Sinus infection or sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the sinuses get swell. The sinuses get inflamed and show symptoms similar to the common cold. People often get sinusitis after the cold. The hollow part within the bones between eyes behind the cheekbones and forehead is known as sinuses. They are responsible for making mucus and maintaining the moisture inside the nose. Mucus helps to prevent the nose from dust or pollutants. Your healthy sinuses are filled with air. When sinuses get blocked, germs start growing and cause the infection.
Few common causes behind sinusitis
- Common cold
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nasal polyps
Types of sinusitis
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis lasts for around 2 weeks to 4 weeks. This type of sinusitis has similar symptoms to cold. A person will get a stuffy and runny nose with facial pain. Acute sinusitis mainly occurs in winter or when a person visits any cold place.
Subacute sinusitis
This condition is similar to acute sinusitis but lasts for 4 to 12 weeks. Sinus is not a critical condition but can become bothersome while working or sleeping.
Recurrent sinusitis
Many people have recurrent sinusitis and they face this condition every year. In winters, whenever they get exposed to cold, they get a sinus infection. People with recurrent sinusitis have to take care of cold and allergic rhinitis.
Chronic sinusitis
If the sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks then it is known as chronic sinusitis. There is no permanent cure for chronic sinusitis. But the condition can be controlled using remedies and treatment.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis
- Stuffy nose
- Loss of smell
- Facial pain and pressure
- Congestion
- Cough
Some people may get symptoms like dental pain, bad breath, fever, fatigue, etc.
Symptoms of chronic symptoms
- Congestion in nose
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Fever
- Nose blockage
- Runny nose
People with chronic sinusitis may also have bad breath, headaches, and tooth pain. Sinusitis headaches feel similar to migraine.
Natural remedies to treat sinusitis
Drink lots of water
If you got sinusitis due to a nasal infection then drink lots of water. It will help to flush out all the bacteria from the body. Keeping the body hydrated is necessary to reduce sinusitis symptoms. Drinking water will decrease the mucus thickness and it will flow out easily. If you can’t drink lots of water, try any liquid that contains a good amount of water. Don’t drink alcoholic or caffeinated drinks as it will cause dehydration.
Use natural medications
Dealing with sinusitis is difficult, especially in winters. Sinusitis headache makes the condition worse. People with chronic sinusitis often take lots of painkillers to reduce headaches. But the painkillers won’t treat your sinuses and may cause other damage to your body. But natural medications are fully safe for treating sinusitis. You can ask a naturopathic doctor NJ for the best remedies to treat your condition. These natural medicines will also treat the cause behind sinusitis such as cold or allergy. These remedies may not provide instant relief like pain killers but will treat the condition. These remedies are safe but don’t try them without the doctor’s consultation.
Add moisture
To relieve the pressure, keep the sinuses hydrated. If the weather is dry then use a humidifier. Using the humidifier at night will prevent nighttime nasal blockage and you can have a good sleep. You can try natural saline nasal sprays to add moisture. Taking regular steam will release the congestion in the sinuses.
Have chicken soup
If you are getting sinusitis due to a cold then the chicken soup is good for you. Chicken soup is excellent for treating colds. It can help in reducing inflammation that is causing sinus congestion. You can add black pepper as it is a good antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Have food items with antibacterial properties
You are getting sinusitis due to the infection. To protect your body from viruses, you should eat food that contains antibacterial properties such as garlic, ginger, and onions. Drinking ginger tea in the morning can also help in reducing sinusitis pain. Adding raw honey to your ginger will help to reduce sinusitis symptoms.
Use oils to clean your sinuses
You can use eucalyptus oil to clean your sinuses. It helps to get rid of mucus and releases the pressure on the nose. According to some research, using eucalyptus oil can help in fast recovery from acute sinusitis. To ease the sinus infection, you have to apply eucalyptus oil externally on the chest or temples. Inhaling the oil by adding to boiling water is also helpful.
Yoga and breathing exercises
Breathing exercises are excellent to remove nasal pressure. If you have chronic sinusitis then you should do some breathing exercises daily in the morning. Those exercises will help to release the pressure on your sinuses. Yoga helps to remove the blockage of the passage. If you also get sinus headaches then Yoga is necessary for it. It will help to reduce the pain in sinusitis and headaches.
Ways to prevent sinus infection
Prevent upper respiratory infection
If you get an acute sinus infection easily then avoid any contact with people who are sick due to cold. You should wash your hands often, especially before eating to prevent any infections.
Manage your allergies
Some people also get sinus infections due to seasonal allergies. If you know your allergy trigger then prevent yourself from exposing yourself to them.
Use a good humidifier
Whenever you feel dry, use a humidifier. Try to keep your surroundings moistened to prevent sinusitis. Clean the humidifier often to prevent any mold and dust.
Don’t expose yourself to smoke
As you know, active smoking is not good for your health. But passive smoking is also very dangerous. If you have sinusitis then don’t expose yourself to cigarette smoke. It contains air contaminants that can irritate the nasal passages. Cigarette smoke can worsen sinusitis pain. If you are getting sinusitis often then you should try dynamic medications.