Sinus Infection Home Remedies Recommended By A Doctor
Philip Scolaro, MD
You probably dont give too much thought to your ability to breathe through your nose until you wake up with a sinus infection and that ability is gone!
Sinus infections, sometimes called acute sinusitis, can steal your joy pretty quickly.
A lot of viruses start with nasal symptoms. If you have a scratchy throat, congestion, and a runny nose, youve probably got a virus on your hands.
Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infections
If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from sinus infections, then you understand how the coughing, sore throat, headaches, and lack of sleep can make life truly difficult. These symptoms result in lost productivity at work, missed opportunities at home, and a significant decrease in your quality of life.
As a result, you may have found yourself seeking to alleviate your symptoms with over-the-counter medications to no avail. You may even feel stuck in an endless cycle of infection, medication, and frustration that leaves you desperately searching for real solutions. Even when OTC medications provide temporary relief from symptoms, they may result in any number of unwelcomed side effects such as:
Look Into Nasal Sprays
Store-bought saline nasal spray loosens up mucus, temporarily clearing it from your nasal passages. But, be wary of decongestant nasal sprays, like oxymetazoline. Using them for longer than three days could cause rebound symptoms persistent stuffiness eased only by the spray itself. Dryness and addiction are also possibilities.
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Neti Pot With Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this daily.
Why This Works
The neti pot thins the mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passage. Tea tree oil opens up the sinuses and relieves sinus pressure and nasal congestion.
These home remedies and preventive measures do not guarantee a 100% cure from sinusitis for life, but they can give you relief from your current infection. Make sure you take proper measures to protect yourself from burns while taking steam inhalation as too much direct contact with steam can and will cause severe burns. With all the above-mentioned home remedies, taking ample rest and a lot of fluids is a constant. Certain allergies, nasal growths like polyps, and fungal infections can lead to recurrent sinus infections and need medical attention to prevent complications. We hope you will definitely find the home remedy for sinusitis that works best for you.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask you a lot of questions in order to develop a detailed medical history and find out about your symptoms. They will also do a physical examination. During the exam, your care provider will check your ears, nose and throat for any swelling, draining or blockage. An endoscope may be used to look inside the nose. In some cases, you might be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If you needed an imaging exam, your provider would order a computed tomography scan.
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Do You Need Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection
A viral sinus infection will likely resolve itself on its own, but it can take a few weeks to do so. If the sinus infection is caused by bacteria, it is likely to need antibiotics in order to resolve. But antibiotics arent a cure-all. They will not cure a sinus infection that was caused by a virus or an irritant in the air.
Foods To Quickly Relieve Sinus Congestion
There are a number of ways to help relieve sinus congestion, including hovering over a pot of hot water or taking over-the-counter medications. However, for quick relief, sometimes the best medicine is food!
Spicy foods:Everyone knows that spicy foods like hot peppers can clear sinuses. Capsaicin is a chemical found in spicy foods that causes a burning sensation when in contact with bodily tissues. Capsaicin irritates mucous membranes, which results in a runny nose, thereby softening any nasal obstruction.
Pineapple: Pineapple is a great decongestant because it contains the enzymes called bromelain. Bromelain breaks down the junk that builds up in the sinuses and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Horseradish: Horseradish has many health benefits that are attributed to its high nutrient and mineral content. Horseradish can help clear the sinus passages and ease mucus from the upper respiratory passages.
Garlic: Garlic is a versatile spice that goes well with almost anything. Similar to the benefits of peppers, garlic helps reduce inflammation and pain in the sinus passages.
Antioxidant-rich foods: Antioxidant-rich foods, such as citrus, kiwi, spinach, berries and other vegetables help protect the mucous membranes from free radical damage. Such antioxidant-rich foods are also loaded with vitamins and minerals.
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When It Comes And When It Goes
If you have allergies, you’ll start feeling symptoms soon after you come into contact with the stuff you’re allergic to. Your symptoms keep up as long as you’re still surrounded by those triggers.
Allergies can happen any time of year. They may be “seasonal,” which means you get them only in the spring or fall. Or they may be year-round. For instance, you might be allergic to pets or mold, which can be a problem no matter the season.
Sinusitis usually happens after you’ve had a cold or allergies. But certain symptoms will keep going, even after your cold goes away. You’ll probably have a stuffy nose and cough for more than a week or two.
You may hear your doctor talk about two kinds of sinusitis: “acute” and “chronic.” There’s a simple way to tell them apart. If your symptoms last less than 4 weeks, it’s acute. If they go on for 3 months or longer, you have chronic sinusitis.
How You Can Treat Sinusitis Yourself
You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:
- getting plenty of rest
- taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
- cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion
If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose.
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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 youâre 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.
How Can I Avoid Future Sinus Infections
Once youve had a nasty sinus infection, you wont want to relive the experience. To help prevent them from occurring again, get your annual flu shot and steer clear of people with colds or the flu. Use your humidifier. Live as healthfully as you can get sufficient sleep, reduce stress and eat a wholesome diet with plenty of whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and if you do smoke, take steps to quit. Last, but not least, always wash your hands.
Ultimately, sinusitis is a painful and revolting nuisance. But approaching them with these smart strategies could save you a world of hurt.
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Food Allergies That Cause Sinus Problems
It would help if you also looked for foods that trigger allergies.
A report has suggested that food allergies may increase mucous production and inflammation in the sinuses. It can lead to sinuses symptoms such as sinus pressure or postnasal drip.
While food allergies are not confined to certain foods, irrespective of what you eat, it depends upon individual health conditions and present medical reports.
The bottom line:
Adding proper food to your diet is an excellent solution to alleviates your sinus symptoms.
