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Sinus infection (sinusitis) is a painful condition that can affect anyone. It occurs due to an inflamed sinus caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. This can make you suffer from headaches, pain in your teeth and face, nasal congestion, a feeling of fullness in your ears, and a runny nose. Keep reading the blog to learn more about home remedies for sinus.
Synopsis
What is Sinusitis?
Our sinus cavities have a mucus layer which can trap germs and dust. Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, like colds, may swell up this lining. As a result, the mucus gets stuck in our sinuses, disrupting normal drainage. This obstruction makes a favourable environment for the virus, bacteria, or fungi to grow and cause a sinus infection.
Common Symptoms of Sinus
Sinusitis can either be acute or chronic. With acute sinusitis, the symptoms usually fade within 2-3 weeks. Chronic sinusitis can take up to 12 weeks or more to cure.
Common signs and symptoms of Sinusitis include:
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Pressure, pain & tenderness around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes
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Congested nose & swelled nasal tissue
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Compromised smell and taste
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Smelly breath or bad breath
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Mucus-producing cough
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Yellow or green mucus
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Toothache
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Fatigue
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Fever
If your symptoms are getting worse and there is no improvement in the condition even after days, immediately consult an ENT specialist in Bangalore for appropriate sinus disease treatment.
Risk Factors
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Common cold
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Flu
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Weak immune system
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Narrow sinus opening
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Nasal polyps
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Allergies
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Deformed nostril bone
Home Remedies for Sinus Infections
Stay Hydrated
Our body needs a certain amount of water every day. Following this routine can keep several complications at bay. This also includes sinus infection. Provide enough fluid to your body to fight infections and assure recovery. It strengthens your skin and mucous membranes, reducing thin mucus and irritation. This will also prevent further infections.
Steam Therapy
The refreshment you feel after a hot steam is undeniably amazing. Adding to that, it can help clear your sinuses. All you need for this is:
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Boil a bowl of water
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Keep it on your table
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Sit in front of it
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Cover your head along with the bowl with a thick towel.
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Breathe in the hot steam.
Be careful not to get too close, or else you may burn yourself. Another way is sitting in your bathroom after a hot shower to let the steam cleanse your sinuses. Make sure that the door and windows are tightly closed so as not to let out the steam.
Warm Compress
Take a towel and soak it in hot water. Place the towel on your face and just relax. This will not particularly cleanse your sinuses but can surely relieve your pain. It also enhances the drainage of your nasal secretion.
Maintain Moisture
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You can restore moisture in your sinuses by:
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Using a humidifier in your room
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Using natural saline sprays for your nose
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Steam therapy
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Taking hot showers
Dietary Modifications
Foods that contain natural antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties can be pretty helpful in sinus treatment. Such food items include:
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Antibacterial - honey, ginger, garlic
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Anti-inflammatory - green leafy vegetables, berries, oily fish
Use Neti Pot
Neti pots help you with nasal irrigation. You can use a small bulb syringe, too. Carefully and slowly pour salt water into your nasal passage to clear the way. This allows the bacteria to get out of your body. Use distilled, lukewarm water with the Neti pot for safe nasal irrigation.
Essential Oils
Some studies suggest that essential oils can alleviate sinus symptoms. With 1,8-Cineole as the main component of eucalyptus oil, it may work as an anti-inflammatory agent. There are different ways to use them such as:
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External application on your chest and temples
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Inhaling them with steam therapy
Please note: Essential oils can be irritating to some individuals, especially for direct inhalation. Patch testing on the inner arm is recommended before use.
Adequate Rest
Nothing else can work better than proper rest. Do not stress out over little things; relax your brain as much as possible. Try to use some extra pillows to elevate your head while sleeping. This prevents the mucus from getting stuck in the sinuses.
If your condition is severe, an ENT expert may prescribe medications to relieve your condition which include - Over-the-counter decongestants, Aspirin, Antihistamines, Antibiotics, Corticosteroids, and Nasal sprays. In rare cases, surgery may become necessary.
To prevent sinus infection,
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Try to avoid allergens as much as possible
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Keep yourself hydrated
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Change your dietary habits
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Maintain hygiene
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Wash your hands with soap
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Quit smoking, even passive smoking.
Always communicate with your doctor so they can evaluate the seriousness of your sinus infection and guide you with the best sinus headache treatment method - be it home remedies or medications.
Consult an ENT hospital in Bangalore if you need treatment for blocked nose at night.
FAQ's
Sinus infection or Sinusitis is a painful condition that occurs due to an inflamed sinus caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Sinusitis can cause headaches, nasal congestion, facial pain, toothache, and a runny nose.
Yes, home remedies can help relieve your sinus symptoms. But, before resorting to home remedies, visit an ENT doctor in Bangalore to assess your condition better and proper guidance.
Our best ENT specialists in Bangalore may prescribe you medications depending on the severity of your sinusitis. Over-the-counter medicines such as Antihistamines, Corticosteroids, Antibiotics, and Nasal sprays are common treatments for sinus. In rare cases, surgery may become necessary to treat the condition.
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