Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Headaches Work
These natural sinusitis home remedies are a safe and effective solution to avoid the side effects that come with using medication. However, they don’t treat the underlying causes of sinus infections, so if you’re suffering from frequent or recurring sinusitis you should see a medical professional.
Often, home remedies for sinus infections are not enough for chronic sinus sufferers. At Gulf Coast Breathe Free we offer a solution to your frequent sinus infections without the use of medication called Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a safe, minimally invasive, in-office procedure that can give you long lasting relief. It is a small balloon that is entered into the sinus cavities and inflated to promote long term natural nasal drainage.
If these home remedies for sinus infections havenât been enough then schedule an appointment today to get long lasting relief from your chronic sinus issues.
Ginger For Stomach Flu
Having stomach flu is a very unpleasant experience, as it causes a range of symptoms that include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, body aches, stomach cramping, mild fever, fatigue and vomiting.
One suffers from stomach flu as a result of contracting a viral infection. The four common viruses that usually cause this problem are adenovirus, astrovirus, calicivirus and rotavirus.
To treat stomach flu, ginger is very effective. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, ginger reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Also, being a natural antiviral, ginger helps fight off the virus causing the flu.
- Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times a day. To make the tea, grate 1 inch of fresh ginger and boil it in about 1½ cups of water, then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and lemon juice for taste, then drink it.
- You can also chew a small piece of fresh ginger root several times a day or take ginger capsules, after consulting your doctor.
Sinus Rinse & Neti Pots
The use of over-the-counter Sinus Rinse and Neti Pot products are growing in popularity as sinus suffers are finding that they bring real relief to symptoms as well as underlying sinus issues. These products vary in style and type, but all basically work to clean out the sinuses, allowing the newly unclogged sinus cavities to work as intended.
If you find yourself using a Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot, be very careful to follow all instructions so that the product can be safely used as designed. The FDA warns against the use of tap water for any Sinus Rinse products as tap water is not treated or filtered to the safe enough standard often contains microscopic organisms such as bacteria and protozoa. Tap water, and even bottled water, may also contain chemicals and/or minerals. Tap water and bottled water that is safe to drink is not safe to introduce to the sinuses. Users should always use âdistilledâ or âsterileâ water or water that has been boiled for 3-5 minutes before being sufficiently cooled. It is also critical to be sure that both the inside and outside of the Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot container is completely clean and sterile before it is filled with water.
It is also possible that in the case of a severe sinus infection with major blockage, a Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot may not be able to get through your system and the sinus rinse may become additional fluid that collects in the sinus cavity, adding to the underlying problem.
You May Like: Does Amoxicillin Help With A Sinus Infection
Reliving Pain And Discomfort
Clogged sinuses are a real drain. Until your infection clears up, youll probably experience pressure and pain in your head and face. Luckily, there are a few natural home remedies you can use to make yourself more comfortable while you recover. If these dont work, then taking a daily pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen is the most effective way to treat the pain.
Do These Things Work For Kids
Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults!
Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children.
Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial.
A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose.
A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness.
Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror!
You May Like: What Is The Difference Between Sinus And Allergies
Drink Lots Of Water And Get Adequate Rest
“I recommend drinking a lot of water because it thins the mucus,” Abi Hachem says. While there’s no evidence about the most effective quantity, he recommends drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day.
You can also try drinking hot liquids like tea or soup to temporarily help relieve your symptoms. But you should avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s dehydrating and can worsen your congestion. If you’re taking an antibiotic for your sinus infection, drinking alcohol could increase side effects like upset stomach and drowsiness.
It’s also important to get about seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help your body rest and recover. “You want to get enough sleep and follow a normal sleep cycle so that all the hormones in your body are maxing out your immune system function,” Abi Hachem says.
Because getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult due to the pain and congestion, you can do the following to help you get more rest:
- Use a neti pot before going to bed to help clear your nasal passages.
- Sleep with your head raised by an extra pillow to help prevent mucus from pooling in your sinuses.
