Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities. Symptoms include sinus pain and pressure, headache, nasal discharge, trouble sleeping, and even ear and tooth pain. Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. Viral infections are treated with decongestants, rest, fluids, pain medicine and time. Bacterial sinus infections usually need antibiotics in addition to the treatments recommended for viral infection.
A Good Steam Helps Sinuses
Inhaling steam is a good treatment for sinusitis; in fact, warm showers open sinuses and promoting drainage. Standing in a warm or hot (not too hot) shower or holding your head over a bowl of hot water can open sinus and is a great way to get relief for colds, too. Neti Pots, nasal cleansing devices, work in a similar way. They can be frustrating to use at first, but do get easier, especially with good instruction.
Look in Your Refrigerator
Super-spicy and hot condiments can open your nasal passages and help drain your sinuses fast, even faster than some prescription decongestants. Condiments that work include horseradish, salsa, and Wasabi (a Japanese horseradish). Whichever condiment is preferable, it can be added to food or simply inhaled to achieve a decongestant effect.
Massage
Both hand and foot massage can offer relief for sinusitis. Sometimes called reflexology, this type of treatment works by stimulating the nerve pathways to the sinuses, helping to reduce pain and congestion.
To do: Firmly massage the palms of the hands and soles of the feet for 5 minutes, several times a day. Massage can be done gently but firmly in a circular motion using pressure from the thumb.
Avoid Strong Smells
Research shows that sinus infections are actually made worse by strong odors such as cigarette smoke and perfume. Avoid inhaling any irritants, especially chemical, which can make a sinus infection feel worse.
Exercise
Boosting adrenaline with exercise can help treat a sinus infection. The hormone adrenaline shrinks swollen sinus membranes. It’s been shown that a vigorous workout opens up sinus is as much as a dose of over-the-counter decongestant
If Sinus Home Remedies Are Not Helping
A doctor should be consulted iIf pain is severe, a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit is present or a lower fever that has lasted more than a few days, or if there is swelling in the face. These are signs that a sinus infection may need new or different antibiotics.
If avoiding a sinus infection is not possible, hopefully these tips will help lessen the severity and give some relief.
Elizabeth Richards - Elizabeth Richards has published almost 200 articles for Suite101 since 2007 as a Contributing and Feature Writer.
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