How to Relieve a Sinus Infection – 10 Best Tips

Have you ever experienced that funny feeling when your face suddenly gets sore?

It may be sinusitis.

But what is sinusitis, how to relieve it, and how to get rid of it?

Depending on its origin, traditional medicine does not really find a cure, but there are natural remedies.

What is sinusitis?

Sinuses are hollow spaces that connect to the nose by narrow canals.

Humans have four pairs of paranasal sinuses:

• the maxillary sinuses which are the widest located on the cheekbones
• the frontal sinuses in the center of the forehead
• the ethmoidal sinuses between the eyes
• the sphenoid sinuses under the nose

They are lined with soft, pink tissue called the mucosa.

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.

What causes sinusitis?

98% of sinusitis is the result of a viral infection.

It can also be the result of a bacterial infection and some, rarer, have a fungal origin (fungi).

Certain factors can predispose to sinusitis such as:

– allergic rhinitis which facilitates infections
– exposure to smoke or cigarettes which irritates the mucous membranes
– an anatomical defect that blocks the drainage of the sinuses

Sinusitis results in the blockage of the sinus opening called the ostium, resulting in inflammation.

The air could no longer circulate and the secretions were no longer being removed, the blocked sinuses become an ideal environment for a bacterial infection.

How long does sinusitis last?

• Acute sinusitis

It is the result of an infection causing nasal congestion and usually lasts up to 4 weeks.

• Subacute sinusitis

Sinusitis is considered subacute when it lasts 4 to 12 weeks.

• Chronic sinusitis

Sinusitis is considered chronic when it lasts longer than 12 weeks (and can continue for months and even years).

• Recurrent sinusitis

Recurrent sinusitis is known when it occurs several times a year.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The person with sinusitis notices the pain first.

It can be localized to the affected sinus or cause generalized pain resulting in headache, gum pain, ear pain, and irritated eyes.

By pressing on the affected sinus, tenderness appears.

As the mucous membrane is inflamed, mucus production is increased and drains into the nasal cavity through the ostium.

Once in the nasal cavity, two routes open to the mucus: either it drains through the nose or it drains into the throat.

In this case, it creates irritation and triggers coughing.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane can also alter taste and smell.

A moderate fever can also develop due to the infection and inflammation it causes.

What is the diagnosis of sinusitis?

Symptoms of sinusitis lead to its diagnosis.

The doctor takes into account:

– runny nose or back throat
– sinus pain
– nasal congestion
– smell disturbed
– cough
– headaches
– fever

But sometimes the symptoms are blurry.

In this case, there are tests to validate the diagnosis.

An ENT doctor may perform a rhinoscopy to examine the nasal passages.

Likewise, x-rays may reveal the state of the sinuses.

How to treat sinusitis?

• Acute viral sinusitis

For this very common sinusitis, there is no treatment.

Only symptoms are relieved by taking a nasal decongestant, which constricts the swollen nasal passages to facilitate drainage from the sinuses.

Prescribing mucolytics helps thin the mucus.

Pain relievers may also be indicated for pain relief.

• Acute bacterial sinusitis

Treatment comes down to whatever is said for the viral sinusitis to which an antibiotic is added over a period of 10 to 14 days.

• Chronic sinusitis

Again, the same treatment of symptoms as viral sinusitis with the addition of an antibiotic over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

If the sinusitis is too severe and the patient is at risk of complications, then surgery is indicated.

Performed under nasal endoscopy, its goal is to remove what blocks the opening of the sinuses whether it is bone or polyps.

How to relieve a sinus infection at home

• Nasal irrigation

You can do a nasal wash to remove debris and mucus from the nasal cavity.

And if you’re not very used to this flush, a saline solution like this (ad) is an alternative to get rid of secretions and restart sinus drainage.

• Warm compress

To relieve facial pain, nothing more effective than a warm towel placed on the nose, cheekbones, and forehead.

You can apply this application 2 to 6 times a day for quick relief from pain caused by sinusitis.

• Wet inhalation

Inhalation relieves congestion and thins mucus.

Use a bowl of hot water and place a towel over your head to trap the steam.

The humidity in a shower can also help.

• Air humidifier

The use of an air humidifier (ad) relieves congestion by providing inhaled moist air.

It also contributes to the drainage of the sinuses, to the fluidization of the secretions, and particularly during the winter, a period during which we use means of heating and drying out the air.

Be sure to change the water daily and clean the device regularly to avoid contamination of the device.

• Hydration

Drink plenty of water to thin mucus and facilitate drainage.

• Rest

Remember to rest and avoid any source of fatigue to recover faster.

Sleep with your head elevated if sinus pain is on one side only.

How to relieve a sinus infection – Natural remedies

• Chamomile

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties that will help fight nasal congestion and inflammation of the throat.

