An acute sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become inflamed and filled with fluid. While symptoms may be painful and itchy, there are natural treatments that can help alleviate the discomfort.
Drink plenty of water to thin mucus so it drains more effectively, or inhale steam from hot showers or kettles for additional relief.
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water can help thin the mucus and facilitate drainage, as well as helping clear sinus congestion. Be wary of drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks which can aggravate symptoms further.
Sinus infections can be brought on by anything from allergies, smoking and pollution to the common cold and temperature fluctuations - or anything that causes tissue swelling in the sinuses to cause blockage of airflow through these channels. A warm compress may provide temporary relief while inhaling steam from a running shower will provide even greater benefit. To combat any pain and pressure brought on by sinus infections, consider indulging in warm compress therapy or inhaling steam from sitting atop of tub while the shower runs.
2. Inhale steam
Warm steam can help moisten dry mucus membranes and thin the phlegm, making coughing easier. Furthermore, warm steam may soothe inflamed sinus passages.
Warm fluids like tea and broth-rich soups may help thin phlegm and keep you hydrated while combatting an infection.
Utilising a neti pot or other form of nasal irrigation to flush excess phlegm out of your nose has proven an effective method for treating sinus infections, according to UK researchers. They noted, however, that brief advice to use the technique had less of an effect than previously shown by prior studies.
3. Eat spicy foods
Addicting spicy foods can help drain sinuses. Red chili and cloves contain capsaicin, which helps open sinuses by increasing tear production and mucus flow.
Onions have the ability to stimulate nasal passages and drain sinuses. As natural antihistamines and vitamins A and C sources, onions may provide relief.
Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and refined flour foods as these will likely increase mucus production, in favor of hot liquids like soup or broth that soothe nasal passages while thin out mucus production.
4. Eat a healthy diet
An acute sinus infection can have devastating effects on daily life. While over-the-counter decongestants and cold and allergy medications may provide some relief, you could also try some natural remedies that can reduce symptoms more effectively.
Drink plenty of water to maintain moist mucous membranes, helping the sinuses drain more freely. Try to consume foods containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as ginger and turmeric; both spices have anti-inflammatory properties as well as being rich in antioxidants. In addition, antihistamines may help reduce histamine production which causes most symptoms associated with sinus infections.
5. Get plenty of rest
An uncomfortable sinus infection usually resolves itself without antibiotics; however, there are things you can do to ease symptoms and hasten recovery.
Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages that can worsen congestion, like coffee and sodas. Rinse nasal passages using saline spray or neti pot. Inhaling steam and increasing humidity may help relieve discomfort while secondhand smoke and harsh cleaning products should be avoided as potential irritants.
6. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Sinus inflammation can lead to infection. When these sinuses swell, they trap mucus that needs to drain away and prevents it from doing so - leaving bacteria and fungi free reign to form within its confines.
Drinking lots of water can help thin mucus and promote drainage. Eating spicy foods such as horseradish or wasabi may also provide relief, while some over-the-counter pain relievers contain antihistamines to help alleviate sinus pain.
7. Get plenty of sleep
Rest is key in helping the body recover from an infection, and staying home with comfortable beds will ease sinus pressure that causes fatigue.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime as these may disrupt sleep. Caffeine dehydrates you while alcohol may worsen congestion by irritating sinuses.
No one knows for certain why sinus symptoms worsen at night, but it could be related to changes in blood flow and pressure. A humidifier or inhaling steam could provide some relief.
8. Try a clay poultice
Sinus infections may be either viral or bacterial in nature; most commonly caused by mucus buildup which irritates sinus passageways and encourages bacteria growth. Thankfully, there are various home remedies which can soothe irritated sinus passageways while alleviating headaches and pain associated with them.
Drink plenty of water and hot tea to thin mucus and support drainage, while limiting alcohol and caffeinated drinks that could increase congestion. Warm and cool compresses placed around your nose and face can reduce inflammation and aid natural drainage.
