Sinus is a form of extreme infection and in simple words are spaces in between the forehead, cheeks, nasal bones and eyes filled with air. The infection is usually triggered when you have a certain form of allergies or cold. However, there are quite different types of sinuses that one can experience but the main aim is to look for some treatment procedures that can help in dealing with the crisis. There is definitely a need for professional help and medications when it comes to sinusitis but then one can always use home remedies for sinus to ensure that the treatment process fastens.
Table Of Content:
- What Does Sinusitis Means?
- Causes For Sinus Infection
- Symptoms Of Sinus Infection
- Prevention Of Sinusitis
- Home Remedies For Sinus Infection
- How To Treat Sinus Pain Instantly?
What Does Sinusitis Mean?
The human skull bone has 4 pairs of cavities called Sinuses. These hollow pockets are filled with air. A pair of Sinuses are located behind the forehead, another pair are located under the cheekbones, one pair behind the eyes and a pair on either side of the nose bridge. These Sinuses are covered with the mucus membrane to humidify the air entering the lungs. Any foreign organisms like bacteria are filtered through tiny hairs called Cilia. The produced mucus is drained through the nose channels.
Sinusitis is a condition in which an infection is caused by bacteria, resulting in an inflammation of these cavities. The sinuses are swollen and the channels to drain the excess mucus are blocked. Due to this, the mucus gets accumulated in the cavities, resulting in severe pain and blockage.
Causes for Sinus Infection:
The main cause of sinusitis is an infection caused by microbes, which include both bacteria and virus. Some of the main factors that lead to Sinusitis are:
- Pollution.
- Pollen.
- Pet Fur.
- Dust.
- Fine Particles.
- Fungus.
- Cold Weather.
- Too hot or too cold foods.
- Sharing personal articles.
Read More: Causes And Symptoms Of Sinus
Symptoms of Sinus Infection:
Wish to know what it feels like to have Sinusitis? Check out the symptoms below:
- Stuffy Nose.
- Severe pain in the face, especially cheeks, nose, forehead.
- Runny Nose.
- Excessive Nasal Discharge.
- Cough.
- Breathlessness.
- Fever.
- Bad Mouth Odour.
- Loss Of Energy.
- Pain and Bleeding In Gums.
Prevention of Sinusitis:
Before we learn about the prevention methods for Sinusitis, let’s get to know the types of Sinus infections. Sinusitis is of many types:
- Acute Sinusitis.
- Chronic Sinusitis.
- Subacute Sinusitis.
Acute Sinusitis lasts for just a few weeks, while the other types last for more than a few months. Taking these precautions can help in reducing the risk and frequency of infections, along with faster recovery from the existing attacks:
- Get Regular Flu Vaccinations.
- Use a humidifier for moisturizing air.
- Avoid allergic causing agents.
- Keep air conditioner clean.
- Ensure you maintain good hygiene.
- Stay away from pets.
- Keep distance from infected people.
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Home Remedies For Sinus Infection :
- 5 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Sinus Infection
- Home Treatments For Sinusitis
- Best Essential Oils To Clear Sinusitis
- Vitamins And Supplements To Relief Sinus Infection
- Natural Treatments To Relieve Sinus Pressure
- Other Health Tips For Sinus Infection
5 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Sinus Infection:
1. Turmeric:
Turmeric is one of the best herbal home remedies for treating Sinus. It has an active agent called Curcumin, which can heal the inflammation in Sinus cavities (1) and also fight the infection-causing bacteria or virus. While you can take Turmeric internally in the form of tea or syrup, inhalation of turmeric steam can help in achieving faster relief. Turmeric also boosts your natural immune system and help you ward off infections. For treating acute sinus turmeric is the best option.
How To Make:
- Take a tbsp of Honey.
- Add a pinch of Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper.
- Add some lime juice.
- Drink this concoction twice a day.
User Guidelines:
- Add some Turmeric powder or oil to boiling water and inhale the steam.
Side Effects:
- Turmeric when taken in excess can lead to stomach disorders.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most effective ways to treat Sinus at home. It is used all over the world to fix the symptoms quickly. ACV has the power to fight infection-causing germs, as it has high acid content. Also, the antiseptic properties of ACV can safeguard you from future attacks. Another benefit of ACV is that it is rich in essential minerals and vitamins, which can boost your immune system and make you resistant to infections. ACV is also helpful in treating breathing problems like Asthma.
How To Make:
- Mix 2tbsp of ACV in a glass of warm water.
- You can add a dollop of honey to enhance the taste.
- Drink it twice daily.
User Guidelines:
- You can also inhale ACV by adding a few tbsps in boiling water. This can result in thinning the mucus.
Side Effects:
- The high acid content of ACV can be tough on sensitive stomachs.
Read More: How To Make ACV at Home
3. Ginger Tea:
Ginger is an age-old natural remedy for Sinus treatment. It has the potency to kill infection-causing bacteria and virus to help you get quick relief. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties which can offer sinus pain relief and reduce swelling your facial cavities. Ginger tea is extremely soothing, especially when you are suffering from sore throat and stuffy nose. A cup of warm ginger tea can do wonders! Check out the procedure to prepare a nice cup of Ginger tea given below:
How To Make:
- Boil 1 Cup of water.
- Add grated Ginger and let the juice seep in.
- Strain the liquid and add lemon and honey.
User Guidelines:
- You can also try using ready-made Ginger tea bags.
Side Effects:
- Ginger tea can lead to stomach burns and acidity. So, do not consume more than twice a day.
4. Honey:
Honey is an age-old proven home remedy for Sinus pain. It can help in boosting your immune system and help you ward off bacteria and virus, which cause infections. Particularly for throat and nasal infections, Honey can work wonders by killing the germs which block your cavities. It reduces inflammation and pain and also relieves you from sore throat. Honey is considered to be one of the most effective and cheap ways to deal with Sinusitis problems.
How To Use:
- Mix 1 tbsp of raw honey with 1 tbsp of Lemon.
- Slightly warm the mixture.
- Consume to get instant relief.
User Guidelines:
- You can also add some ginger juice to enhance the effects.
Side Effects:
- Excessive honey intake can lead to a burning sensation in the throat.
5. Soups:
One of the recommended remedies for treating Sinus is to increase your fluid intake. There is no best way to do this than to consume a bowl of hot soup. Soup is the best Sinus remedy as it is made with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger and lemongrass which can help in decongesting your cavities. The warmth of the soup also helps in thinning your mucus. Adding plenty of vegetables and even meat or seafood of your choice can increase your protein content. Especially when you lose appetite, soup can act as a good meal replacement.
How To Make:
- Add some oil to a pan.
- Saute garlic, ginger and lemongrass.
- Add Vegetable or Chicken stock.
- You can also add vegetables or shredded chicken.
- Bring it to a good boil.
- Serve hot with salt and pepper.
User Guidelines:
Adding a pinch of Cayenne pepper can enhance the taste and offer better relief.
Side Effects:
Avoid canned soups as they are high on sodium. Freshly prepared homemade soups work the best!
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Home Treatments For Sinusitis:
1. Cumin Seeds:
We are talking over here about simple black cumin seeds which add a lot of flavours especially in Indian cuisine. You will be happier to know that these black cumin seeds which we consume regularly are also sinus home remedies and are also antioxidants. The best way to consume them is just by adding them to the daily dishes which are cooked at home and nothing more.
2. Fenugreek Seeds For Sinusitis:
Another ingredient which is also a very good antioxidant, fenugreek seeds also contains a lot of nutrients including magnesium as well as potassium. Besides, fenugreek seeds are very high and rich sources of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These are very good home remedies for sinus and the best way to consume them, is by having soaked fenugreek seeds water early in the morning daily.
3. Cinnamon:
Yes, you will find it very surprising that the simple cinnamon features in the list of home remedies for sinus as well. Cinnamon is a common flavouring substance and it is highly used in all kitchens. Now as remedial ingredients for sinusitis, you can either take the cinnamon powder and add into your cup of tea or simply crush cinnamon sticks and then boil while making tea.
4. Black Pepper Treatment For Sinus:
Black pepper is already known as a very simple yet very useful ingredient and sinusitis is one such ailment which can be cured with the help of black pepper. If not totally cured, black pepper can at least help in curing instant causes of sinusitis irritations. You can add as much black pepper as you want to your food for consumption.
5. Pineapple:
More than just a pineapple, the substance in the fruits known as bromelein is very useful as one of the sinus home remedies and you should thus have more and more amounts of pineapples. Moreover, pineapples are also rich sources of Vitamin C which are very effective in case of sinus infections.
6. Onion Therapy:
The anti-bacterial properties in onions make it one of the perfect products for the treatment of sinus. However, you need to chop them into pieces and then add it to boiling water. Once this is done, take the water in a mug and inhale the steam from the liquid for best outcomes. This will definitely help in reducing the discomfort of sinus and slowly treat it.
7. Thyme Cures Sinus:
Thyme is a very common herb which we usually find in all sorts of soups, Italian and other continental and exotic cuisines. On the other hand, thyme is also a very good expectorant and is very good for curing a number of respiratory problems. One of the home remedies for sinus, thyme can either be consumed as a tea to relax the respiratory system or included in the daily diet to act as a bacterial ingredient.
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Best Essential Oils To Clear Sinusitis:
1. Eucalyptus Oil:
Take some eucalyptus oil in some warm water and apply this solution on the cheekbones and on the surface of the nose. The aromatherapy will help in opening up the nasal passages in the perfect way and give relief from sinus.
2. Oregano Oil:
This is extremely aromatic oil which also goes really well in a number of exotic dishes. Oil of oregano is known to be a natural anti-oxidant and is one of the home remedies for sinus. The best way to consume the oil of oregano is by simply incorporating it in your daily diet like other oils. It blends very well with all that you cook.
3. Tea Tree Oil:
Already known as a very essential oil and an extremely vital part of the study of aromatherapy, tea tree oil is also one of the natural remedies for sinus. Just like you can use it in the form of cosmetics, for sinus you need to pour just a few drops of tea tree oil in steaming water and then cover the head with a towel and take in the steam. This will act as an awesome remedy and also clear the nasal tract very well.
4. Extract Of Grapefruit Seed:
The extract of the grapefruit has natural antibiotics quality in them and therefore helps in killing the bacteria and germs in the nasal passage. Use it as a nasal spray for the treatment of the same. Make sure you know about the right dose.
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Vitamins And Supplements To Relief Sinus Infection:
1. Vitamin A:
As we have already found out in the above list that rich sources of Vitamin A are good natural remedies for sinus we are now specifically talking about the same. It is better that you add more and more amounts of Vitamin A substances and ingredients to your daily diet for the best results. This includes fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products and else.
2. Vitamin C:
This is one more nutrient which acts very useful to cure sinus problems. Anything rich in Vitamin C can prove to be magical because of the antioxidant content of these food items. Vitamin C is very common and is easily found in a number of fruits and vegetables which you can best consume raw.
3. Zinc For Sinus:
The goodness of zinc has already been proved for a number of other ailments and sinusitis is one among those. Zinc, though mentioned very few times is an awesome natural remedy for sinus allergies and symptoms. Edible seeds which we can add in a number of different dishes are high sources of zinc. For example, pumpkin seeds are very good zinc sources.
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Natural Treatments To Relieve Sinus Pressure:
1. Neti Pot Benefit:
Take some sea salt in 2 cups of warm water. The neti pot should be filled with the water of one cup and the tip should be placed at the opening of the nostril while standing over the sink. The head should be tilted in such a way that the water runs through the other nostril. Make sure you don’t tilt the head back or else it will make the water enter the throat. The neti pot should be filled with the other cup of water and repeated with the other nostril.
2. Lemon Balm Use:
Take some lemon balm leaves and boil it in water. Now strain the liquid and use the lukewarm solution for gargling the mouth. This is one of the best ways to get some relief from sinus and treat the problem gradually. Make sure you use dried leaves for the purpose.
3. Take Steam:
Take some hot water and put it in a tub. Now inhale the steam coming out from the water while the head is covered with a towel. This is one best home remedy to treat sinus infections. Steam is an effective home remedy for sinusitis headache.
4. Hot Water Gargling:
Just like we have already discussed earlier on that mucous is one of the main reasons for sinus infections and symptoms, hot water is a magical remedy. Now if you are bored of consuming hot soups you should definitely try gargling with hot water for a clearer throat and advanced action for sinus problems.
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Other Health Tips For Sinus Infection :
1. Have Healthy Fluids:
One of the things to be done is to drink a lot of fluids especially water. This will help in thinning down the mucus and thus relieve the sinus problem. Having about 10 glasses of plain and filtered water, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices without sugar is advisable for meeting this goal. This is going to give you visible outcomes in 2-3 days.
2. Have A Balanced Diet:
It is important to maintain the right diet for the treatment of sinus and one that gives you proper nutrients to ensure that the body has the immunity to fight the infection well.
3. Spicy Food:
Like when black pepper is added to hot soups the soup becomes very hot and spicy, in similar food with a little high spice content is also very good for sinus problems. You must be very happy because this looks like an opportunity for you to take in more spicy but you should also keep in mind that spicy food is good in this case because it helps in clearing mucus.
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How To Treat Sinus Pain Instantly?
These tips can offer instant relief from Sinusitis. However, if it a serious infection, the effects of these tips may be temporary and can relieve you from pain only for a short time:
- Drain your nasal passages to get the mucus out.
- Steaming can help in decongesting your nasal cavities.
- Apply a warm compress on your face can provide relief from the pain, and also reduce inflammation.
- Using a saline spray can help in washing the cavities and keep moist.
- Taking over-the-counter pills like Paracetamol can reduce pain and give you temporary relief.
- You can also take Homeopathic remedy like Silicea-200 for effective relief from Sinus.
- Drinking warm fluids like warm water, ginger tea and soup can provide instant relief.
- Eating Spicy foods like pepper can also help in getting the mucus out and offering temporary relief.
- Use a humidifier at home, which can moisturize your cavities and reduce pain.
- Using a Neti pot treatment also works wonders for Sinusitis instantly.
Sinus is one of the most irritating problems that can lead to severe discomfort and make you confined to bed. It can also make you lose focus on your work and reduce your productivity. Following these 25 home remedies can definitely help in reducing the uneasiness of the problem and also speed up your recovery time. It is also advisable to seek medical help whenever required!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which doctor should I visit to get my Sinusitis treated?
To get the right treatment for Sinusitis, you need to visit a person specialized in this track. An Ear, Nose, Throat doctor, also called an ENT physician, is the one you need to fix up an appointment with. This doctor can help in offering the right diagnosis along with causes to offer correct treatment. An ENT surgeon can also perform simple surgeries to treat Chronic and persistent sinusitis.
2. Are home remedies effective in treating Sinusitis permanently?
The answer is no! Home remedies make use of natural ingredients to bring down the condition and make your body strong. They can offer relief in simple cases, but may not work for all types of Sinus attacks. If none of the remedies is effective in treating your problem, it is advised to visit a doctor and seek medical treatment.
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3. Is Snoring a side effect of Sinusitis?
Snoring is caused due to an obstruction in the nasal passage. Nasal polyps and Sinusitis are the major factors for Snoring, along with many other reasons. Particularly during Sinus, the congestion in your nose can black the air channels and restrict your breathing. This is why people tend to snore a lot during this phase. Using a decongestant or a saline nasal drops can offer temporary relief.