Prepare yourself a chamomile tea to benefit from all its virtues.

• Magnesium chloride

A solution of magnesium chloride diluted in water can be very beneficial.

Dilute about 30 grams of magnesium chloride in one and a half liters of water and irrigate the nose using a suitable syringe like this (ad) or through a spray.

Sinus infection home remedy

Unlike acute sinusitis which can be either viral or bacterial, chronic sinusitis appears to be more fungus-induced.

It, therefore, resembles a fungal infection that escapes all antibiotic treatment.

It can be very beneficial to treat it with nasal irrigations but without using a regular saline solution.

In this case, it is better to use these two ingredients:

• Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural alcohol found in most plants and is as sweet as sugar.

Its glycemic index is insignificant and it can be used as a natural sweetener.

But it has other interesting properties like suppressing biofilm formation and blocking the growth of fungi.

It can therefore be beneficial when it goes into the composition of chewing gum because it prevents the proliferation of bacteria.

In the case of nasal irrigation, the addition of pure xylitol (ad) is essential for combating fungal infection.

• Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract or GSE (ad) has antifungal, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties without any side effects.

The combination of Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract is the most indicated natural treatment for chronic sinusitis.

So it might be a good idea to get yourself a bottle like this (ad) suitable for nasal irrigation, fill it with saline solution and dilute grapefruit seed extract at a rate of 3 drops per 15ml.

Finish by adding the xylitol, respecting a ratio of half a teaspoonful to 250ml of water.

Best supplements for sinusitis

• Vitamin C
  

Vitamin C in the form of acerola allows you to strengthen your immune system in a completely natural way.

Indeed, acerola is a tree from South America that produces a small red fruit similar to a cherry.

This low-sugar, very low-calorie fruit contains a lot of vitamin C and has exceptional antioxidant substances.

The combination of its virtues and multiple vitamins such as beta-carotene or vitamin A make it an excellent stimulant of the immune system.

The maximum vitamin C dosage is 2000mg per day.

Choose an acerola supplement like this (ad)

• Echinacea

Echinacea is a well-known herb in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

It has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and immunostimulating properties which will act on both congestion and infection.

The recommended dosage is 200 mg of echinacea extract (ad) 4 times a day.

• Omega 3

Rich in Omega 3, fish oil has effects on the whole body.

It has anti-inflammatory properties that will help you fight congestion and restore normal drainage.

The recommended dosage in Omega-3 fatty acids (ad) is 600mg per day.

Be careful not to exceed this dose if you are on blood thinners.

Essential oil for sinusitis

• Eucalyptus essential oil
  

We know that eucalyptus is an expectorant and has mucolytic action.

Its essential oil is therefore very suitable for cleaning the paranasal sinuses.

Combine a bowl of hot water, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of eucalyptus and inhale the resulting steam.

The nasal congestion will be relieved and your breathing will be easier.

You can also put two drops on a tissue and breathe it for about ten minutes 4 to 5 times a day.

• Ravintsara essential oil

This antiviral and antibacterial essential oil helps to thin secretions while ensuring an immunostimulating role.

Do not hesitate to place two drops on a handkerchief to breathe it for ten minutes 4 to 5 times a day.

Acupressure for sinus infection

Certain acupressure points allow you to relieve pain and ensure optimal sinus drainage.

1- The frontal sinus

Draw a line just above the eyebrows on the forehead and using the index fingers of both hands locate the point just above the center eyebrows and apply circular motions for 30 seconds.

Change direction and then apply circular motions for an additional 30 seconds.

2- The ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses

Place your index fingers near the inner corner of each eye, at the origin of the nose bone, and apply firm pressure while descending the nose.

Continue in descending movements for 30 seconds.

3- The maxillary sinus

Place your index fingers on either side of the base of the nose and apply a firm, circular massage for 30 seconds.

Then place both thumbs on the cheekbone line and apply firm pressure for 20 seconds.

These points are sensitive but that won’t stop you.

Sinusitis homeopathy

The homeopathic treatment indicated in times of sinusitis is:

• Belladonna 5CH: 5 granules morning, noon, and evening for 10 days.
• Sticta pulmonaria 5CH: if you have a stuffy nose and a dry cough 
• Hepar sulfur 5CH: to thin mucus

Explore 78 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

How to relieve a sinus infection?

The symptoms of sinusitis are always very unpleasant.

They associate respiratory discomfort with a very specific headache.

Traditional medicine cannot treat its cause when it is viral and is sometimes hesitant in the face of a chronic form.

Yet there are natural remedies for sinusitis, whether viral, bacterial, or fungal.

Chances are when you try a new method to treat your condition, you will finally find the relief you have been looking for.

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