Improve Indoor Air Quality
Irritants such as pet dander, dust mites, and smoke are usually found indoors, and they can worsen sinusitis symptoms. Improve the indoor air quality in your home or office by investing in an air purifier that traps these pollutants before they are released in the air.
Run the air purifier near your bed during the night, and it can help clear sinusitis and the associated symptoms.
Sinus Infections: Causes Symptoms & Natural Support Strategies
Millions of Americans suffer from a sinus infection at least once a year. They occur when the tissue that lines the sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed. The swelling and inflammation block the sinuses, trapping mucus and air. The increase of trapped mucus can cause infection.
Sinus infections can be painful and difficult to cure. Most people rely on antibiotics and over-the-counter decongestants to treat their sinus infections. If sinus infections are caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective and can only harm the person. In this article, I will go over a number of helpful natural strategies to support your immune system and help your body heal.
Garlic For Sinus Infection With Olive Oil And Honey
The combination of garlic, olive oil, and honey is another useful way on how to use garlic for sinus infection that you should try! Olive oil contains antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids, which provide many health benefits. According to an article in 2011 in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, the ability honey to combat bacteria may be associated with its acidic pH, enzymes and high sugar content in some types of honey producing hydrogen peroxide. Honey is naturally antiviral, antiseptic, and antibacterial which help to get rid of the sinus causing bacteria. Moreover, it promotes the immune system to combat bacteria causing a sinus infection. Honey also soothes the throat to decrease soreness and coughing. Heres how to use garlic for sinus infection:
Ingredients:
You May Like: Best Medicine To Treat Sinus Infection
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.
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!
Read Also: What Is The Best Over The Counter Sinus Pressure Medicine
You May Like: Sinus Medication For Pregnant Women
Other Natural Remedies For Sinus Infection
Many homeopathic and alternative medicine practitioners recommend dietary supplements as effective remedies for sinusitis. In addition to vitamin C, the most universally recognized remedies include 60 mg of coenzyme-Q10 up to three times daily, 15 mg of zinc up to two times daily, 500 mg of garlic daily and echinacea as directed on the label. As with any alternative treatment, consult your doctor first.
Also Check: What To Use For Sinus Infection
Best For Liver Function: Bri Nutrition Garlic Capsule For Sinus Infection
Next on the list, weve got yet another capsule that manages to win our hearts. Its the Bri Nutrition Garlic Capsule For Sinus Infection and its widely considered as the capsule that has the most suitable features. The bri nutrition garlic capsule for sinus infection includes allicin, which is the active ingredient in garlic. The Manufacturer says: This is a promise we back up with a 60. And, this is made with tree nuts and it is anti-inflammatory.
The capsule is laboratory tested for quality assurance. Further, the capsule is made up of key compounds that contribute a variety of health benefits to the body. Above all, the bri nutrition garlic capsulefor sinusinfection sounds great and it feels great.
Most customers opine that the capsule is a defensive compound that garlic forms when parasites in the soil attack it. Moreover, they say that garlic takes 1000 micrograms to equal 1 milligram. Moreover, they say that this extra strength garlic softgels is a great supplement to take. In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the garlic suits the purpose.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to swallow and may help with cholesterol and diabetes.
- Manufacturer says: we manufacture our 1, 000 mg garlic soft gels in our fda.
- This is also applied to the skin for hair loss and thrush.
- This is good for normalizing blood pressure.
Also Check: Sinus Congestion Over The Counter Medicine
What Happens During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia . During the surgery:
- The sinus surgeon inserts an endoscope a thin camera rod with a light at the end into one nostril and uses it to magnify and visualize the sinus tissues.
- After locating the problem, the surgeon uses specialized instruments alongside the endoscope to open the sinuses by carefully removing causes of sinus blockage, such as mucous membrane swelling, nasal polyps and scar tissue.
- If a deviated septum causes breathing problems, specialized instruments can straighten the septum and reduce the size of the turbinates .
- Most patients do not require nasal packing that needs to be removed.
After surgery, you will spend a few hours in a recovery room to allow you to wake up. Most patients feel well enough to go home a few hours after the surgery.
