Natural Ways To Thin Mucus
- To thin mucus and help you cough it up more easily, drink lots of water, at least eight 250-mL glasses each day. And avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which dehydrate your system and make the mucus tougher to dislodge.
- Eat chile peppers, hot spicy salsa, or dishes prepared with cayenne pepper. Fiery foods dont just make your nose run they also thin the mucus in your lungs, helping you cough more productively.
- Drink mullein tea. Mullein, a traditional folk remedy for respiratory ailments, offers another way to clear mucus from your lungs. It contains saponins, which help loosen phlegm, along with a gelatinous mucilage that soothes raw mucous membranes. Boil a cup of water, remove from the heat, and drop in two teaspoons dried mullein leaves. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the wet leaves and drink the tea. You can drink up to three cups a day.
- Avoid milk products. Cows milk contains lactalbumin, which stimulates the production of mucus in the upper and lower respiratory tract and in the intestines. When humans drink cows milk, the result is excessive mucus production.
What Causes Sinus Problems
Blocking of air-filled spaces of the head with fluid due to swelling in its tissue lining is what causes sinus problems or sinusitis. The swelling can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.1 Specific conditions in which this can occur are:
- Weakening of the immune system due to medicines or an illness
- Allergies, especially during seasonal changes, including those caused due to mould, a form of fungus
- Tissue growth in the nose is known as a nasal polyp.
- The prominent elevation of your nose, known as a nasal septum, can move more towards one side and cause blockage. This is called nasal septum deviation.
- Due to the common col
- In infants who drink from bottles or use pacifiers while lying down
- People who smoke are more prone to sinusitis.1
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How To Treat Sinus Pain
If you experience sinus pain, there are over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and lifestyle strategies that may be helpful.
If your symptoms last more than a week or keep recurring, see a healthcare provider. It could be a bacterial sinus infection, also called sinusitis, that requires a course of antibiotics or it might be migraines or another condition that requires medical intervention.
Fungal sinus infections can also occur and require surgery and/or antifungal medications.
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When Should I See An Ent For Sinus Pain And Pressure
A good rule of thumb is to talk to your doctor if sinus pain and pressure is affecting your daily life. Other things to look out for include:
- It makes it difficult to sleep
- Youve had a stuffy or runny nose for over a week
- Your sinus headaches more frequently
- Over-the-counter treatments dont work
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Breathing In Irritant Substances
Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke.
Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. It can affect people who inhale secondhand smoke, as well as those who smoke themselves.
People with chronic bronchitis often develop another smoking-related lung disease called emphysema, where the air sacs inside the lungs become damaged, causing shortness of breath.
If you smoke, try to stop straight away as smoking aggravates bronchitis and increases your risk of developing emphysema.
Stopping smoking while you have bronchitis can also be the perfect opportunity to quit altogether.
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What Are The Common Medications To Treat Sinus Infection
The primary six types of medications and surgery used for treating sinus infections include:
They help in reducing swelling, pressure, and congestion of mucus in the nasal passages. Usually used as nasal sprays, such as Afrin Nasal Spray and oral pills like Sudafed. These medications should be taken as prescribed by the doctor and for a maximum of three days.
Tylenol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce symptoms associated with a sinus infection. It helps relieve pain, swelling, and fever. However, these should not be taken for longer periods.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are usually not necessary for sinus infections, but physicians may prescribe one if they suspect a bacterial infection is the cause of sinusitis. Generic antibiotics like amoxicillin or cefdinir can be used to stop the growth of or kill bacteria to resolve a sinus infection. Other popular antibiotics prescribed for sinus infections include Zithromax or . Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Steroids:Corticosteroids can improve sinus drainage by reducing inflammation of the sinuses. Doctors typically only prescribe steroids for severe sinus infections. The most common steroids used for sinus infection treatment are prednisone and Medrol . Prolonged use of steroids can cause disruptions in the bodyâs hormone levels, so they should only be taken as advised.
Natural Home Remedies For Chronic Sinus
A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swell up because of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The infection can be acute or chronic lying behind your eyebrows, behind your cheekbones, and between your eyes are your sinuses air-filled cavities lined with a mucous membrane that filters and humidifies the air you inhale. This membrane produces and circulates mucus into your sinus and nasal passages to help remove dust, particles, and microbes from the air that you breathe. Tiny hair-like cells called cilia sweep the mucus to the openings that lead to the back of your throat, allowing it to slide down into your stomach.
