Many people experience sinus pain and pressure, and may also recover from this pain without any prescribed medications. However, are you aware that there are various natural remedies to help you offer relief for symptoms that are caused due to a sinus infection?
What Is The Sinus?
Sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones that surround the nose. They are responsible for producing mucus, which drains into the nose. When any inflammation happens in your nose, it swells as a result of which the sinuses block, and this results in congestion, post-nasal drip, cough, tooth, or even facial pain.
The pain can also be acute at times which may last for weeks, usually, after the cold subsides, or else it can also be chronic, which may end up staying for months or even years without letting you have any symptoms. In addition, certain conditions such as allergies, nasal problems can lead to acute and chronic conditions.
What Are The Natural Remedies For Sinus Pain Relief?
The following natural remedies can help with sinus pain relief as they help you break the sinus pain cycle.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is helps your body in many ways. It also keeps your sinuses moist. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and you can ensure to clear off alcoholic or caffeinated drinks that lead to dehydration. Medical experts recommend consuming at least 8-ounce glasses of water a day. The best way to know if your body is receiving enough fluids is to check the color of your urine. If the color is clear, it means that you are well-hydrated.
Steam Remedy
The hot vapors of steam can help you moisten the sinuses. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol in your shower and steam up the entire bathroom. You will notice your sinus pores opening up. Moreover, a hot, steamy shower or bath helps loosen the mucus blocked within your nose.
Flush It Out
There is a lot of debate over what natural remedies work for the sinus the best. However, saline wash can work wonders for the sinus. It thins out the mucus and flushes it out of the nasal passages. This remedy has been researched and proven to be highly effective and should be used as the first line of treatment against sinusitis.
Spice Up Your Foods
Foods such as mustard, hot peppers, curry, horseradish, are spicy and may help you overcome your sinuses by clearing them. If you are fond of spicy food, consider adding hot spices to your meals which will help to open your nasal passages.
Use Humidifier
A humidifier can offer great help as it keeps the air moist. Make sure to keep it clean, especially if you are prone to allergies. A dirty humidifier can lead to breeding mold. Use humidifiers only during dry months and not when it is already humid. Also, ensure to check the humidity levels in your room. The ideal level should be 35%-50%.
Warm Compression
You can use a warm compress as it helps keep your nasal tissues moist. Fill a deep bowl or a pot of steaming hot water and place your face above it by making use of a towel around your head such that you can breathe the steam in. You may also follow up the warm compress and a cold compress as it can help overcome sinus pain that stays for long.
Make Your Home Allergy-Proof
Allergies are responsible for aggravating sinus pain. An allergic reaction causes the body to produce more mucus and cause nasal swelling when exposed to allergens. As a result, mucus cannot drain properly, resulting in its accumulation. It causes pain and pressure in the sinuses. The latest guidelines provided by the American Academy Of Otolaryngology states that keeping the home clean and getting rid of dust mites, installing an air filter system, making use of bedding with allergen barriers, and keeping the pets out of the bedroom helps to keep nasal allergies under control.
Try Bromelain
You can find this on market shelves, and it is in the form of a supplement. Bromelain is a protein which is derived from pineapple stems. This has been used for years in the past as it helps to reduce swelling so it can help with the sinus too. But to clarify this and be sure, check with your doctor first because bromelain may tend to interact with other medications you may be taking. Also, ensure to follow the exact dosage instructions.
Antibiotics Should Be The Last Option
Using antibiotics regularly may lead to antibiotic resistance and the development of superbugs. Moreover, they may also not be as effective in treating most cases of the sinus.
Medical research states that less than two percent of these infections are due to bacteria and viruses, which should be treated without antibiotics. There are times when the doctor suggests a seven-day waiting period without providing you with any antibiotic dosages to see if you can get better on your own.
As per a study conducted in 2012, for acute sinusitis, people who took antibiotics did not get significant relief. They ended up getting only small benefits by the end of day 7. In contrast, the quality of life improved over a 10-day treatment plan in patients who received a placebo and antibiotics.
Plan Medical Visit On Time
If your sinus pain is persistent and does not improve over time, your doctor can perform a CT scan of the nose and the sinuses. This will allow visualizing anatomical blockages which can be treated surgically. If your sinus pain lasts for a week or this may result in fever, you should see an ENT specialist as you may require a medical treatment rather than natural remedies.
BOTTOM LINE
Sinus infection is uncomfortable and can give rise to unpleasant symptoms. Try natural remedies if they can resolve the sinus before you consider medical treatments.
