Sinusitis develops when mucus builds up in the cavities between the nose and head. This causes the cavities to become swollen and inflamed. The skeletal system has many air pockets or sinus cavities lined by the mucus membranes. Sinusitis disturbs the way mucus membrane drains and makes your nose stuffy and breathing difficult.
Also Read: Top 3 Remedies To Try For Chronic Sinusitis
The regions around the eyes may look swollen and tender. A sinus infection or recurrent sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in your face and it may take a toll on your normal activities.
Having Breathing Trouble Due To Blocked Nose? Try Some Of Our Ayurvedic Supplements For Sinusitis!
Sinusitis relapses often which results in discomfort and pressure around the nose, poor sense of smell and taste, headache, fatigue and tiredness. Sinusitis is caused when the small hair cells that line the nose do not eliminate mucus causing blockages. Some of the sinusitis causes include:
- Viral, fungal or bacterial infections
- Common cold
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Other health problems like deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps
People suffering from sinusitis look for simple and effective home remedies to ease pain and discomfort. Home remedies and palliative measures can work effectively to calm the irritated passage and improve the flow of mucus so that you don’t feel stuffed.
1. Essential Oils
The amazing blend of eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon essential oils works as a natural decongestant aid. The strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of eucalyptus oil help in lessening inflammation and combat infection. While lavender oil is calming for the mind lemon oil is a potent analgesic that eases pain.
Mix equal quantities of all three oils and apply it gently over the face, forehead, temples, and back of the neck with your fingers.
Take a deep breath and inhale the vapors of these essential oils.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
The immense amount of essential nutrients present in ACV reduces the symptoms associated with sinusitis. ACV aids in balancing the pH and clears out the excess mucus that has built up in the cavities. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of ACV assist in battling the infection.
Take 2 teaspoons of ACV with ¼ cup of water you can either drink or swill this water for better relief from sinusitis.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger is imbued with a rich antioxidant profile which makes it an amazing natural remedy in treating sinusitis. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce the inflammation and irritation in the nasal passage. Moreover, being a natural antimicrobial agent, it helps in clearing the sinus infection. Also Read: Ginger The Healthiest Spice
Make a concoction of ginger tea by adding a few pieces of ginger in one cup of water, boil well for 10 minutes and drink this concoction thrice daily for instant relief from sinuses.
4. Grapefruit Extract
Grapefruit extracts are loaded with an ample amount of vitamin C and antioxidants which bolsters the immune system. Quercetin the potent antioxidant in grapefruit extract works as a natural antihistamine. In addition, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of grapeseed extracts assist in treating sinus infections.
Mix a few drops of grapeseed extract in hot water and inhale it to get relieved from nose irritation and congestion.
5. Honey
The vast reserve of antimicrobial agents in honey works against bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause sinus infections. Honey can calm the nasal passage, irritate the throat, and clear the excess mucus causing sinus.
Blend a teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this mixture twice daily to get relief from the sinus.
Other Ways To Ease Sinusitis
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids helps to flush out the virus from the body. It is essential to drink 2-3 litres of water in a day or drink at least 1 cup of water every 2 hours.
Load With Antibacterial Foods
To combat the virus, it is essential to add natural antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, and onion to the diet regimen.
Drinking warm ginger tea with honey packs an extra boost to the body. Honey is imbued with potent antioxidants, and antibacterial and antifungal activities to keep infections at bay.
Add Moisture
It is vital to keep the sinuses hydrated to alleviate pressure. Follow some of the simple tips:
At night use a humidifier in the bedroom to help alleviate night-time nasal congestion.
During the day and before bedtime use natural saline nasal sprays to help ease nasal blockages.
Take regular hot showers and breathe in the damp air or get steam inhalation twice or thrice a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Four Main Symptoms Of Sinusitis?
The primary symptoms of Sinusitis include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, thick nasal discharge, and a reduced sense of smell. Additional symptoms can include headache, fever, fatigue, and mild to severe dental pain.
What Causes Sinus Problems?
Sinus problems are typically caused by infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), allergies, nasal polyps, or deviated septum. Environmental irritants like smoke and pollution can also contribute to this health problem.
Can Sinusitis Be Cured?
Acute sinusitis often resolves with appropriate treatment, including rest, hydration, and medication. Chronic sinusitis may require more prolonged treatment and management, including addressing underlying conditions and possibly surgery.
How Long Does A Sinus Infection Last?
Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than four weeks, subacute sinusitis lasts four to twelve weeks, and chronic sinusitis persists for twelve weeks or longer. Recurrent sinusitis involves multiple episodes within a year.
What Is The Best Cure for Sinuses?
Effective treatments include decongestants, saline nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, and antibiotics for bacterial infections. Chronic cases may benefit from corticosteroids, allergy management, and sometimes surgical intervention to improve sinus drainage.
( This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health & Nutrition Expert)
References:
- Sinusitis
Amanda S. Battisti; Pranav Modi; Jon Pangia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470383/
- https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(00)40508-7/fulltext