H2o: A Natural Alternative To Sinus Infection Antibiotics
One of the most powerful solvents on earth is nothing more than pure water. Water is used in many applications as a thinner, cleaner, and diluter. When it comes to a sinus infection, water can be used in much the same way to thin mucus, clean the sinuses, and dilute a blockage, which is one of the major sinus infection vs cold benefits. Getting rid of your sinus infection may involve the use of liquid, mist, or vaporized water.
Read Also: How To Relieve Pressure From Sinus Headache
Acute Vs Chronic Sinusitis
With acute sinusitis, symptoms occur for four weeks or less. Symptoms include cloudy or colored drainage from the nose along with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Stuffy nose or congestion
- Fatigue
- Other cold-like symptoms.
Acute progresses to chronic sinusitis if these symptoms last for at least 12 weeks, and your nasal blockage is so severe that you start to lose your senses of smell and taste.
Oftentimes, but not always, acute and chronic sinusitis are caused by the same thinga virus or other bug that your body just cant seem to fight off. Your primary care provider or an ENT specialist, can help determine what type you have and how to best treat it.
What Is A Sinus Infection
The sinuses, or sinus cavities, are hollow spaces that air flows through within the bones surrounding the nose. A sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
How long do sinus infections last? Well, that depends on what type of sinus infection you have. Acute sinusitis can last over two weeks even with appropriate treatment. If your sinus infection lasts longer than 10 to 14 days, then youre more likely to have bacterial sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis lasts much longer at least 12 weeks! Chronic sinusitis with polyps is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer and is associated with having nasal polyps. Other forms of chronic sinusitis are associated with allergies or a deviated septum and also last 12 weeks or longer.
How can you tell what type of sinus infection you have? Your doctor wont be able to tell you if your sinus infection is bacterial or viral based on symptoms or an exam alone. The best way to tell the root of a sinus infection is symptom duration. If its a viral sinus infection, it should start to improve after five to seven days. On the other hand, a bacterial infection often lasts seven to 10 days or even longer and the infection can get worse after seven days.
- Fever
- Earaches
Read Also: Tumor In Sinus Cavity Surgery
Eucalyptus Or Peppermint Essential Oils
and oils have long been used to relieve acute upper respiratory problems, from bronchitis to the ever-popular Vicks Vap-O-Rub, which harnesses the scent of both medicinal plants to open up the nasal passages. Both eucalyptus and peppermint oils are naturally antimicrobial and gentle enough to be applied directly to the bridge of the nose to help open up nasal passages. Our favorite way to use them is to put them in a humidifier of a bedroom to promote passive healing while you sleep . According to one study by the University of Michigan, the active ingredient in eucalyptus oil, cineole, may speed recovery from acute sinusitis when inhaled .
When To See A Doctor For Sinus Pain
If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.
If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat for your treatment options.
Recommended Reading: Is There Anything Over The Counter For Sinus Infection
Coconut Oil For Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, a type of yeast infection that develops inside your mouth, causes slightly raised, creamy-white lesions that appear on the tongue or inner cheeks.
Oral thrush can cause redness, soreness, a cottony feeling, difficulty swallowing and loss of taste.
Coconut oil can help fight an oral infection. It contains a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid that lends coconut oil its antifungal and antibacterial properties. The medium-chain fatty acids can inactivate the yeast responsible for oral thrush.
It also helps eliminate the yeast and reduce the discomforts associated with thrush.
- Apply extra-virgin coconut oil on the inner mouth area and tongue using a cotton swab, 2 or 3 times a day.
- Try oil pulling every morning on an empty stomach. Put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10 minutes, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.
Thyme And Honey Infusion
An infusion with thyme and honey is rich in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances, like thymol, carvacrol, cymene and linalol. It also possesses and expectorant action, which helps with the elimination of phlegm and relieves runny nose and plugged nose caused by a sinus infection.
