Sinus home remedies

I think I have a sinus infection.... Any home remedies?
(25 Jan 2008)

Sinusitis refers to a condition where the sinuses (nasal) passages become inflamed, swollen, and painful. This is a fairly common condition; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 35 million Americans are affected by sinusitis each year. In most cases, this is caused by the common cold virus, and all the symptoms disappear once the viral infection has run its course, usually in a fortnight.

However, in your case, the build-up of mucous in the sinus has led to a secondary infection. This is referred to as acute sinusitis, and is typically causes by bacteria. Some people do get fungal infections as well, but this is uncommon. Unless you have an immune system disorder, you probably do not have a fungal infection.

You must have already experienced common symptoms such as blocked nasal passages causing difficulty in breathing, some swelling around the nose and eyes, and a throbbing headache. These are all symptoms of acute sinusitis, and can be easily treated with over-the-counter antibiotics and home remedies. However, if your sinusitis lasts for more than two months, keeps recurring, or if you notice any greenish discharge from the nose, you may have chronic sinusitis. This will require a visit to a doctor, since the bacteria may have become resistant to normal antibiotics. You could be prescribed stronger medication such as oral steroids. In the most serious cases, a surgery may be performed to enlarge the opening of the sinuses and clear any blockages.

In the case of acute sinusitis, try using a salt water solution in a squeeze bottle to literally rinse out the excess mucous from the nasal passages. If this is not possible, simply steam out the sinuses by covering your head with a towel as you bend over a bowl of steaming water. Adding some peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the hot water will also help relieve the symptoms. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, use a hot compress over the area. Drinking plenty of water also helps in sinusitis, since this keeps the mucous liquid and easy to expel. Avoid strong cold medication, since they may dry up the mucous and make the condition worse. Maintain humidity at home; dry air will also dry out the mucous. Air pollution and secondhand smoke will irritate your sinuses and slow down the healing process; if you smoke, this is a great time to quit! At night, sleep with your head elevated to help drain out the nasal passages.

answered by M W on 6 Apr 2010, 6:45:25

A sinus inflammation, also called sinusitis, is an infection of the sinus cavities of the face. These cavities are located at the beginning of each eyebrow, the bridge of the nose, and half an inch away from each nostril. These cavities are air-filled sacs. Their role is in counter acting the weight of the skull, and also in humidifying and warming the air we breathe before it is sent downward into the lungs. When an invading pathogen gets into these cavities, the body’s immune system detects this pathogen and starts a characteristic inflammation of the area, thereby, causing sinusitis.

The inflammatory response of the immune system causes the secretion of mucus and swells the area. With the swelling comes pain and if the infection goes out of control, the color of the mucus may turn into different shades of yellow. In its worst case of infection, a fungus could populate the area and destroy the flesh causing the entire face to collapse after the mucus is surgically drained out. This is the main reason why it is advisable to treat sinusitis caused by an infection as soon as possible. The presence of mucus is to localize the infection and ensure that the invading pathogen does not affect other parts of the respiratory tract as well. In the course of a sinusitis episode, one could end up with blocked ears and a sore throat as the infection moves further down in a condition called nasal drip.

To deal with this condition of sinusitis, one would have to reduce the inflammation in the area and fight off the infection as well. Modern medicine would use drugs like analgesics and antibiotics together to fight off the infection and inflammation. The very same thing can be done by following simple home remedies as well. Ginger is very useful for dealing with respiratory tract infections and can be added to tea and drunk three times a day. This reduces inflammation and allows you some time to rest and breathe through the nose. In addition to this, garlic taken in the diet is a natural antibiotic and antifungal medicine. This can be added to soup while it is still raw for maximum effect. Steam inhalation should also be attempted by standing over some hot water and breathing in the vapors through the mouth and exhaling through the nose. This can give substantial relief if followed over the course of a week.

answered by G M on 24 Sep 2009, 12:31:08

Sinus home remedies

An application of fine cinnamon powder and a little water made into a thick paste should be applied on the forehead in the even of sinusitis to relieve you of the symptoms of headache and exposure to cold air. Steam is extremely beneficial during such times to help unblock stuffy nose and sore throat. For an effective result, try putting in a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil in the steam inhalation. Eucalyptus medicinal properties will help relive the congestion faster and more effectively. A substitute to cinnamon paste application is a thick spread made from dry ginger powder in a little milk or water on the fore head.

Another alternative coating for the forehead would be with a paste made from a handful of freshly ground basil leaves with 4 cloves and a teaspoon of dried ginger.

For immediate relief in the sinus affected areas, a mix of essential oils works wonders. Take a drop of eucalyptus oil, a drop of tea tree oil, and one drop of pine oil together and warm it slightly. Add these oils to around 3 - 4 cups of hot water. Take a clean cloth, dip it in the water and use the cloth as a hot compress over the affected areas, but remember to close your eyes closed and keep your head elevated on a pillow while doing so.

answered by C B on 1 Feb 2008, 4:44:59

Sinus home remedies

I think I have a sinus infection.... Any home remedies? (25 Jan 2008)

I think I have a sinus infection.... Any home remedies?
(25 Jan 2008)