From A Gp
If you have sinusitis, a GP may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:
- steroid nasal sprays or drops â to reduce the swelling in your sinuses
- antihistamines â if an allergy is causing your symptoms
- antibiotics â if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms and you’re very unwell or at risk of complications
You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds.
A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist if, for example, you:
- still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
- keep getting sinusitis
- only have symptoms on 1 side of your face
They may also recommend surgery in some cases.
Whats Happening In My Body
Most sinus infections come from colds that start in the nose.
A lot of sinus infections are caused by coronaviruses.
These viruses replicate in the nose. Your immune system then kicks off an inflammatory response to help kill the virus. This can cause swelling in the sinuses, leading to your symptoms.
Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections dont respond to antibiotics and usually just need to run their course. But you dont have to take it lying down!
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Supporting The Immune System
If your body is dealing with a chronic infection, likely your immune system needs some support. 1,000 mg of Vitamin C several times a day will be a help. Elderberry syrup or astragalus root are two herbal supplements to help the immune system. Keep dairy products, sugar and processed foods to a minimum to help the immune system work better and keep mucous production down.
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Do These Things Work For Kids
Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults!
Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children.
Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial.
A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose.
A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness.
Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror!
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Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
What Types Of Home Remedies Are Available To Treat And Prevent Sinusitis
Home Remedy #1: Inhale Steam
One of the most common symptoms of a sinus infection is a swollen nasal passage, causing congestion and difficulty breathing. A safe and natural way to break up excess mucus and reduce inflammation is to inhale steam. You can create steam from going into your bathroom, shutting the door, running the hot water in the bath or shower, and then breathing in the hot vapors for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes air quality and temperature levels may be out your control awareness of temperature and humidity levels can defend against infection.
Home Remedy #2: Buy an Air Purifier
An air purifier is a device that filters air by removing tiny particles of dirt and bacteria.The most effective type of air purifier is a HEPA purifier. Exposing yourself to clean, purified air will reduce your chances of contracting a sinus infection. Make sure to put your air purifier in the room that you spend the most time in such as your living room or bedroom. HEPA air purifiers can be purchased at any home goods store. Dont forget to change the filter regularly, as an unclean purifier can have the opposite effect releasing once-filtered bacteria and dust back into the air.
Home Remedy #3: Irrigate your sinuses
Tip: Make sure you have first removed all of the air from the syringe before placing it into the solution. The key is to create a vacuum so that you are able to fully fill the bulb with the saline mixture.
Home Remedy #4: Warm Washcloths
Home Remedy #5: Drink Fluids
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