You can go through the above listed best foods for sinus infection. It can help you in the treatment of sinus infections and heal you from sinusitis.
If your sinus infection persists for a longer time, then the doctor may prescribe you antibiotics. But, taking antibiotics may do much more harm than good to your body.
You can take antibiotics only when it is of utmost necessity. Most of the cases dont need antibiotics at all to treat sinus infections. It is always good to consult your doctor in some unlikely situation.
Also, most of the sinus infection responds well to natural remedies. In the initial stage of sinusitis, you should go through the home remedies necessary to treat sinus infections.
Remember, natural remedies are effective, affordable, and easy to do in the comfort of your home.
What Are The Different Types Of Sinuses Near The Nose And Eyes
The paranasal sinuses are located in your head near your nose and eyes. They are named after the bones that provide their structure.
- The ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.
- The maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.
- The sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.
- The frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.
The biggest sinus cavity is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities that most often becomes infected.
There are different types of sinusitis:
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms . It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.
- Chronic sinusitis: This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.
- Subacute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms last four to twelve weeks.
- Recurrent acute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.
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How To Cure A Sinus Infection
Sinus infections impact the lives of millions of Americans just like you. Together, we spend billions of dollars each year in over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat difficult symptoms. It is responsible for more than 16 million doctor visits that take away valuable time from work, friends, and family. The good news is that you donât have to continue suffering. There are cures for sinusitis that are safe, affordable, and ready for you.
How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Does it feel like your sinus infection just wont quit? If you experience at least two of the following for 12 weeks or more even though youve been treated it may be chronic sinusitis:
- Discharge of mucus or postnasal drip
- Pain or pressure in your face
- Problems with smell
Chronic sinus infections can be triggered by colds but are typically caused by long-term inflammation. Sometimes, when treatments to control that inflammation fail, people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to drain their mucus.
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What Is A Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis
Inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose is referred to as sinusitis. Sinusitis can be caused by infection , but also can be caused by allergy and chemical irritation of the sinuses. A sinus infection occurs when a virus, bacterium, or fungus grows within a sinus.
Sinusitis is one of the more common conditions that can afflict people throughout their lives. Sinusitis commonly occurs when environmental pollens irritate the nasal passages, such as with hay fever. Sinusitis can also result from irritants, such as chemicals or the use and/or abuse of over-the-counter nasal sprays, and illegal substances that may be snorted or inhaled through the nose. About 30 million adults have âsinusitis.â Colds differ from sinusitis and are only caused by viruses and last about seven to 10 days while sinusitis may have many different causes , and usually last longer with more pronounced and variable symptoms.
Include Horseradish In Your Diet
Horseradish is an integral part of folk medicine and is native to Russia and Hungary. It is quite popular in a condiment and also has a much longer history as a medicine.
Herbalists use horseradish roots and leaves for centuries to treat sinusitis, asthma, arthritis, and cancer.
Moreover, horseradish contains compounds such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates.
These compounds help to fight against bacterial and fungal infections and also improve any breathing problems.
It stimulates mucus drainage and eases sinus pressure. Also, it reduces the inflammation of frontal sinuses and helps in the opening of blocked sinuses.
In a recent study, it is effective in reducing the symptoms of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in children and the adult population.
However, when you eat, it has a tingling sensation in your nasal area and reduces mucus secretion.
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Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infection
Whether you got a single sinus infection or got a recurrent sinusitis, the pain and the pressure on your face is just enough to send you to the medication. But you dont need to do so as there are many best natural remedies for sinus infection available with us that too at an affordable price range or at free of cost.Ancient civilizations have used numerous natural home remedies for sinus infection.Best home remedy for sinus infection are available from our daily kitchen stuff turmeric, garlic, onion, mustard seeds, cinnamon to oregano oil.These are clearly explained in reverse chronological order below. Please check them out.
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Do I Need Antibiotics For Every Sinus Infection
Many sinus infections are caused by viruses, the ones that cause the common cold. These types of infections are not cured by antibiotics. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection unnecessarily puts you at risk for side effects related to the antibiotic. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which may make future infections more difficult to treat.
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Foods That Help Relieve Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion has many reverberating symptoms that can ruin your day and put you out of commission. Sinus congestion is the fullness you feel in various areas across your face, head and neck caused by a blockage in the sinus cavities. Sinus congestion occurs when the mucus in your nasal passageway doesnt drain properly, leaving a build-up that blocks your sinuses.
What Are The Sinuses How Many Do We Have
A sinus is a hollow, air-filled cavity. For the purposes of this article, a sinus will refer to those hollow cavities that are in the skull and connected to the nasal airway by a narrow hole in the bone . Normally all sinuses are open to the nasal airway through an ostium. Humans have four pair of these cavities each referred to as the:
The four pairs of sinuses are often described as a unit and termed the âparanasal sinuses.â The cells of the inner lining of each sinus are mucus-secreting cells, epithelial cells, and some cells that are part of the immune system .
Functions of the sinuses include humidifying and warming inspired air, insulation of surrounding structures , increasing voice resonance, and as buffers against facial trauma. The sinuses decrease the weight of the skull. If the inflammation hinders the clearance of mucous or blocks the natural ostium, the inflammation may progress into a bacterial infection.
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Include Horseradish In Your Daily Diet
Horseradish might not be a common food you eat everyday, but it does have a lot of health benefits. The health benefits of horseradish are mainly attributed to its high nutrient and mineral content, which includes dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, as well as its organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils, like sinigrin, a powerful glucosinolate.
This spicy root acts much the same way as chili peppers, reducing inflammation and stimulating the immune system.. It also has antibiotic properties.