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Natural Tips For Viral Sinus Infection
Great health starts with a healthy diet. And when you suffer from a viral infection, such as sinusitis, your diet is key to your fast recovery. In addition to the home remedies for viral sinus infections, you can follow the simple recommendations below.
- Follow a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid dairy foods because they enhance the mucus production that obstructs the airways.
- A low protein diet is ideal for sinusitis and especially chronic sinusitis. Avoid dairy products because they cause more mucous in the body and will only add to the nasal obstruction.
- It is also important that you have regular physical activity daily. Even if its just a walk in the park or going shopping. Whatever keeps you moving at least 30 minutes a day is great.
- Try to have fixed meals and sleep at least 8 hours every night.
- Avoid stressful situations and worry less. Active relaxation and meditation are also amazing for a strong immune system and a happy life.
Andreea Laza
When Natural Remedies Fall Short
Natural home remedies are a safe and effective treatment for sinus infections however, you may find that the results are not meeting your expectations. Have you successfully used natural methods and find that you still struggle with chronic or intense sinusitis? If so, there is a safe and minimally invasive solution known as balloon sinuplasty. This simple procedure is done from the comfort of the doctorâs office and gently dilates the sinus cavity to return the body to its natural condition. Once the sinuses are free of blockage, normal flow resumes and the body continues the natural healing process. Imagine a life free of sinus infections and symptoms. Schedule an appointment today with one of our sinus care professionals.
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Home Remedies For Sinus Infections: How To Cure A Sinus Infection Naturally
If you are experiencing mild symptoms or if sinusitis is not a regular problem for you, then you may want to consider a sinus infection home remedy. One of the primary ways to help reduce symptoms and eliminate the infection in the sinus cavities is to promote natural drainage of the mucus that is trapped in the sinuses. Most natural remedies involve finding ways to reduce inflammation and increase drainage. These include:
- Increasing water intake: The body needs a minimum level of fluids in order to properly function. Dehydration can prevent the body from healing naturally.
- Vapor or mist: Various types of humidifiers can provide enough additional moisture to break up small blockages in the sinus passage. Once these blockages are clear, the sinuses may drain naturally.
- Sinus rinse or neti pot: These solutions have grown in popularity over the past few years. They work on the idea that a purified saline solution can break up the sinus blockage, clean the sinus cavity, and clear out the infection. When used as directed, they may provide real relief for some patients. Before considering the use of a sinus rinse, the utmost care should be taken to follow all directions. In the case of a severe infection or the misuse of a product, they can cause more damage and potentially increase the severity of an infection.
Hay Steam Remedy For Sinusitis
Another one of the best natural remedies for viral sinus infections is hay flowers.
- Bring to boil 8-10 l of water in a large pot and add 1 handful of dried hay flowers.
- Cover with a lid for 5-10 minutes to allow steam to build up in the pot.
- Then start inhalations with this hay, but use a towel to put over your head, so the steam doesnt dissipate.
- Continue the inhalation until there is no steam left.
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When Should I See A Doctor
These home remedies for sinus infections are great for acute infections in the upper respiratory system.
But if five days or so pass and youre not seeing any improvement, or if things are getting worse, its probably time to see an ENT doctor.
If you feel a lot more pressure behind your cheekbones and eyes or your nasal drainage has changed to yellow or green-tinged, its likely your sinus cavity has gotten infected from the blockage.
If you have symptoms like a fever, body aches, chills, chest congestion, or a cough, something more serious could be going on. Especially in this era of COVID-19, its a good idea to get checked out just to be safe.
If youve tried these home remedies without luck, contact ENT Associates of Lubbock to see what your next steps should be.
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.
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How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Naturally
Sinus sufferers who want real relief without pharmaceutical side effects have discovered that natural home remedies for sinus infections are safe and highly effective. These solutions target the underlying inflammation, promote natural sinus drainage, and help prevent additional infections.
The safest and most effective natural solutions involve the use of water in the form of liquid, vapor, or mist. Water penetrates the blockage allowing mucus to drain naturally so that the sinuses can begin the healing process. These solutions have the added benefit of helping to reduce the intensity and duration of sinus symptoms and improving quality of life.
The Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection
People often assume that its possible to tell the difference between a viral and bacterial sinus infection based on the type of symptoms they experience. Unfortunately, thats not the case. Usually, the symptoms of a sinus infection are the same or very similar whether its caused by bacteria or a virus.
Common symptoms of either a viral or bacterial sinus infection include green or yellow mucous/discharge, bad breath, headache, and fever.
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Treatments For A Sinus Infection
At-home, natural treatments like nasal irrigation may be the first thing on your mind when you think of treatments for a sinus infection.
However, natural remedies may not cut it at times. If natural treatments for sinus infections dont work, your medical provider might recommend medications like antibiotics or decongestants.
Medications
Your doctor might recommend one or a combination of the following medications to help decrease inflammation in the nose and sinuses, reduce pain and improve sinus drainage.
Common medications include:
Home care
Many sinus infection home care remedies are still effective. Some simple suggestions for treating your sinus infection are:
- A nasal rinse or wash
- A cold compress on or around your eyes and forehead
- Using a humidifier at night
- Drinking plenty of water
Alternative therapies
Some providers may recommend alternative therapies for sinus infections, like nutritional supplements, herbs, or acupuncture. There are risks to any treatment methods, however, and you should always consult with a specialist before beginning any treatment plan for your sinus infections.
Surgery
In extreme cases, sinus surgery may be necessary to remove whatever is blocking nasal passages. That may be small pieces of bone, swollen or damaged tissue, or nasal polyps.
- Gastrointestinal issues like sensitive stomach, diarrhea, or ulcers. Antibiotics are also common triggers for these issues.
Risks of sinus surgery
Sinus Infection Treatment At Home
Sinus infections cause facial pain and overall discomfort. Moreover, it can also leave you with your head buried in a pillow for days. No matter if the patient is suffering from sinus for the first time, or treats the sinus infection year after year, below are mentioned best sinus infection treatment options to help you get relief fast, at home.
Irrespective of what causes a sinus infection, one thing is certain- everybody wants a quick relief. Although the fastest option for treating sinusitis is curing the underlying cause, home remedies are surely the quickest way to get relief from symptoms of sinusitis.
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Natural Home Remedies For A Sinus Infection
If you are one of the more than 30 million Americans who find themselves suffering from sinus infections , then you understand the daily struggle. Depending on the day or the season, your symptoms may range from a minor inconvenience to a major battle. Youâve battled to breathe, battled to sleep, battled to focus at work, all the while dealing with headaches, coughing, ear pain, and so much more. The good news is that sinusitis treatment is available and it does not always require invasive and risky surgical procedures.
Too often people find themselves confused and frustrated as they desperately seek the elusive sinusitis cure. This search sometimes drives sinusitis sufferers to the extremes from a constant rotation of ineffective over-the-counter medications to invasive and irreversible surgery. Some sinus sufferers are so disillusioned by these options that they choose to do nothing and are resigned to living without any relief from these agonizing symptoms. The good news is that real and lasting sinus infection treatment options are available and it is possible to find relief without risky surgery or complicated pharmaceuticals.
What Does A Sinus Headache Feel Like
Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses . You may feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs. However, many people who assume they have headaches from sinusitis, including many who have received such a diagnosis, actually have migraines.
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The Right Technique Of Steam Inhalation
Heres the process:
- Heat up the water to boiling in a pot or kettle. Ensure to make water just steamy.
- Put two handfuls of herbs or essential oils or a camphor stone in the water, and let steep for 10 minutes. Their essence can be left to dissipate in the air, where they can continue to help refresh you and your environment.
- Drape the towel over the back of your head like a tent so that the steam will not escape away.
- Shut your eyes and slowly lower your head toward the hot water until youre about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful to avoid making direct contact with the water.
- Inhale the steam for no more than 10 minutes. Turn on a timer.
- For the first 3 to 5 minutes, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale it from the mouth.
- Similarly, inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth and exhale it from the nose.
You can repeat steam inhalation two or three times per day if youre still having symptoms.
Additional steam therapy methods include inhaling steam from baths, showers, and steam rooms.
In recent years, portable steam inhalers, also known as vaporizers, have become popular. They come with a built-in mask that fits around your mouth and nose. Make sure to wash them often to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
Warm saline gargles
Saline gargles are a way of nasopharyngeal wash to prevent the virus from inhabiting and replicating in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa.