Your Nose Is Important: The 5 Best Remedies for a Sinus Infection

Sinusitis or sinus inflammation is a condition that happens to a lot of people and it’s usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics seldom help with sinus infections. Instead, there are a couple of remedies you can try at home that promise to relieve pain and pressure and clear out the infection faster.

Over-the-Counter Nasal Spray and Oil Drops

Over-the-counter nasal sprays are the first thing you should try if you have sinus problems and congestion. The nasal spray is a special solution that thins the mucus, clears out the airways and helps you breathe more easily. Nasal sprays give the best results when used twice a day or more (in consultation with your doctor or pharmacist). One of the best products on the market for this purpose is the Flo sinus care refill – an effective non-medicated remedy. Regular nasal sprays can be used by kids over the age of 12 and adults. For babies and little kids, there are special sprays.

It’s important to blow your nose before you apply the spray for better results. And you should repeat the procedure every 8-10 hours. Usually, the nasal spray gives results fast but you shouldn’t overuse it. Overuse can make you experience unpleasant side effects like headaches, coughs and inflammation of the nasal passages. And that can only make your sinus problem situation worse. The Flo Sinus care refill works best when used as indicated.

Aside from the regular nasal sprays, you can pick ones that contain natural oils. Usually, nasal sprays contain sesame seed oil because it is known to help clear out nasal stuffiness, promotes the health of the nasal passages, it’s rich in antioxidants, can relieve pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil nasal spray provides the nasal tissues with moisture, prevents dryness and reduces the effects of inflammation thus alleviating all the symptoms. Unlike the regular nasal sprays, the ones that contain sesame seed oil have a long-lasting effect and might be the better option if your symptoms are strong and unbearable. And it can be used more frequently without causing negative side-effects.

Sometimes the nasal spray alone can’t provide you with the wanted results especially if your sinusitis is serious, so for that reason, you should try and combine the spray with other methods and sinus treatment options.

Aromatherapy and Steam Inhalation

Aromatherapy is well known for its beneficial effect on overall human health and it helps a lot with sinus problems as well. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils as a form of therapy. And precisely the essential oils are the ones powerful enough to clear out the passageways and ease the sinus infection. You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of essential oils for your overall health and wellbeing. Among the best oils recommended for the treatment of sinus infection is peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and rosemary oil. You can use an oil diffuser that disperses the oils in the air or you can use a bowl of hot water, add a few drops and basically combine aromatherapy with steam inhalation.

Steam inhalation helps open the passageways and relieve the pain and pressure you might be feeling because of the congestion and infection. You can practice steam inhalation 2-4 times a day. Each session should last no longer than 15 minutes. And don’t forget to put a towel over your head for better effect.

Hot and Cold Compresses

Hot and cold compresses are yet another method frequently used by people who have sinus problems. All you need is two towels, one hot and one cold. First, you place the hot one over your nose and eyes and you wait for a couple of minutes. The warmth from the cloth will loosen up your nasal passageways as well as the build-up of mucus. After you remove the hot towel you should immediately place the cold one on the same spot and wait for at least 30 seconds, then apply the hot towel again. The application of hot and cold will relieve the pain and pressure you might be feeling at the same time allowing you to breathe more easily. You can repeat the treatment a couple of times a day until your symptoms improve.

Plenty of Water and Tea

Although it is the simplest of remedies, drinking plenty of fluids actually help a lot when you have sinus problems and infections. Keeping your body hydrated is key to fighting off infections. So, grab a bottle of water and make yourself a cup of tea because there’s no such thing as too many liquids.

Ginger tea is considered to be the best one for the occasion. It’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps a lot with clearing out the nasal infection, inflammation and irritation. You can use fresh ginger and boil a few pieces for a couple of minutes or dissolve the ginger powder in a cup of hot water. You can add honey and lemon as well.

Peppermint tea is second on the list of teas that help with a sinus infection. It contains menthol which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and it also helps with reducing the swelling of blood vessels and preventing congestion. It also has anti-bacterial properties meaning that it is powerful enough to kill the bacteria that made you sick in the first place. It can also be used as prevention.

A Good Rest

Rest is the single most important thing when you’re sick or when your body is trying to fight off an infection. By resting you actually help your body recover faster and spend energy on fighting off the infection only.

On the other hand, infections on the upper respiratory system tend to make people feel drowsy and tired so rest is crucial for regaining strength and getting back on track. Sinus infections usually resolve in about 10 to 14 days so, in that time try to relax and rest as much as you can so that you speed up your recovery. As soon as you feel better you can go back to your regular activities.