Nasal Spray And Mouth Spray
Nasal and mouth sprays can be great tools to support the immune system. Most sprays you find in the store are filled with synthetic chemicals that only cover up symptoms. Finding a natural spray that features antimicrobial and decongesting compounds will likely much more helpful.
Grapefruit seed extract is an extremely potent natural remedy that can effectively fight sinus infections. Grapefruit seed extract is made from the pulp and seeds of the grapefruit. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It also has high vitamin C content and other healing nutrients to help the body fight a sinus infection and relieve congestion.
Castor oil has many useful healing properties. It can help with lymphatic circulation which alleviates blockages and infections. Slippery elm has powerful anti-inflammatory abilities and many other healing properties. Using nasal and mouth sprays with these powerful ingredients can be very helpful for supporting overall sinus health. You can find one of my favorite sprays for this here.
Additionally, colloidal silver can be highly effective as it is a natural anti-microbial that is most effective against bacterial infections but does help with viral and fungal as well. This silver spray here is a great product to use to support sinus and respiratory health. Remember, it is not FDA approved to prevent, mitigate, treat or cure sinus infections and should not be interpreted as such.
Recommended Reading: Sinus Infection Foul Smelling Drainage
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.
Vitamins For Sinus And Allergies 2022
Allergies can occur at any time in ones life. While allergies are more common in childhood, its still possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult.
Allergies or the virus that causes the common cold is the most prevalent cause of sinus infections. But in few cases the infection is caused by bacteria.
Usually after five to seven days, a viral sinus infection will normally start to improve. A bacterial sinus infection can last for seven to ten days or more, and it can even get worse after that.
Besides using medication, the best thing we can do is to prevent it. So, if youre searching for more helpful survival ideas, weve put together a list of ones that will help keep your sinuses healthy
Millions of people worldwide visit their doctors each year with complaints related to their sinuses. Sinus is the term commonly used to describe anatomy that doctors refer to as paranasal sinuses. Sinuses are hollow caves in the human skull, which are essentially absent in newborns but develop fully by around age 8 and reach their full adult size by puberty.
Recommended Reading: Advil Cold And Sinus Ingredients
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Recovery
You may experience the following symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery:
- Bleeding: It is normal to have some bloody discharge for the first three to five days after sinus surgery, especially after you irrigate your sinuses. If you experience steady bleeding, tilt your head back slightly and breathe through your nose gently. You may dab your nose with tissue, but avoid blowing your nose. If this does not stop the bleeding, you may use oxymetazoline nasal spray. Several sprays will usually stop any bleeding. If the spray fails to stop steady nasal bleeding, call your doctor.
- Pain: You should expect some nasal and sinus pressure and pain for the first several days after surgery. This may feel like a sinus infection or a dull ache in your sinuses. Extra-strength acetaminophen should relieve mild discomfort. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If acetaminophen is not sufficient to control the pain, use the postoperative pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Fatigue: You can expect to feel tired for the first week after surgery. This is normal, and most patients plan on taking at least one week off work to recover. Every patient is different, and some return to work sooner.
- Nasal congestion and discharge: You will have nasal congestion and discharge for the first few weeks after surgery. Your nasal passage and breathing should return to normal two to three weeks after surgery.
What To Avoid After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
- Nose-blowing, heavy lifting and straining: You should avoid straining, heavy lifting and nose-blowing for at least 10 days after surgery, as these activities may cause bleeding. You can resume 50% of your regular exercise regimen one week after surgery and your normal routine two weeks after surgery.
- Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications: Stop taking aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen two weeks before surgery, and avoid using them for two weeks after surgery.
- Steroid nasal sprays: If you were taking nasal steroid sprays before surgery, you should avoid using these for at least two weeks after sinus surgery to allow the lining of the nose and sinuses to heal. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to restart this medicine.
Recommended Reading: Can Macrobid Treat Sinus Infection
How Do You Fix Sinus Problems
Cold-related sinus problems, such as a runny nose, blocked nose and headache, usually ease after a week or so. Unfortunately, though, many people can experience symptoms for longer due to a weak immune system,stress and poor diet, while some people simply fail to address their symptoms. Without treatment, sinus problems can take as much as three weeks to disappear.