In addition, the honey helps to reduce inflammation, lubricate the throat and relieve coughing and phlegm. People who are allergic to honey, proplis or pollen should not add honey to their tea, and opt to use just the thyme.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of thyme extract, or 2 branches of fresh thyme
- 1 litre of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon of honey
How to prepare
Add the dry thyme to the boiling water and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink up to 3 cups per day.
Thyme infusions should not be used by people with stomach issues, like gastritis or ulcers, or by people with liver problems. Thyme infusions should also be avoided by people who take anticoagulants like warfarin or clopidogrel.
Recommended Reading: How Much Amoxicillin For A Sinus Infection
What Should I Avoid If Im Suffering From Sinusitis
If youre suffering from sinusitis, you should avoid traveling by plane and extreme temperatures. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and quit bad habits like tobacco.
In addition, you should get vaccinated against the flu every year, wash your hands often and avoid antibiotics not prescribed for you by a doctor.
We hope youve enjoyed this article on how to fight a sinus infection in just five days!
Will My Sinus Infection Clear Up On Its Own
The first few weeks of the common cold aren’ fun, but the acute sinusitis that can develop afterwards doesn’t help either. Unfortunately, sinus congestion and the common cold go hand in hand. Acute sinusitis frequently is caused by the common cold, but also can be caused by allergies and bacterial and fungal infections.
Recommended Reading: Saline Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection
Yoga Can Help Drain Mucus From Sinus Passageways
If you are in the midst of a sinus infection, a supported yoga pose where your head is elevated will help you feel better without putting too much pressure on your sinuses, says Leslie Kazadi, a certified yoga therapist who teaches around Los Angeles and online at YogisAnonymous.com.
One pose Kazadi suggests is Supported Reclined Cobblers Pose.
How to Try Supported Reclined Cobblers Yoga Pose
Nasal Irrigation With Sodium Bicarbonate
This home remedy for sinus infection involves the use of sodium bicarbonate, which can be an excellent option for relieving nasal congestion, reducing inflammation and eliminating secretion that caused plugged or runny noses. Sodium bicarbonate prevents the growth of bacteria in the sinuses and treats dryness within the nose, allowing for mucus to become looser.
Ingredients
- 1 nasal irrigator or a 20 ml syringe without the needle
- 1 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate
- 1 cup of warm water
How to prepare
Mix the water with the sodium bicarbonate until fully dissolved and place in the irrigator or syringe. Lean your body forward, with your head tilted slightly to the side. Place the irrigator or syringe in the nostril and press until the solution comes out of the other nostril. It is important to open and breathe through your mouth while performing a nasal rinse.
You can repeat this 2 to 3 times per day in each nostril.
Another way to rinse your sinuses is to use 0.9% saline, which can be prepared at home with warm water and salt.
Also Check: How To Deal With Sinus
Sinusitis And Sinus Infections
Most sinus infection medicine ultimately seeks to relieve inflammation around the sinus cavities. This inflammation is most often caused by a virus or bacteria and results in a blockage that prevents mucus from naturally draining out of the sinus cavities. This inflammation results in painful symptoms and the blocked mucus may lead to additional infection. A single sinus infection can last 2 or more weeks.
Patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis often seek relief from a variety of over-the-counter sinus infection medication or prescription antibiotics, such as a sinus infection z pack. Patients may find temporary symptom relief through pharmaceuticals however, these medications often carry a number of undesirable side effects including:
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Individual complications
How To Get Rid Of Sinus Infections In 24 Hours
If you are one of the millions of Americans that battle frequent or long-term sinus infections and are seeking a sinusitis treatment that does not involve risky surgery, there is good news sinusitis treatment is available. Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive solution for long-lasting relief from sinus infection causes.
This safe and simple sinus infection treatment can be done in the comfort of the office with our Board Certified Otolaryngologist, Dr. Brian Lee. The procedure gently inflates the sinus cavity to clear the blockage and restore the natural flow from the body. If you would like to know more about balloon sinuplasty and how to cure sinus infections permanently, schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward real and lasting sinus infection relief.
You May Like: Advil Cold And Sinus Instructions
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!