To help calm symptoms and aid recovery, there are some simple things that can help:
The sinuses and nasal passages are part of your upper respiratory tract that leads to your mouth, throat and lungs Sinusitis a sinus infection occurs when these passages become infected by a virus, bacteria or fungus, causing a runny nose, swelling and pain. Certain vitamins may help reduce the number of sinus infections and how long they last in both children and adults. However, further clinical evidence is needed to confirm this. See your doctor if you have chronic sinus problems.
Types Of Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are classified into different types depending on the onset and duration of symptoms. An acute sinus infection is temporary and usually begins with a common cold or seasonal allergies. Acute sinusitis usually lasts fewer than 4 weeks. Subacute sinus infections last 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammatory disease that lasts longer than 12 weeks despite treatment . Recurrent sinusitis occurs several times a year.
Read Also: Is The Z Pack Good For Sinus Infection
What To Do For Congestion Instead
Skip the garlic and stick to some of the old-fashioned, medically proven methods of getting rid of a cold. Colds are usually self-limited viral infections, Dr. Sindwani explains. Its best to treat them holistically with rest, hydration and nasal sprays or irrigations with saline.
If your cold persists, see your doctor, who may prescribe a nasal steroid spray or other medication and definitely not a clove of garlic.
Does Garlic Help With A Cold Congestion Or Sinusitis
Garlic contains a substance called allicin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, saysOmid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist and laryngologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica.
While these properties have been well demonstrated outside of the human body and in the lab, Dr. Mehdizadeh says the effects of allicin applied directly into the nasal cavity have not been shown or adequately studied.
Whats more, using garlic for colds or congestion, in any form, is not a common treatment. According to the National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health , the clinical trial evidence supporting the use of garlic as an intervention with the common cold is lacking. More specifically,one research review looked at findings from a trial with 146 participants that suggested garlic may help prevent or treat the common cold, but the evidence regarding the effect is insufficient. More studies are needed.
The NCCIH also points out that while the amount of garlic in foods is probably safe for most people, taking oral supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. Garlic can also interfere with theeffectiveness of some drugs. You can take garlic extract orally, but Dr. Mehdizadeh says there is no clear consensus on the appropriate dosage and its efficacy. The good news is there are other ways to effectively prevent and safely treat congestion, colds, and sinus infections.
You May Like: How To Relieve Congestion And Sinus Pressure
How Should You Treat Your Congestion
In a review of the science around various health and wellness strategies for dealing with the common cold, the National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health does not mention sticking cloves of garlic up your nose.
This review from 2014 in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that people who ingested garlic had fewer occurrences of the common cold. However, the evidence is insufficient to determine whether eating garlic can really prevent or treat a cold.
On the other hand, the NCCIH finds that irrigating your nose with saline, using a neti pot or other rinsing device, may be helpful. Studies, such as this one from 2015 in the Cochrane Library, suggested that saline nasal irrigation may ease symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Just be sure to use and clean your rinsing device properly.
If irrigating your nose doesn’t help, there may be something else going on. “There’s a whole host of reasons why your nose may be congested,” Dr. Phillips said. “If over-the-counter fixes are not working for you, then talking to your doctor would be the next step.”
Improve The Sinus Microbiome
Within your sinuses, you have a microbiome that supports the mucus membrane and immune system. Sinus congestion is a warning sign of an overgrowth of pathogens within the sinus cavity.
To help clear this up, silver can be used, and then I also recommend a bioactive carbon based sinus spray that helps break down and detoxify bacterial and fungal biofilms. This is why I like ION Sinus, which is made up of mineral rich bioactive carbons and helps to harmonize the respiratory microbiome.
ION Sinus is a rinse for clearing dust, pollen and other air-born environmental irritants were exposed to every day. Its your microbiome-friendly ally in caring for the respiratory system. Think of it as strengthening your very first line of defense.
You May Like: Can You Have Chills With A Sinus Infection
What Is The Best Supplement For Sinus
Donât Miss: Sinus Infection Vs Flu Vs Cold